Developer Interview: 13Z

It all began with our love for cats! Originally, we wanted to create a cat-themed action game because many of us on the team are cat lovers. During a brainstorming session, we were intrigued by the legend of the Eastern Zodiac and how the cat was famously left out of the Zodiac circle. This sparked the question: what if the Zodiac Guardians were looking for a 13th member? The concept quickly grew to include various animal spirits, and we realised there was so much potential for a roguelike action-adventure centred around this idea. We envisioned the Zodiac Trials as a competition for that coveted 13th spot, blending mythology with modern-day challenges.

The idea of the animal challengers represents different traits, and we wanted to bring those characteristics to life in the form of unique playable characters. Turtle Village, the starting point of the game, became a hub where these diverse challengers could gather and prepare for the trials ahead. We wanted each animal spirit to feel distinct, with their own personalities, abilities, and backstories. For example, Lyra the Fox is a melee expert with lightning-fast reflexes. The Raven can soar through the air and launch long-range attacks. The Panda has prodigious strength and yields a deadly three-pole weapon.

Creating a roguelike like 13Z involves layering systems that keep the player coming back for more. First, we had to design a world and backstory that would support the roguelike structure — repeated runs, evolving characters, and an ever-changing environment. Then, we focused on the core gameplay loop, particularly the combat mechanics, which had to be fun and engaging no matter how many runs the player [completed]. On top of that, we built progression systems, both within the Zodiac Trials themselves and outside in Turtle Village. Permanent upgrades, meta-currencies, and evolving environments are all crucial to maintaining player interest and replayability.

The biggest challenge was integrating all the various moving parts into a cohesive experience. We had to make sure the roguelike progression, combat system, multiplayer, and day-night cycle all worked together harmoniously. One unexpected obstacle was deciding what features to prioritise. For instance, we had originally planned a game mode where players could control the Arbiter (the narrator) and introduce traps and challenges for other players. While that idea was exciting, we ultimately had to cut it due to the scope of the project. We focused on the core gameplay and progression to make sure everything felt polished and enjoyable.

Co-op felt like a natural fit for 13Z from the beginning. The Zodiac Trials are meant to be a grand contest where challengers from all walks of life come together, so adding a multiplayer mode made sense. We wanted players to have the option to team up with friends and experience the trials together, forming unique strategies and discovering synergies between different animal spirits. Co-op also adds a social element that enhances the overall experience, making the game more dynamic and rewarding as players progress together through the trials.

Multiplayer brings a whole new set of challenges, especially in a fast-paced roguelike. The biggest issue is balancing the gameplay for both solo and co-op modes. We need to ensure that each run is engaging and challenging, regardless of the number of players. There's also the technical side — making sure that the game runs smoothly, the combat feels fluid, and that connection issues don't disrupt the experience. Beyond that, designing meaningful interactions between players that enhance the gameplay, without making it too chaotic or overwhelming, is another balancing act.

We've definitely taken lessons from our previous games into 13Z, even though they're vastly different genres. With Sairento VR, we learned a lot about fast-paced combat and fluid movement, which helped shape the action elements in 13Z. Gordian Quest taught us about complex progression systems and how to keep players engaged with long-term goals, which fits perfectly into the roguelike structure. Although 13Z is unique in its own right, those past experiences definitely helped us avoid some common pitfalls and refine certain mechanics early on.

Feature creep is something we are always mindful of, especially in a genre like roguelike, where it's easy to keep adding more variety. Our approach is to focus on what makes sense for the core experience. We start by asking: "Does this feature enhance the Zodiac Trials and the overall progression?" If a mechanic doesn't serve that vision, we consider letting it go, even if it's a cool idea. For example, we initially planned a mode where players could control the Arbiter and challenge others, but we had to shelve it because it didn't fit with our current priorities. Keeping the scope manageable ensures that the mechanics we do include are polished and meaningful.

While we weren't directly inspired by any particular Zodiac-based media, the concept of the Eastern Zodiac definitely sparked the idea for 13Z. In terms of gameplay, our main inspirations were roguelikes like Hades, Risk of Rain 2, and hack-and-slash titles like Devil May Cry. These games taught us how to create tight, responsive combat while keeping the roguelike loop engaging. Artistically, we took inspiration from various games, anime, and movies rather than any specific source related to the Zodiac.

One of the features we're particularly proud of is the locomotion and fox transformation system, which has been getting a lot of praise during the recent playtest. The transition between movement and the transformation into Lyra the Fox [allows] players to fluidly shift between different forms as they explore the arenas or leap off high places. The sense of agility and control it provides is something we worked hard to perfect.

The combat system is another highlight. Players have been praising how responsive and satisfying the combat feels, which is something we're very happy about. We wanted to create a fast-paced, hack-and-slash experience that feels tight and rewarding, whether you're facing off against regular enemies or taking on the Zodiac Guardians. Combining these two elements — the fluid movement and the dynamic combat — has really shaped the core experience of 13Z, and we're proud of how it's come together.

I am personally a Snake, so I will stick to that, haha. It's a symbol of charm, courage, and wisdom, but it also has a mythical and mysterious edge — qualities I think resonate with me.

I'd go with the Owl. Game developers are often working late into the night, solving problems and finding creative solutions.