Duo Teikoku

You are a nameless prisoner at the edge of an accursed chasm trapped between the empires of the Occiden and the Azuma in eternal stalemate. Fortifications spread vast over the mountains and valleys of the land. However, the desecration of this chasm may lead to their downfall. You must use any means necessary to gain your freedom from your captors. You will discover the secrets of the empires, the land, and its peoples - perhaps there is more to this world than meets the eye.

This demo consists of the introductory section of Duo Teikoku, showcasing the visual style, environment, and select mechanics. The wider game concept focuses on self-led non-linear navigation where the player must obtain tools and abilities to unlock new paths. The world will be one sprawling three-dimensional maze, ranging from heavenly mountaintops to abyssal dungeons. Throughout the land will be many characters who can assist, provide quests, or act in Duo Teikoku’s multiple story routes. Every model, texture and mechanic seen in this project has been created specifically for Duo Teikoku.

This project a continuation of the research paper “Learning From Nostalgia” exploring retro video game design. Duo Teikoku is a rose-tinted view of PlayStation games, taking on many aesthetics and graphical limitations. The game also takes design inspiration from games of the past, including reviving the Metroidvania genre in a 3D format and taking elements from Zelda dungeons and Dark Souls design. Additionally, the creator’s own principles of self-led design and a focus on gameplay and immersion are represented throughout the design and concept.