Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

As a seasoned sea dog myself, I can say that Flint: Treasure of Oblivion is shaping up to be quite the swashbuckling adventure! With its focus on human skirmishes and naval battles, it’s like stepping into the boots of a real-life pirate.


In various forms such as movies, TV shows, comics, and video games, the appeal of living like a pirate remains enduring. Yet, the upcoming turn-based RPG titled “Flint: Treasure of Oblivion” promises to redefine the pirate fantasy with its unique perspective. Created by French studio Savage Level, “Flint: Treasure of Oblivion” is a tactical RPG set during the Golden Age of Piracy, aiming to portray an authentic image of what it meant to be a pirate. Additionally, this game offers engaging mechanics with its comic book-style narrative and a combat system that emphasizes both teamwork and strategic elements.

As a passionate admirer, I recently delved into an enlightening conversation with Maxime Josse, the CEO and President of Savage Level, during an engaging interview with Game Rant. In this captivating exchange, Maxime shed light on the unique pirate fantasy approach in our upcoming masterpiece, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, and how we, at Savage Level, aim to reveal some untold truths about these swashbuckling legends.

Making A Pirate Tactical RPG In Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion And Gaming Inspirations

A: What made you decide to create a pirate fantasy within the strategic role-playing game (RPG) genre for Flint: Treasure of Oblivion?

Josse: Initially, we’re drawn to this game genre as it resonates with us. Furthermore, the RPG aspect enables us to delve deeper into the pirate theme, while the tactical part lets us translate and apply the various roles of pirate ship crew members into combat mechanics.

Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

Question: Could you give a quick overview of how games like XCOM and Final Fantasy Tactics have impacted the development of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion?

Josse: Our game’s design has been influenced by games like XCOM and Final Fantasy Tactics, as shown in our use of cover systems and attribute management. Yet, we’ve also included unique elements to maintain originality while staying true to the pirate theme.

A: Previously, I mentioned my intention to create a pirate game, one that uncovers some hidden truths about these seafaring adventurers. The concepts of camaraderie and liberty are crucial in this endeavor. Care to learn more about it?

Josse: The image of pirates has been depicted in an inconsistent manner. However, they functioned within a system of rules and organized their crews in a structured fashion. For instance, pirates were the pioneers of a primitive form of social security. If a pirate was injured and could no longer sail, they would receive a monetary compensation to facilitate their retirement.

Whenever feasible, boarding actions and sea fights were to be avoided; instead, the Jolly Roger was used to scare the enemy ship’s crew into surrendering. Many such facts, like this one, remain hidden from the public, and it is our goal to bring them to light.

Treasure Island’s Captain James Flint And Female Pirates In Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

A: What made you select Captain James Flint from “Treasure Island” as the main character for your game, and can you provide some additional information about Captain Flint and his first mate, Billy Bones?

Josse: In our story, we aimed to create an iconic pirate figure that would resonate with a wide audience. The classic tale, ‘Treasure Island’, serves as a significant influence in this regard. Instead of re-telling the events depicted in the novel, we decided to explore what could have transpired before ‘Treasure Island’ and provide more insight into the complex character of Long John Silver’s predecessor, Flint from ‘Treasure Island’, who is not the book’s hero but rather a legendary figure.

In “Treasure Island,” the character Billy Bones is portrayed as a grizzled, old pirate with a dark past, marked by alcoholism. Our story, titled “Flint: Treasure of Oblivion,” offers an imaginative peek into the possible backstory of characters like Billy Bones, shedding light on how they might have evolved into the pirates depicted in “Treasure Island.” This new tale is not meant to be a verified prequel to “Treasure Island,” but rather our creative interpretation of their earlier lives.

Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

As a gamer immersed in the world of “Treasure of Oblivion”, it’s fantastic to see that the creators have acknowledged and included historical figures like Anne Bonny among the pirates. It was essential for me, as part of the studio team, to ensure that female pirates were given a voice within our game, empowering players to recruit diverse crew members, reflecting the richness and complexity of real-world pirate history.

Assistant: It’s significant for our studio to discuss this topic since it delves into an often overlooked aspect of pirate history, specifically the story of France’s first female pirate, Jeanne de Belleville, or “Jeanne la Tigresse,” who sailed the seas in the 14th century.

In our game, we include Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two renowned female pirates from the Pirate Golden Age. However, it’s important to note that one of the most formidable pirates ever was Cheng I Sao, a woman who commanded hundreds of vessels and tens of thousands of crew members. Therefore, women indeed played significant roles in piracy, and they have their place in our game as well.

Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion’s Comic Book Storytelling And Turn-Based Combat

Q: Could you explain how combat integrates comic-book storytelling and why you chose this approach?

Elements similar to comic strips are predominantly used during real-time gaming stages. Their main function is to simplify and combine the method of storytelling within video games, allowing players to remain engaged in an interactive and artistic manner, all while avoiding interruptions caused by lengthy narrative sections that might disrupt the game’s smooth progression.

Q: How does the game’s turn-based combat work with dice, cards, and skills?

Josse: In this battle system, a blend of luck and strategic thinking is crucial. Players need to carefully position their units on the map and select their crew wisely to mitigate the impact of randomness. Effective strategies aim to limit the influence of chance. Dice symbolize luck, whereas cards and abilities represent the player’s strategic decisions.

Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

Question: What are the aspects that make the combat system in this game simple enough for beginners yet complex enough to challenge experienced players within the genre?

Josse: To clarify, the game incorporates elements of both randomness and tactical thinking. This means that both beginner and seasoned players can make use of both their intuition and learned strategies. Skilled players will have the chance to uncover winning strategies, while newcomers can embark on an exciting journey, made more intriguing by the element of surprise brought about by rolling dice.

Crew Management, Improvement, And Choice Gameplay In Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

As an avid player, I’d be delighted to share insights on the diverse crew members you can recruit in this game. These crewmates each have unique abilities that can significantly impact your gaming experience. Now, let’s delve into the fascinating world of crew management and improvement between battles.

Josse: Flint must gather all essential crew members to set a 18th-century vessel sailing. Ranging from master shipbuilders to master gunners, with helmsmen and lookouts included, there will be 13 distinct roles in total. Every sailor will possess varying degrees of skill in their position, symbolized by dice: the more seasoned the sailor, the higher the number of sides on the die. Each position carries unique abilities and has room for improvement in its traits and qualities.

The number of enemies you slay in combat doesn’t determine our progress, but rather the treasure discovered during expeditions that is equally distributed among us pirates. However, the true key to success lies in the strategic arrangement of certain characters on the battlefield, as their pairing offers a substantial edge.

Q: What kinds of choices might players expect, and how might those influence the story?

Just like any tactical game, building and honing your team is vital. Furthermore, players are allowed to investigate locations they’ve discovered in search of loot and secret items. They also have the option to stick strictly to the main plot without deviation. Certain dialogues may prompt players to make decisions that don’t affect the story much but can greatly impact gear acquisition and team recruitment.

Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion’s Mature Rating, Naval Battles, And Boarding Actions

As a dedicated player, I’d be happy to share some insights into our on-land gameplay and whether we have any at-sea action. On land, we delve deep into the heart of diverse environments and engage in captivating activities that make every moment feel alive with possibilities. And for those who yearn for the vast expanse of the sea, rest assured, we’ve got you covered! There’s an engaging at-sea gameplay experience waiting to be discovered as well.

Josse:Flint is a strategic role-playing game that takes place in a world of piracy. We’ve crafted a battle system emphasizing close-quarters human conflicts, with swords and sea battles as the main focus. Yet, the essence of pirates lies in their ships and the ocean. So, we’ve incorporated naval wars and boarding actions, providing an immersive sailor’s viewpoint.

Savage Level CEO And President Talks Flint: Treasure Of Oblivion

Q: How has using Unreal Engine 5 been beneficial for the project and its various settings?

Josse implies that since the members of Savage Level have been working with Unreal Engine for quite some time, it would be unwise to change such a successful team.

Question: Enthusiasts of pirate games are looking forward to more grown-up pirate-centric titles. What kind of experiences might players encounter with Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, considering its mature rating?

Josse: In the game, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, Savage Level presents an authentic pirate experience for players. The Mature rating doesn’t merely signify the gore and brutality of battles; it encompasses the mature themes and complexities explored throughout the game. Essentially, Flint: Treasure of Oblivion isn’t just a pirate-themed game, but a narrative that echoes the stories of piracy as they were once told.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Josse: A pirate life for us!

[END]

The game titled “Flint: Treasure of Oblivion” is set to be launched on October 24, 2024, and can be played on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

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2024-09-11 13:24