Orbis (video game)
| Orbis | |
|---|---|
 Valens and Monika, two of the main cast | |
| Developer(s) | Aquila Nishizumi Gaming |
| Publisher(s) | Raidenco |
| Director(s) | Victor Galbine Hashida Rintaro |
| Producer(s) | Andrei Petrașcu Takashi Takebe |
| Designer(s) | Ștefan Albu Tsueno Nishizumi |
| Writer(s) | Petre Iadeodati Laurențiu Croitoru |
| Composer(s) | Mihail Alubomiri 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 working beta as 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 Auxilia. 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. |
| Elissa | Sword | Aqua | Amaria | Priestess from the heartlands of Amaria, on a quest to study the laws of other realms and bring about justice. |
| Catalyst | Vita | Geguo | ||
| 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= notably, every released archon has also become a playable character. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucia Quirinia | Catalyst | Aqua | 5-star | Vetia | January 3, 2021 | Priestess of the Cult of Callistus and world-renowned healer. |
| Cornelius Juventius | Claymore | Igna | 5-star | Vetia | January 3, 2021 | Lord-Commander of the Companions of the Golden Throne. |
| Augustinus Marcellus | Catalyst | Terra | 5-star | Vetia | January 3, 2021 | Pontifex of the Church Imperial, principal church in Vetia. |
| Theophilus Alexander | Sword | Terra | 4-star | Vetia | January 3, 2021 | Doctor and Rector of the University, the world's foremost educational institution. |
| Victoria Quirinia | Sword | Aura | 4-star | Vetia | January 3, 2021 | Champion of the Citadel and Knight-Captain of the Companions of the Golden Throne. |
| Constans | Polearm | Terra | 5-star | Vetia | March 15, 2021 | One of the twin Terra archons. |
| Callistus | Terra | 5-star | Vetia | March 15, 2021 | One of the twin Terra archons. | |
| !Kujou Sara | Bow | Fulmena | 5-star | Satsuma | June 21, 2021 | |
| Okabe Tenno | Sword | Aura | 5-star | Vetia | September 30, 2021 | Aura Archon of Satsuma. |
| Astarte | Polearm | Aqua | 5-star | Amaria | May 4, 2022 | Aqua Archon of Amaria. |
| Gianna | Sword | Fulmena | 5-star | Mendemia | September 5, 2022 |
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. One of the opposition groups, the Church of the One, posits that the physical world is inherently evil and that the Divine exists in the "eternal" and "true" world, and argues that the current system is flawed and advocate for "wisdom" as being the gateway to the "truth". Rumours of another more secretive group called "Society of the Redeemed" which stand opposed to the rule of the archons is also beginning to spread.
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, Yao in Houzai, and Mua in Geguo. Most scholars agree that the world itself is roughly ten thousand years old, with the War of the Numines being fought for centuries and resolved only seven and a half thousand years ago, which resulted in the solidification of the regions and the establishment of the archon system under the influence of the divine spheres. Even after, sometimes the remain numines would fight their archons or between themselves, occasionally even overthrowing a previous archon.
Humans are seen as distinct creatures from the numines, and only arrived in the aftermath of the War of the Numines, and are generally said to be a creation of the Divine directly. When a archon or numines is killed, they are said to remain in the divine spheres of the stars, still within material creation. However, the souls of humans are commonly said to be immortal and immaterial and go beyond the boundaries of the material world to a place unknown to even the archons. Although their ultimate fate is unrevealed, the archons have passed on to most human societies that the actions of a human in this life influence the outcome of the life "beyond the spheres" to final felicity or suffering. The Church of the One goes further than this and advocates that only enlightenment and acquisition of the "truth" can guarantee the felicity of the liberated soul.
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 in-game 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 and ultimately material 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
| 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 millennia 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 “Auria” with a strong sense of faith, duty, and wisdom; controlling the ancient city of Aevitas, the centre of culture and intellectual tradition with a vibrant community of philosophers. However, all is not perfect, and recent suppression of the Church of the One and infighting within the nobility are blemishes on the seemingly golden exterior. 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 god 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 own ends..." |
| Amaria | Rahelia | Aqua | Astarte | February 4, 2022 | "The land of Amaria is filled with unforgiving deserts hostile to human life, where ancient scars from the War of the Numines exist in close proximity to a bustling civilisation. In the heart of the desert the ancient civilisation of the goddess of law protects the settlements around the oases as she has for thousands of years. However, on the coasts and along the rivers, the ever-changing and cosmopolitan mercantile culture that travels to distant oceans has become increasingly distant from the older heartlands. It is rumored that a new class of merchants, confident in the strength of their money and their cunning, have begun to spread ideas that perhaps Amaria can survive without its archon. This has sparked outrage from those who support the archon, and if the situation is not rectified, it could soon plunge Amaria into civil war..." |
| 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..." |
| Geguo | Southeast Coius | Vita | Ngadao | January 13, 2023 | "Vast and diverse, Geguo stretches from sunny treetops to dank, fungal caves, with different tribes inhabiting its many locales. Travellers will meet the bright-eyed canopy-dwelling Jedubians, the soberly studious Trunkdwellers, the mercantile caravan-borne Mhaunio, and the mysterious Spelunceans. A fertile, prosperous land, Geguo is probably the most populous realm, and has received many refugees over the years. Ironically, it has seen the most changes of archon, with eight since the Turmoil. Every few hundred years, the archon returns to the soil, and a new one soon emerges from the trees, like the ripening of a fruit. But this orderly succession threatens to be interrupted, as for the first time, there is real dispute over the identity of the new archon, and other strange changes take place in the forests..." |
| 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 spiraling 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..." |
Plot
Five millennia prior to the events of the story, the Turmoil swept over most of the world, ravaging the civilisations which had begun to flourish for under the two-millennia long peace of the first Archon system, toppling the world into chaos. Five of the seven regions were overrun with their archons cast down by a mysterious power known as "the ruin". Eventually, the "Hero", according to legends "sent from the heavens", brought peace to the realms with his divine elemental powers and his fabled "seven companions". With the help of the remaining and newly selected archons and numines, the Hero vanished, with the seven companions rebuilding each of the regions to the best of their ability. However, the war had heavy costs, depleting the strength of many of the numines, with the nations not as united as before. Over the centuries, only one of the new archons selected during the Turmoil would remain, as others would be lost in wars, struggles, or due to other causes. However, the "Great Promise of the Hero" prophecy has been handed on, saying that when the time comes the Hero will return and save the world from another Turmoil.
Prologue: The Price of Preservation
The game begins with a vision of a mighty warrior of fire valiantly fighting being overwhelmed by a mysterious group of assassins. This is revealed to be the dream of Valens, a young man who lives in a village between the powers of Auria and Argentia, two realms on the brink of war. On his eighteenth birthday, his father Lucas reveals that he is not his biological father, but instead someone found in the aftermath of a meteor strike. Valens, together with his childhood friend Monika, both are able to repel a sudden onslaught of attackers they believe to be from Argentia, although Lucius is slain and the village is destroyed. During the combat, Valens discovers he has mysterious divine powers, which lead to the villagers believing he is the Hero returned, a claim which Valens denied. Valens and Monika decide to leave their village behind and lead the villagers to safety, before embarking on a quest to discover the mysterious nature of his powers.
The pair make their way to the border town of Recea, where forces of the Empire of Auria are stationed, and find themselves caught between the intrigue of the war hawk Margrave and the old and famous Imperial commander Verginius, who desires to keep the peace. The pair meet Elizabeth, Verginius' squire, before the Margrave attempts to seize them by force. Verginius buys time for them to escape, only for him to be killed by his second-in-command Opiter Plarius. Fleeing away, the companions find themselves outlaws, blamed for the murder of Verginius. After evading capture and fleeing away from the beginnings of war, the companions arrive at the Imperial capital of Aevitas, the largest and oldest city in the world. Finding themselves cornered by a wandering bounty-hunter samurai named Saori Suzuha, Valens bests her in combat before allowing her to join their groups of companions. The group decides to present their case before the Emperor Constans himself, one of the twin Archons of Terra, as any Imperial citizen had a right to demand a trial before the Emperor.
Arriving at the Imperial palace, the arrival of the group throws the Court into bewilderment, and they debate whether or not to execute the group on the spot without trial. However, the intervention of Constans himself silences the debate accepts the terms of the trial. While awaiting for the trial, the companions become aware that the Imperial Court is sharply divided between war-hawks and opponents to war, and that mysterious forces have been influencing politics and all facets of Imperial society in the previous months to push for war against Argentia. Mysterious assassins attempt to break in and kill the companions while under protection, and although they are fought off, the head of the Imperial Church is injured and forced to seek healing. On their return, members of the Companions of the Golden Throne attempt a coup to seize the prisoners, although it is foiled by the leadership of the Companions. Their protectors help the companions to collect evidence for the upcoming trial.
Finally brought before the watchful gaze of the Emperor, the group are examined and tried before the entire Imperial Court s well as a huge crowd. Although the prosecution gets the crowd on their side, eventually the evidence provided by the defense eventually begins to undermine the prosecution and cause the case to collapse. As the situation begins to turn against the war-hawks, agents attempt to swarm the companions by force in the midst of the trial. Valens, by wielding his divine abilities, dispels the attackers, together with the assistance of Constans. With his abilities now revealed before a large crowd for all to see; Constans rose and proclaimed to a shocked audience that Valens not only innocent of the charges, but that he was the Hero come once again to return the world.
Act I: No Fortress is Impregnable
The game then switches to another character, a bard by the name of XXXX, sitting in a jail cell.
Act II: The Winds of Discontent
!Satsuma
Act III: The Drop that makes a Vase Overflow
!Amaria
Act IV: A Clear Sky Fears not the Thunder
!Mendemia
Act V:
The next planned storyline, set to be focused in the region of
Act VI: Melancholy Winter's Night
The penultimate regional story arc, set to be in the land of Niege.
Act VII: Fire and Blood
The last of the planned regional storylines, featuring the region of Houzai.
Act VIII: The Heavens Proclaim the Glory
The concluding storyline of the game, without much information other than the name revealed.