Welcome to this exclusive interview with Fair Games Studio, the creative minds behind the unique and enigmatic game, “Noch.” In this conversation, we’ll dive into the inspiration, gameplay, and narrative behind this surreal apocalypse set in an endless night. Join us on a journey through the minds of the developers as we uncover the secrets of this mysterious world.
Q: What inspired the concept of “Noch,” a game set in a surreal apocalypse with an endless night?
A: Our initial inspiration was a desire to create a game about a gothic succubus waifu in shiny tight leggings who would dominate you for 12 hours. Hehehe. Just kidding! In reality, we always wanted to craft a post-apocalyptic “road movie” game, but we wanted to explore the end-of-the-world scenario differently, moving away from the usual themes like zombies or nuclear war. We were intrigued by the idea of an apocalyptic world where the very laws of reality were crumbling, and people’s beliefs began to shape the physical world. For example, if the majority believed that 5G waves would harm them, it would become true. In “Noch,” players traverse this bizarre world where even their own minds are affected by these beliefs. “Noch” is a deeply enigmatic game with multiple layers of narration. On the surface, it’s a post-apocalyptic adventure, but at a deeper level, it’s a story about obsession and how far individuals are willing to go for their obsessions. In terms of references, we drew inspiration from B-category old movies like the Phantasm franchise, and we found similarities with the Legion TV series, where the surrealistic world takes center stage. “Noch” also incorporates elements of horror in a Kafkaesque or Stephen King-esque manner. The horror arises from unsettling and abnormal events that people accept as normal, making it even more terrifying and disturbing. In short, it’s a captivating journey, especially in co-op mode!
Q: Can you tell us more about the protagonists’ journey and the challenges they’ll face in this desolate world?
A: “Noch” features two protagonists, simply known as the Hero and the Heroine, intentionally nameless. We present many game events from two distinct points of view: his and hers. Their story starts off quite simply; they are a couple. However, things become increasingly complex. He is searching for his ex for some undisclosed reason, and the heroine is aiding him for her own mysterious motives. To add another layer of complexity, his ex, Lisa, is the one who destroyed the world. Now, they must find her and confront the dangerous creatures of Lisaland. But why? Is it for revenge, to save the world, or to rescue her from something? As players journey through the game, they will uncover many secrets of this dying world and the underlying reasons for their quest. “Noch” is designed to be enjoyable both in solo and cooperative gameplay. Solo players will alternate between playing as the hero and the heroine across several chapters, while in co-op mode, they will play together through all chapters.
Q: How do you plan to release updates for the game, chapter by chapter? What can players expect from future chapters?
A: We’ve already adopted a chapter-by-chapter release approach during our early access phase. Now, we’re ready to unveil the complete game with a grand finale, offering a substantial 12 hours of story-driven gameplay. As for future updates, we primarily intend to focus on bug fixing and other improvements. The core narrative of “Noch” is already complete, and after a long and challenging 3.5 years of development, we’re prepared to release the game to the world.
Q: What was the creative process like in designing the eerie and abandoned world within the game?
A: Every aspect of “Noch” serves a metaphorical purpose; nothing appears the way it does by chance, even if it’s not entirely realistic. We began with a straightforward dark story about obsession and its consequences and then deconstructed it. We infused it with surrealism and a sense of a dead world, introducing an unreliable narrator and breaking conventional narrative rules to create something fresh and intellectually stimulating. We’ve crafted a grim tale for mature audiences. Our initial visual concept was centered around the night, the road, and a car accident. From that starting point, we built the world of “Noch”: abandoned cars, empty gas stations, and a mysterious demon girl whose intentions remain ambiguous. One Steam review aptly described the game as, “Like an episode of Supernatural directed by Tommy Wiseau,” capturing the strange and fever dream-like nature of our creation. Conceptually, we aimed to explore a world that had ended and been remade in the subconscious image of a mentally fractured god, with whether or not it was the player’s fault left open to interpretation. In essence, our goal was to tell a story that defied conventions and left players with a sense of unease and fascination.
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Q: Could you share some insights into the narrative and the role of Lisa, the character who destroyed the world?
A: Hehehe. Lisa… You know. It is an image of the whole “ex” concept. She is a toxic and bad girl. But the one you never forget. And the girl who once destroyed your own word and now destroyed the whole world. And maybe. Just maybe it is your fault. But it is very subjective and it is you to decide. About her image. You know a girl with an airplane wings. This is a metaphor, of course – like a girl who needs to be rescued, like an angel. But also a hint of how far she went into darkness. Yes, I have some my own background about my ex. I admit that!
Q: What can players expect from the cooperative mode for up to 2 players? How does it enhance the gaming experience?
A: As I mentioned before – this is a two protagonists story. So players can expect full cooperative campaign to play. Even cutscenes are made for solo and co-op modes! We put a lot of efforts to make game feel equally good in co-op and solo. But I recommend playing co-op because it is really fun to solve puzzles with your friend/girlfriend. Also, be ready to switch the roles – because some chapters are about the heroine and some – about the hero. And the second player will take an opposite character. The differences in co-op mode: more enemies, but you can revive each other if you get knocked out. Also, you will have more inventory slots to keep useful items. And two heads to solve puzzles are always better than one. And co-op is always a lot of fun!
Q: Tell us about the unique system for interacting with game objects. How does it contribute to puzzle-solving and immersion?
A: The system for interacting with game objects in “Noch” was a challenging yet essential aspect of our design. In a world filled with abandoned items, clues, quests, and puzzles, we aimed to avoid the typical bottleneck problem in puzzle games, where players get stuck searching for one specific item. We accomplished this by providing multiple ways to solve each puzzle. For instance, if you come across a locked car trunk, you can find a key, but you can also use sharp metal objects like nails or screwdrivers to break the lock. Most of the game’s puzzles offer multiple solutions, and we put in significant effort to create and implement all these alternative options. The feedback from players on this aspect has been overwhelmingly positive.
Regarding immersion, we made a conscious effort to ensure that all quests and puzzles are contextually linked to the game’s story. Furthermore, we introduced a somewhat controversial game mechanic where the player doesn’t have an infinite inventory backpack but is instead surrounded by a multitude of objects. This design encourages players to think carefully about which items may be useful and which may not, adding to the immersion and realism of the world.
Q: In a world where reality is unsteady, how important is the player’s strategy and use of weapons in overcoming obstacles?
A: Lisaland is a realm inhabited by monsters, ranging from demonic animals to corrupted humans and surrealistic creatures, even aliens and liquid wolves (yes, it does sound unusual, but they’re quite intriguing). While “Noch” may not be primarily an action game, every enemy encountered requires careful strategy and tactics to defeat. Each monster exhibits distinct behavior patterns and weaknesses, making it crucial for players to adapt their approach. Additionally, the game features challenging boss battles, which are highly conceptual and unconventional. Players have various tools at their disposal, including guns, melee weapons, rocks, and even bare-handed combat when resources are scarce. Strategic thinking and effective weapon use are essential for overcoming obstacles in this unpredictable world.
Q: Can you elaborate on the special abilities and mini-games that players will use to uncover the secrets of the other world?
A: As players progress through “Noch,” they will acquire special abilities and gear that enhance their understanding of the game’s world. These abilities are presented in the form of mini-games, adding an interactive element to the experience. They include the ability to decipher cryptic messages, listen to the voices of the deceased world, and even communicate with its inhabitants. These abilities not only contribute to solving puzzles but also play a pivotal role in uncovering the game’s deepest secrets.
Additionally, we’ve included optional and challenging puzzles known as “Enigmas.” These puzzles are quite intricate and non-obvious, making them perfect for players who seek to delve deeper into the game’s backstory. Solving these enigmas offers rewarding insights into the game’s mysteries.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Fair Games Studio for taking us on this captivating journey through the development
of “Noch.” It’s evident that this game offers players a surreal and immersive experience that’s unlike any other.
As the studio prepares for release, we wish them the best of luck, and we eagerly anticipate more unique stories
from their creative minds in the future.
For those eager to explore the eerie world of “Noch,” don’t forget to check out the release trailer and gameplay
trailer for a taste of the extraordinary adventures that await you. You can purchase “Noch” on Steam via the
following link.
Happy gaming!
