Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn's Fantasy World is More Than the Sum of its Parts

As a seasoned veteran of the Soulslike genre, I’ve spent countless hours exploring intricately designed worlds and honing my skills to face off against formidable adversaries. With each new entry into this beloved franchise, I eagerly anticipate the fresh challenges and mechanics that await me.

Video games represent a unique blend of business and art, offering unparalleled creative freedom in their artistic expressions. For instance, consider the challenge of bringing to life a world that intertwines the Napoleonic Era with Mesopotamian mythology, resulting in a Flintlock Fantasy brimming with the intriguing “Gods vs. Guns” concept. Such a blend would be difficult, if not impossible, for other entertainment mediums to accomplish. However, this is precisely what the upcoming game, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, aims to achieve as it launches on July 18.

As a gamer, I’m always on the lookout for something fresh and captivating. In the case of “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” it’s not just the Napoleonic setting or the mesmerizing world inspired by Mesopotamian mythology that hooks me. It’s the defiant attitude towards deities, boldly shouted as “Death to Gods!” at every turn, that sets this game apart. And let me tell you, it’s an experience only video games can offer. Recently, I had the chance to chat with A44 Games’ creative director Simon Dasan and lead narrative designer Daniel Baider about this extraordinary flintlock fantasy for Game Rant Advance.

In “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” players assume the role of Nor Vanek, determined to lift the siege and liberate the world from the tyrannical gods residing in Below. For Nor, this is all she’s ever known – a world consumed by the undead. Ten years prior to the game’s start, the Door to the Great Below opened, causing the situation to deteriorate further. Alongside other Coalition Army members and an uneasy alliance with Enki, one of the gods, Nor embarks on a mission to eliminate the gods using an abundant arsenal of gunpowder weaponry.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn's Fantasy World is More Than the Sum of its Parts

The developers at A44 Games showcased their immense creativity in building the world of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Beyond its individual components, this video game is a fascinating amalgamation. It bridges divides by incorporating various real-world aspects, sprinkling mythology and fantasy, and presenting it all within a recognizable Souls-inspired framework. As a result, the game emerges as an original and captivating experience. When examining the rich tapestry of influences that shaped the game, three stand out prominently:

A Napoleonic Era capturing the time period’s uniforms, battlefields, and level of firearm technology
Mesopotamian mythology and its approach to gods, the underworld, and ancient environments
- With a little New Zealand influence, since the development team is there
The Flintlock Fantasy literary genre with an inspired “Guns vs. Gods” theme

Napoleon Souls in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

In the realm of Souls games, which often delve into dark fantasy, there are several noteworthy deviations. For instance, Bloodborne leans towards Victorian fantasy, Lies of P embraces fairy tales, and Wo Long is rooted in Chinese history and mythology. The Napoleonic Era seems particularly ripe for exploration, as evidenced by Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Characters like Nor and The Coalition don uniforms reminiscent of those worn during this time, making the connection between the game and the historical period even more compelling.

In Souls games, theming plays a significant role, including the feature known as “Fashion Souls.” Players have the freedom to customize their soldiers by merging weapons and fashion accessories. The developers are enthusiastic about this aspect as well. Regarding “Fashion Souls,” Baider added,

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I can genuinely appreciate the excitement surrounding the unique feature that Flintlock offers. This isn’t just about purchasing fashionable items from coffee shops to flaunt our personal styles; it’s about discovering gear and weapons that resonate with us on a deeper level. The added personality these elements bring to the game adds an extra layer of depth, making each player’s journey more engaging and authentic.

In the game “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” the moats encircling Dawn bring to mind the defensive trenches used during sieges in Napoleon’s era. This imagery blends seamlessly with the scene of the Coalition army camped outside, creating a sense of nostalgia for historical warfare. Yet it is the use of flintlock firearms that truly immerses us in this Napoleonic fantasy.

In the Napoleonic Era, soldiers used trenches primarily during siege warfare, unlike in World War I where trenches were a common feature in various types of battles.

In “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” the discovery and use of gunpowder plays a significant role in both the narrative and gameplay. Before the Door was opened, the world of “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn” was on the brink of entering a new era, powered by black powder. As technology advanced and trade connections grew stronger among nations, traditional beliefs and superstitions began to wane. Gods were relegated to mere myths in this world, until the dead emerged through the Door. Dasan further emphasized that gunpowder needed to serve as a pivotal moment in the war against the gods according to the storyline. He also pointed out that the diverse selection of primary and secondary Flintlock weapons in the game contributes to this turning point.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn's Fantasy World is More Than the Sum of its Parts

In this scenario, a hint of Flintlock fantasy enters the picture; the force of gunpowder and flintlock weapons needed to match the magical prowess of the gods. Nor’s ally, Enki, bestows upon her various magical skills, but it’s Enki, being a god, and not Nor herself who possesses these abilities. Regardless, they engage in battle against the deities – meeting both the storyline’s demands and the gameplay mechanics to create a balance between black powder weaponry and the gods’ magic. As Dasan put it,

In real-life situations, firearms and magic serve distinct functions. For instance, Nor cannot utilize her firearms to eliminate adversaries from a distance or disrupt deadly enemy attacks with her pistol. In contrast, Enki’s magical abilities enable him to cast curses that debilitate enemies, making them susceptible to devastating critical hits capable of dealing immense damage and reversing the outcome of battles against formidable opponents.

Filling a Napoleon World With Some Mesopotamian Mythology

Video games have long incorporated elements of Egyptian, Greek, and Norse mythologies. However, Mesopotamian mythology is less frequently used. This makes it an intriguing choice since the Napoleon era and Ancient Mesopotamia are quite distinct in terms of location and time. When asked about their decision to use this underrepresented mythology, Baider explained:

I’ve been captivated by Mesopotamian mythology, and I believe it’s underappreciated in media that frequently draws inspiration from various sources. Introducing this rich culture into our game, Flintlock, seemed like an exciting and untapped opportunity. The ominous Mesopotamian view of the underworld as a place where souls face trials similar to those experienced in life resonated with me deeply. This intriguing concept could provide an excellent backdrop for many of our characters, particularly the gods.

In the game “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” there is a distinction between two worlds: one where humans live, which resembles Napoleonic France, and another inhabited by the undead, derived from Ancient Mesopotamian mythology. The human realm is referred to as “The World Above,” while the domain of the undead is called “The Below.” The Coalition army defends against the encroaching dead who come through the Door, representing the conflict between the living and the deceased in Napoleonic France, while Ancient Mesopotamian mythology provides the context for these gods and the undead.

Flintlock Fantasy, The Mesopotamian Afterlife, and The Undead, Oh My!

In terms of Ancient Mesopotamian views on death and the afterlife, our current understanding is largely based on interpreting texts rather than firsthand accounts. Consequently, there are debates among scholars regarding significant aspects, potential shifts throughout history, and potential biases. The World History Encyclopedia asserts that due to this ambiguity, a consistent portrayal of Ancient Mesopotamian beliefs about the afterlife is elusive. However, it appears that these ancient civilizations believed in an afterlife, although its nature was often depicted as being beneath the world and resembling a less vibrant form of existence. In the context of “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” this notion is reflected in the representation of the dead and afterlife.

The World History Encyclopedia explains that Mesopotamians believed death was not the final chapter of life. Instead, they saw spirits continuing to exist, and there was no clear boundary between body and soul. This belief system is reflected in “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” where the gods, including Rammuha, Dukmar, Inaya, Uru, and Enki, are influenced by this ancient Mesopotamian view. However, since “Flintlock” tells an original story and uses Uru as the only god with direct ties to Mesopotamian mythology (as stated by Baider), it’s essential to understand that Uru’s appearance is rooted in Mesopotamian beliefs about the afterlife.

Some images below are concept art.

Rammuha, Goddess of Order

Baider describes Rammuha as the…

The Goddess of Order subtly rules over the Knights of Three Peaks, influencing them through their devotion. Instead of relying on raw power, Rammuha employs cunning and deceit to achieve her ends. To emphasize her regal status and inspire reverence among her subjects, she was depicted with a grand appearance.

Among the gods of Flintlock, Rammuha appears to have the least similarities to the gods of Mesopotamian mythology in terms of their roles and attributes. In name, she may be related to Nammu, a deity known as a creator with ties to Enki.

Dukmar, God of Knowledge

When it comes to Dukmar, Baider described him as a…

A man who arrogantly declares himself as the “God of Knowledge,” his perception of the world influenced by grand tales told to him by the deceased souls in the underworld. He dons a complete suit of armor, mirroring the appearances of characters from these mythical narratives. His appearance is characterized by sharp, rigid lines that symbolize strength, self-discipline, and order.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking similarities between Dukmar and the ancient Mesopotamian God, Marduk. Although their stories may not be identical, there are definite echoes of Marduk in Dukmar’s character.

Inaya, the Goddess of Life

According to Baider,

I’m deeply captivated by Inaya, the Living Goddess who tirelessly maintains the balance of our world. Unlike her divine counterparts, she is unwaveringly committed to her responsibilities and holds no desire for dominion from the realms above. As the embodiment of Life itself, Inaya’s form is more akin to nature’s raw essence, evoking unsettling yet captivating body horror imagery.

Inaya discovers numerous similarities between the Mesopotamian deity Inanna and herself. Known as the Goddess of love, war, and fertility, Inanna holds a significant role as the embodiment of divine law and its executor. The principles of divine law and natural order are interconnected, and Inanna’s mythology extends far beyond these attributes. She was highly revered among the greater pantheon and is linked to numerous tales involving Enki and the underworld.

Uru The Ravager, The Guardian of the Door

In the role of the Doorkeeper between the realms of the living and the undead, Uru stands out as a pivotal deity in this narrative. According to Baider’s account, Uru wields immense power that instills fear in even the mightiest of gods, including Enki. Yet, he is confined to the threshold that separates the Upper and Lower worlds. Despite this restriction, Uru’s significance stems from his connection to the undead onslaught at the heart of “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn.” Among these deities, Uru is the sole one whose form is inspired by Mesopotamian mythology, specifically the Lammasu. These creatures possess a human head, a stocky physique, and wings of an eagle. Ancient Mesopotamians carved images of them onto clay tablets to safeguard homes or crafted enormous statues to place at city gates, reflecting Uru’s importance in “Flintlock” lore.

Although Uru’s physical form is shaped by the lammasu, the mythological tales do not directly depict Uru himself. Instead, there are only a few tenuous links to him in Mesopotamian mythology. Consequently, Uru appears more like a fusion of various elements within this ancient belief system. For instance, there was the Uruk Era, which spanned roughly from 4000 to 3100 B.C., and took its name from the city of Uruk. This era marked the dawn of urban life in Mesopotamia and Sumeria, and it came to a close when the wider Uruk region was deserted in favor of more prominent urban centers. Its influence is felt through advancements like cuneiform writing and popular myths such as Gilgamesh and The Great Flood (not related to the undead). Possible other connections might include Nergal, the god associated with the underworld, war, and death, or Lugal-irra and Meslamta-e, the twin gatekeepers of the Mesopotamian underworld.

…And Then There’s Enki

As a fan of ancient mythology, I find it fascinating that Enki is the sole god named “Flintlock” in Mesopotamian mythology. However, unlike other gods, Enki’s Flintlock persona doesn’t have a direct counterpart in Mesopotamian myths. Baider enlightened us that their traits do overlap, particularly their compassion towards humanity. Yet, how exactly Enki’s Flintlock identity connects to the Mesopotamian deity is still an intriguing mystery. It’s important to remember that in various Mesopotamian myths, Enki himself is linked with essential elements such as water and wisdom.

Various creation stories
The organization of the world
Several other gods, including Inanna
The underworld
Wisdom, Intelligence, Magic, Crafts, Healing, Creation, Art, and Freshwater
And much more!

In the same way that Enki among the gods of Flintlock is distinctive due to their shared name, Enki also sets himself apart through his unique design. Rammuha exudes order and faith with a divine, majestic appearance. Dukmar dons armor to convey power, discipline, and orderliness. Inaya embodies an organic portrayal, emphasizing body horror. Uru symbolizes rage and destruction as a mythical beast. Conversely, Enki is described as endearing and adorable by Baider.

From the outset, Enki was depicted as a cunning creature with features suggesting a fox. However, later interpretations introduced traits borrowed from various animals, such as monkey-like paws and feathers, to enhance his otherworldly and strange appearance. His iridescent feathers instead of regular fur further distinguished him, emphasizing his godlike uniqueness among the earthly creatures.

Gods vs. Guns in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

In the exceptional worldbuilding of “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” the fusion of Flintlock fantasy and Mesopotamian mythology is unparalleled. However, it’s essential that the narrative theme of “Guns vs. Gods” be reflected in the gameplay as well. Typically, guns hold little significance in fantasy narratives, often overshadowed by divine powers. Yet, this challenge appears surmountable due to the genre’s unique characteristics found within the Souslike realm.

If you’re looking for more stories set in the world of flintlocks, I suggest giving Brian McClellan’s Powder Mage trilogy a try, as recommended by Dasan.

As a gamer, I’d say that Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn offers a Soulslike experience with a friendlier touch. Unlike other Soulslike games, this one caters to a wider audience by introducing options to adjust the difficulty, eliminating the stamina system, and incorporating unique elements like guns and magic to add depth without disrupting the genre’s distinctive flow. According to the developers, their goal was to make the Souls experience accessible to more players, which led them to create this Souls-lite game.

The Core Combat of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

In terms of combat, players will have various options: wielding melee weapons, handling primary and secondary firearms, using Enki’s magical abilities, and designing builds reminiscent of Soulslike games. Players will need to dodge and parry enemy attacks as is customary in such games, but they can also exploit the right moment to attack with their melee weapons. Some enemy attacks require interrupting them with a swift pistol shot, while others may be taken down from a distance using muskets or similar firearms. The use of firearms adds to the game’s narrative, relying on the inherent “humanity” in Flintlock. Meanwhile, players can also employ more divine-like magic through Enki’s powers.

Enki has the power to afflict enemies with debilitating curses and shatter their armor with dramatic attacks using his magical abilities. His curses weaken opponents, while his assaults build up a Poise-like gauge that can be used to destroy enemy defenses. The more players use these abilities, the stronger their Withering spells become. Additionally, there’s a skill tree that enables players to upgrade Enki’s magical powers, firearms, and melee skills. When queried about different build options and the potential consequences of favoring one over the others, Dasan stated:

Players are free to experiment with various strategies and choices in the game without limiting viability. The gameplay doesn’t significantly favor one option over another based on personal playstyle. We strongly recommend trying out different weapons, armor sets, Witherings, and skill trees. The gear a player selects and the accompanying perks will significantly impact their preferred approach to gameplay – for example, acquiring gear that boosts gunpowder recharge rates or allows for more frequent use of Enki’s powers.

Builds and Gear Progression in Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

In any Soulslike game, constructing the right build is crucial, yet these games present a dilemma. Some titles prioritize extensive customization for builds, allowing for intricate tweaks. On the other hand, others emphasize diversity by offering numerous build options. It’s unclear how Flintlock will manage this balance, but as an example, Dasan demonstrated a potential build utilizing the Irregular gear set:

Using items from the ‘Irregular’ equipment collection brings an exciting addition. With just a few pieces equipped, you gain access to the skill ‘Bloodrage.’ Activated when your health is low, it delivers a potent knockback effect against adversaries. Pair it with the Irregular Gauntlets’ ability to extend melee reach and you’ve got an effective defense mechanism when facing tough opponents. The Irregular equipment set is just one of many that can significantly alter Flintlock’s combat experience. Players will enjoy experimenting with various combinations to create unique synergies.

Players can enhance their character builds concurrently through the Skill Tree and by improving their gear. According to Dasan, the initial equipment can still be useful until the end of the game if players prefer using it. This feature, as described by Dasan, contributes to the more accessible Soulslike experience offered by “Flintlock,” which is not limited to newcomers but inclusive of all players.

The Soul of Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

As a long-time fan of the Souls series, I can completely understand and appreciate Dasan’s description of the Possessed mode as a more traditional Souls experience. Having played through the games numerous times, I too have craved that extra layer of challenge that comes with this mode. It’s like stepping back in time to when the series first began, before all the accessibility features and hand-holding were added.

“For those who find our default difficulty too simple, we provide a challenge mode named ‘Possessed.’ If this setting is still not sufficiently difficult, we encourage players to experiment with self-imposed rules such as playing without skills or upgrades on the ‘Possessed’ mode. We look forward to seeing creative ideas from the gaming community that increase the game’s overall difficulty.”

In place of Runes or Souls found in many Soulslike games, “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn” introduces Reputation as a dual-purpose currency and leveling system. This mechanic is intriguingly designed to recognize skilled players through a multiplayer component based on combat performance that amplifies the earned Reputation. Additionally, camps like bonfires will respawn enemies upon resting, and explorers can unlock shortcuts along critical and unexplored paths. Expect numerous death runs for reclaimed experience, and possibly the anxiety of retrieving lost progress. The game’s narrative is also more straightforward than typical Soulslike games, intertwining the story with its gameplay.

In “Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn,” the authors blend historical elements from Napoleonic and Mesopotamian eras, intertwining them with A44 Games’ unique take on Soulslike gameplay. This creative fusion brings to life a captivating Gods versus Guns theme. Both narrative and gameplay are essential components, but it’s their harmonious collaboration that sets this world apart – making players ponder whether it will soar or descend. Ultimately, the powerful synergy between these elements is sure to leave an indelible impression on anyone who experiences it.

Death to Gods!

2024-07-15 16:06

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn’s Fantasy World is More Than the Sum of its Parts