Forest Reigns is an upcoming post-apocalyptic shooter that will be placing a high emphasis on not only exploration, but tactical action as well. We got the chance to ask VG Entertainment PR manager Valentyna Podmazina some questions about Forest Reigns about subjects ranging from inspirations to the game’s main setting.
How will S.T.A.L.K.E.R influence the game design and visual design of Forest Reigns?
As a team that contributed to the development of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. before shifting to multiplayer games, we want to return to our roots and create a story-driven single-player experience.
The world of Forest Reigns will be unlike anything in our previous projects. Instead of the dark, decayed and rusted landscapes inspired by Chornobyl, we’ve decided to go with a lush, green and vibrant environment.
"The world of Forest Reigns will be unlike anything in our previous projects."
How big of a role will the realistic approach to shooter combat play when taking on enemies that may not be human?
Realistic shooting is important to us, but survival and adaptability are just as crucial. While gunplay remains grounded (we pay much attention to accuracy, recoil, ammo management, and so on) fighting non-human enemies requires more than just firepower.
In Forest Reigns, combat isn’t just about pulling the trigger. It’s about using the environment to stay alive.
Aside from guns, what are some of the other ways players will be able to engage with the world around them?
Absolutely! One of our key features is the interactive environment. The Forest is alive and reactive. The whole ecosystem responds to the world around it. If you trigger its aggression and lure enraged creatures toward your enemies, you won’t even need to fight, as nature will take care of it for you. Forest traps work in a similar way, though some may require a shot to activate.
The only thing that should be kept in mind is that once you trigger its aggressive state, you may become a target as well.
Except for the weapons, certain consumables, equipment and player’s decisions during missions influence the Forest as well.
What prompted the studio to settle on Paris as the main location for Forest Reigns?
Paris offers a rich historical and cultural backdrop, making it an exciting setting for exploration and survival. Its unique architecture combined with the contrast between urban landscapes and the overgrown nature was the main reason for choosing it.
Also, Paris is a popular tourist destination, so many players who’ve been to the City of Light will recognize and compare the real places to our artistic interpretations. It’s pretty fascinating when you’re playing a video game and suddenly think: “Hey, I’ve been there!”
"Paris offers a rich historical and cultural backdrop, making it an exciting setting for exploration and survival."
With the claim of a constantly shifting world, how weird can be some of the encounters?
Expect the unexpected! The world of Forest Reigns is alive, constantly evolving and reacting to your actions. One moment, you could be navigating peaceful forests, and the next moment, the landscape might shift into something surreal and dangerous, with new unseen species and lethal traps.
While we’ll provide all means (for example, equipment and hints) for planning your scouting, looting and combat with enemies, the sense of mystery will keep every piece of action exciting and unique.
How deep do the survival mechanics in Forest Reigns go? Will there be things like hunger and thirst to keep track of? Will there be any sort of base-building?
Though there won’t be anything like hunger and thirst, resources will be scarce, and survival will require constant scavenging. Crafting is a key part of survival too. You’ll be able to craft weapons, medical supplies, and other useful items, as well as repair and upgrade your gear to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Base-building isn’t part of the plan, but players will have access to faction settlements if they manage to keep good relationships with them.
Are there any plans to add multiplayer of any sort to the game?
We don’t have any plans for multiplayer at the moment, as our focus is solely on developing a high-quality, story-driven single-player FPS. However, we’re open to the possibility in the future.
"Crafting is a key part of survival too."
Can you give us an idea of some of the themes that Forest Reigns is trying to convey? How will themes like the reclamation of a human-made city by nature play into the game’s story?
Forest Reigns aligns perfectly with our company mission: “Our mission is to create games that expand the limits of human experience and raise thought-provoking questions about science, ecology, the relationships between humans and nature, modern civilization, cruelty, and spirituality.”Our new game explores the tension between humanity and nature, highlighting the consequences of modern civilization. After playing Forest Reigns, we believe players will gain a fresh perspective and feel more connected to and caring for nature.
Can we expect the game to be released this year?
We’re keeping this under wraps for now and will announce the release date when we’re ready.
Do you have any interest in bringing your game to PS5, Xbox Series X | S and Switch 2?
Yes, PS5 and Xbox Series X are on our to-do list, but no Switch 2 for now. If anything changes, we’ll keep our followers updated via our newsletter and social media.
