Orbis (video game)

Orbis
Valens and Monika, two of the main cast
Developer(s)	Aquila Nishizumi Gaming
Publisher(s)	Raidenco
Director(s)	Lyuben Borisov Hashida Rintaro
Producer(s)	Andrei Petrașcu Takashi Takebe
Designer(s)	Ștefan Albu Tsueno Nishizumi
Writer(s)	Petar Valentinev Laurențiu Croitoru
Composer(s)	Mihail Nikolayev Mayuri Kurisu
Engine	Unity
Platform(s)	Computer Mobile Console
Release	January 3rd, 2021
Genre(s)	Action role-playing game
Mode(s)	Single-player Multi-player

Orbis is an anime-themed cross-platform open world action role-playing game. Originally developed by Tengarian-Amathian video game studio Aquila based on Senrian role-playing games and other more recent successful titles, the ambitious project was purchased for publishing by Senrian company Raidenco, which brought in their studio Nishizumi Gaming to assist in production, making it an international project. It was initially released after three years of development in early 2021 as a free to play game across a variety of gaming platforms, although using the gacha system for monetization. More story content and special events continue to be released on a regular basis for free, as well as optional paid customizations and additional characters which can be rolled for through the gacha system.

Since its release, the game has been widely successful with a variety international audiences, which praise the game for its beautiful fantasy world setting including theological and cosmological concepts, well-written story and character appeal. However, the game has been criticised for introducing the gacha system into the RPG style and not releasing the complete game at once. Although monetarily successful on a variety of platforms, the mobile audience, particularly in Senria and Shangea, have been significant contributors to the game's financial success. Reflecting its international nautre, the game has fully supported voice acting and game interfaces in eight languages: Tengarian, Amathian, Senrian, Gaullican, Estmerish, Shanghean, Soravian and Ziba. It also has game textual support in an additional four languages.

Development History

Aquila (Solarian for "Eagle") as a company was first a merger of two studios from Amathia and Tengaria which focused on doing fan translations of Senrian games, before eventually working to officially lisence Tengarian and Amathian translation. The studio began doing their own projects, primarily anime-themed. With several successful games under their belt, in late 2017 the Aquilan team began discussions for a massive anime-themed open-world game. They cited games such as the Mercenary and Legend of the Wilderlands as inspirations. Production began in early 2018 for an ambitious large-scale open world game, however, without the resources to pitch it on a mass scale preparing a game, for studio instead designed a concept for presentation.

By July of 2018, Aquila had a working model for demonstration, and previewed their version at a convention in Keisi, with plans to try in Shangea or in Eastern Euclea if no buyers were interested. However, the exposition proved more successful than hoped, attracting the attention of several Senrian companies and international news sources. Eventually, the creators reached an agreement with Raidenco, who would take up producing the game and bring in their own studio, but keep the original creators as part of the creative team. This unique arrangement saw the project become multinational, with most of the writing and story efforts being focused by Aquila and most of the technical work and polishing being taking on by Nishizumi Gaming.

Despite the arrangement being beneficial for both companies, the studios soon found that they had disagreements about how to approach the gameplay and accessibility. The original project was meant to be a grand-scale SRPG, paid for as a single purchase; however, the producers at Raidenco instead wanted it to be monetised through a gacha system, with a free-to-play system to attract customers, including cross-platform support. Reaching a compromise, they agreed to adopt the monetisation model provided that the central cast of RPG characters would be preserved and the game would remained story focused. This agreement meant that project would result in more intense and expensive development and involved a lot more time, which pushed back the release date; the developers eventually agreed to ensure quality by having the full content and story of the game be released over a long period of time.

The game was widely anticipated for its release, making the producers confident that the game would perform well at the although some worried that it was over-hyped and would follow other game series which had great expositions but had ended up being critical failures. Fans who knew the beta version were also angered over the introduction of gacha elements to the SRPG story, marking the beginning in the divide in the fanbase between those who wanted a more "pure" game and those who wanted the gacha system. This tension also is reflected in the general attitudes between between Aquila, which wants story and character driven focus, and Raidenco, who want to introduce more paid elements. Generally, however, the two were able to compromise. Raidenco began engaging in an extensive marketing campaign prior to the game's release, introducing some of the characters as mascots for the franchise.

After nearly 3 years of total development, the game released on multiple platforms in early January of 2021, introducing the first region of Vetia and the major characters. The game saw lots of downloads almost immediately on devices across the world, becoming an instant financial success, and soon saw spread across not just expected regions of Senria and Shangea but also with fans in East Euclea and Asteria Superior. The availability on mobile phones made it especially accessible, and its free-to-play nature for a style of game which was usually a big-market console or computer game helped spread its reputation. It was released with 4 languages supported in voice acting- Gaullican, Senrian, Tengarian and Amathian- with 4 more languages added after it gained success- Soravian, Shangean, Ziba and Estmerish. In addition, the game also supports in game text support (but no voice acting) for, Weranian, Vespasian, Ansene and Luzelese.

The studios have invested a lot of the profits from the game back into the game's development for future content and story addition. In addition to minor releases of new content and areas and more frequent events, the game has released three major updates where completely new regions have been added since its 2021 release- releasing Satsuma in June of 2021, Amaria on February of 2022, and most recently Mendemia in late July of 2022, with an update approximately once every 6 months. There are expected to be at least four more major updates before the game reaches the end of its story, projected to be in the summer of 2024.

Gameplay

As an open world action role-playing game, the game allows the player to travel the world, follow a story and engage in combat. As an open world game, exploration is a key feature, with characters being able to explore and find chests, items and enemies across the map. Quests and changes to the environment are present and usually related to the progression of the story (although many of the quests are side quests not centered on the main story) have an effect on exploration, but within certain boundaries the player is free to roam. It utilises the stamina system pioneered by Legend of the Wilderlands for gliding and climbing, and also has fast-travel beacons which facilitate travel over vast distances.

Although the player only controls a single character on the game map at one time, they may have up to four characters in the field party at any given time, with fairly quick transition between characters allowing for the abilities of characters to affect other characters- for example, if a character puts up a shield, switching to another character will also have that character keep the shield. In the optional co-op multiplayer featured by the game, the number of switchable characters decreases until the players equal the number of party slots (four), with each player only controlling one character but with four active characters on the field. In the most recent update, a special game mode was released harder version of bosses and challenges where teams can be eight, twelve or even sixteen players. Players can play with other players on any console due to the game supporting cross-platform play.

The game's combat focuses around elemental power wielded by the characters. There are seven main elements- Terra (rock/geo), Aura (air/anemo), Aqua (water/hydro), Fulmena (lightning/electro), Vita (life/dendro), Gela (ice/cryo) and Igna (fire/pyro). Each of these elements have a different general role, and also combine to make elemental reactions. Terra usually is related to shields and buffs, aura deals with crowd control and amplifying other elements, aqua is used for healing and support, vita for life drain and applying negative affects to enemies, gela for freeze and melt reactions, and igna for powerful damage and burning ability. Characters usually have a unique skill and a burst which are related to their element in addition to a standard physical attack. In addition to these, the main protagonist, Valens, has a special element known as "aether", which is connected with the divine spheres, and is a combination of a damage dealing element which also heals.

Characters have a base set of stats and abilities, which can be modified and augmented in certain ways, usually acquired through farming certain bosses and challenges or through rolling in the gacha system. Each character has a unique set of "faculties" which can be levelled up through items acquired in game, increasing the power of the faculty in question. Weapons for characters are found in the game world as treasure or rewards, although most high-quality weapons have to be rolled through the gacha system, and can themselves be augmented through ability. Finally, "boons" are items which can also improve the character's stats, coming in five types. Certain powerful weapons and items acquired through the story are only usable by certain characters in the main cast, and usually have unique ways of levelling them up gotten through the story.

Characters

Main Cast

These characters are canonically considered as part of the party throughout the story of the game, which become the fabled "hero and seven companions" of legend. Listed in the order of acquisition during the game's story.

Character	Weapon	Element	Region	Description
Valens	Sword	Aether	Vetia	Main protagonist. From mysterious origins (found in a field following a shower of shooting stars), he was taken in by the village of Boyan.
Monika	Bow	Igna	Vetia	Valens' best and childhood friend and expert marksman torn between the desire to remain in Boyan or serve in the Imperial legion. Has 1/4th descent from Houzai.
Elizabeth	Claymore	Terra	Neige	A maid from Neige who discovered she could wield the power of Terra, and ventured to Vetia with the desire to learn more about her new powers after being cast out on the streets by her master.
Saori Suzuha	Polearm	Fulmena	Satsuma	A wandering Samurai seeking honour and renown, seeking to become the master of the naginata and to prove herself as the strongest warrior.
xxxx	Bow	Aura	Vetia	A bard from the citadel of Argentia, happy and carefree on the outside, but in secret he is one of those who are fighting for freedom and conspiring against the God of Metal.
	Sword	Aqua	Amaria	Priestess.
	Catalyst	Vita
Beatrice	Claymore	Gela	Mendemia	Mercenary from Mendemia.

Other Characters

Additional characters which are acquired through the gacha system, and while playable are not considered as canonically part of the adventuring group- usually they are important NPCs or prominent figures. Some are ranked "4 star", meaning they are more common and oftentimes weaker than the "5 stars", which are much rarer and of which most only appear for limited time in certain cycles.

Character	Weapon	Element	Rank	Region	Released	Description
!Barbara	Catalyst	Aqua	5-star	Vetia	January 3, 2021
!Kujou Sara	Bow	Fulmena	5-star	Satsuma	June 21, 2021
!Jean	Sword	Aura	4-star	Vetia	June 21, 2021

Story

Setting

Orbis is set in a fantasy world which draws heavily influences from Teleology, Neotheocritism, Gnosticism, and the astronomical system of the ancient and medieval musica universalis. There is a recongised supreme being, known as the "Divine", however views on him differ between the different systems of belief as to his nature and purpose. Traditional widespread belief views him as the creator of the universe and the first cause of motion and being and is the common good of the universe, although this notion is opposed by certain groups.

The two main components of the universe are the material world and the heavens, with the model of the heavens reflecting classical astronomy. Within the material world itself, where the gameplay is focused, gods, known as Archons, are generally regarded as wielding special power from the Divine in order to rule over the world's seven regions, each of which are associated with an element. Semi-divine beings who occupy the world are known as "numines", who take on differing names in each region- Principes in Vetia, in Yōkai in Satsuma, Jinn in Amaria, Spirits in Mendemia, Lutin in Neige, and Yao in Houzai.

With the changing and corruptible world (known as Orbis) located at the centre of the universe, the heavens consist in the nine celestial spheres (known ingame as the "divine spheres"), corresponding to the seven classical planets (which in the World of Orbis themselves are reflections of the seven elements), the sphere of the fixed stars, and the primum mobile. These spheres are generally regarded as divine but caused beings capable of locomotion but not corruption, which bestow power on the archons which match their general personality and visions, who bestow power upon the archons. Although currently not featured in the game itself, they form an important aspect of the lore and are hinted to become traversable in the final stages of development. In addition to these spheres, there is said to be a highest heaven beyond physical existence, a purely spiritual realm. Each of the spheres is named by people of the corresponding realm in which it is held in regard.

Heavens

The classical model of the Universe served as an inspiration for the game.

Heaven	Inspiration	Element	Description
Lune	Moon	Gela	Seen the most transient and shifting heavenly body and closest to the corruptible earth, Lune is considered to represent change and non-permanence. Her bright light in the night is also said to indicate beauty and opulence.
Berana	Mercury	Fulmena	Known for its quick movement but less noticeable presence at twilight than Kinsei, Berana is known for contributing to the motion of the heavenly bodies without bringing attention to herself.
Kinsei	Venus	Aura	Kinsei is the third-brightest of the orbs, and holds special significance as representing art and creativity.
Mhana	Sun	Vita	Known as the source of life, Mhana is deeply connected with the element of life.
Huǒxīng	Mars	Igna	Said to represent power and passion, Huǒxīng is a popular symbol for soldiers and warriors.
Almushtari	Jupiter	Aqua
Solidus	Saturn	Terra	The furthest out of the elemental-theme spheres and closest to the first mover, not much is said to be known about Solidus, or has been revealed by Constans and his twin.
Astra	Fixed stars	Unknown	Said to be the realm of the souls of the slain archons and numines who have departed from the earth while still within the bounds of material existence.
Cinctus	Primum Mobile	Unknown	The highest and most divine of the spheres, the first mover of all motion (although it itself is said to be moved by the divine), and the outer limits of the material universe.

Regions

The game will feature seven regions, in order of release and appearance within the story, with the descriptions taken from official game guide:

Region	Inspiration	Element	Archon	Released	Description
Vetia	South-Euclea	Terra	Constans Callistus	January 3, 2021	"An ancient land which used to be united, but now is falling into decay, Vetia was an empire ruled for milennia ruled by twin Archons, although several centuries ago a rift between the brothers divided the region into two realms at a hostile peace. Constans is regarded as a fair but harsh ruler who emphasizes “preservation” and “memory”, ruling a realm called “Aruia” with a strong sense of faith, duty, and intellectual tradition and a vibrant community of philosophers, and whose followers take the colour gold. However, all is not perfect, and recent suppression of the Church of the One have sparked controversy. Argentia, the realm of Callistus, the "god of metal", a despot who emphasizes "protection" and "loyalty", is a closed and isolated land of metal fortresses which both defend and block their inhabitants, in preparation of a war against other Archons or perhaps even the Divine. Followers of the gold of metal praise his protection and care and fly silver banners, but there are those who are willing to fight against the tyranny of an archon who seems to wish to protect his people even against their own will. All it takes is a spark to cause the fragile peace to finally break..."
Satsuma	Senria	Aura	Okabe Tenno	June 21, 2021	"A feudal society of independent lords known as Daimyo with a strong-clan based and warrior based society, although in times of piece the combat is largely relegated to duels and bladework. Nominally under the control of the aura Archon, the Okabe Tenno, he does not take an active stance in ruling, instead using his court to focus on the patronage of art and culture. Recently, the ambitions of certain Daimyo recently have been increasing, especially with one who increases the centralisation of power within the Imperial Court and the nobles near the capital, and those who support the continued decentralization, but there also may be more sinister forces using the conflict to achieve their owns ends..."
Amaria	Rahelia	Aqua	XXXX	February 4, 2022
Mendemia	the Asterias	Fulmena	Incognito	July 17, 2022	"A land of storms and wide grasslands and plains, known for its horse riding occupants and cavalry. A collection of city-states of diverse peoples, and known for inventions and machinery. Unlike other regions, there is no visible archon, and the people are known for being fiercely individualistic and independent. However, legends circulate that the archon walks among the peoples, assisting from the shadows- but no one knows their identity, leading them to affectionately refer to them as ‘Incognito’. However, with recent movements causing dissent and unrest in the cities, some have begun to wonder if there may be danger to going it alone..."
XXXXX	Southeast Coius	Vita		2023 Winter (Scheduled)
Neige	East/North Euclea	Gela	Marianne	2023 Summer (Scheduled)	"Neige is a cold and barren land, but has found that what it could not be produced by itself could be purchased for others. Notably, they are the first region to develop banks; it is said that the current Archon, Marianne, was the creator of the world’s first bank. The currency of Neige is the currency of the world, and merchants can be found across the world. However, this region is as harsh as its environment- to survive and thrive requires resource and cunning, as well as cold, uncaring money. But those with ambition and skill, no matter their background, may be able to carve a niche here..."
Houzai	Southwest Coius	Igna	Vacant Shenjing†	2024 Winter (Scheduled)	"The land of fiery passion and extremes Huozai was for centuries controlled by the mighty archon-warrior Shenjing, who had put down all rival gods and powers to establish a well-ordered and populous but despotic empire over various peoples. However, shortly before the events of the story, Shenjing was slain by an unknown agent or force, sending the realm into chaos. Various factions and authorities now vie for power as society has mostly collapsed, with several claimants aspiring to take the celestial power of the former archon. Caught between those wanting to restore the empire, those seeking to take power for themselves, groups that want independence, and those who just want to survive, the land of fire is now a land in flames..."