On the eve of the technical test of Arknights: Endfield, the Japanese portal 4gamer.net conducted a text interview with the game developers from Hypergryph. We have prepared a translation of this interview for our readers.
Hypergryph was founded in 2017 in Shanghai, and 2 years later released the mobile game Arknights, which received popularity and good reviews from players. The company is currently developing three projects, including Arknights: Endfield.
Arknights: Endfield was announced in March 2022, but when did development on this game begin?
The story of Arknights: Endfield was roughly conceived along with the story of Arknights, and the concept of the game gradually became clearer around August 2021, when we first tried out several prototypes of the concept and gameplay. After discussions, it was decided that the game would be a cross-platform RPG with a strategic combat system.
We optimized the prototypes to improve gameplay, and at the same time worked on the cinematic video. After the video was released, we moved on to the official development of the game, taking into account user feedback.
Can you tell us about the plot of the game?
The player becomes the “administrator” and heads the industrial construction company Endfield, which uses science and technology to explore the planet Talos II. While fighting Angelos and “erosion,” players will have to establish a base to create a new home for humanity. However, we plan to further refine and improve the plot and setting.
Are there any connections between the plot of Endfield and Arknights?
As players expected, there is a certain connection. However, each game has a different theme and story direction that we want to express, so we hope that players will find something appealing in both games.
Is it possible that the characters from Arknights coming to Endfield?
In fact, we’ve received a lot of feedback from people who would like to see “familiar” characters in the game. We are considering how best to do this and are positive about this issue.
What is most important to you about world setting and UI design?
Based on the concept of inheriting the UI design from Arknights, we wanted to create a cleaner and fresher UI design. The graphics of the world are different from other games, it is made in a more realistic style. We strive to capture the beauty of a dangerous world and create something that feels both realistic and fantastical.
Endfield is billed as a “3D RPG with real-time strategy elements,” but what sets it apart from other games in the same genre?
The game is based on real-time battles, in which users choose characters and form teams. The player controls one character in a team, but you can switch between team members and defeat the enemy by combining the skills of different heroes. We’ve reduced the control difficulty and focused on combat strategy and fun. We hope you enjoy the real-time control.
Tell us about the gameplay and available content.
The gameplay includes exploring the map, going through the main storyline, as well as strengthening your character to gain access to more complex areas of the world. In addition to increasing your character’s stats, you can also craft various items to defeat your enemies, such as crafting equipment and collecting useful resources.
Tell us about the combat system in the game. Is it possible to activate “auto-fight”?
Players can control their characters in real time during combat and activate skills, as well as switch to other characters to use their skills. When using a skill, combat temporarily stops and the player can determine the target of the skill activation. Thus, the use of skills becomes strategic.
Various effects can be generated by a combination of a character’s physical skills and attributes, as well as physical states and attribute energy generated during combat. This means that you can use effects that deal more damage and thus increase the effectiveness of the battle.
The game doesn’t currently have an “auto-battle” feature, but there may be a gameplay option to make battles easier in the future.
Tell us about the crafting system. What was the intent behind introducing this mechanic??
Players can create special machines that will provide energy. In addition, the machines can be used to automatically collect materials such as minerals and produce various useful items. As the energy network develops, it will be possible to build cable cars to make it easier for players to move between zones. These elements are pleasant in themselves, and in the future they will allow you to receive a “large number” of items “for free”.
In addition, cars can be placed anywhere on the map. By modifying and planning their placement, you will feel immersed in the game world. Most of the items created can be used not only for construction in the game, but also to improve the character. This allows you to comprehensively develop your character.
What about character development and customization elements?
Characters can be developed in terms of level and skills. In addition, you can expand the range of strategies depending on the combination of equipment and weapons. Players can choose a fighting style that suits their preferences, or focus on character stats and make the most of a combination. For example, if you want to fight while carefully monitoring your opponent’s condition, you can reduce the reuse time of your character’s skills, and if you just want to deal damage, you can combine equipment that increases attack power.
Equipment can be obtained by exploring the world or created from resources. Different combinations of equipment produce different effects, and the player decides what equipment to give to which character, so the possibilities for strategy are endless.
What are the background and intentions behind the creation of the global publishing brand GRYPHLINE?
GRYPHLINE is committed to providing high quality gaming content to users around the world. The current boom in the video game market gives us new energy and a sense of great potential. We will continue to provide enjoyable games to users around the world, optimize the operating environment for international games, and strive for deeper communication with our users.
What are your plans for the future?
GRYPHLINE will continue to operate under three slogans:
- Commitment to creativity and innovation. We will focus on developing new games, including those in development, that will be more creative and include more innovative ideas. We promise to deliver a better experience and better services, including more story and immersive gameplay than ever before.
- The user comes first. We want to strengthen our connections with the community and increasingly focus on listening to the real opinions of our users. We strive to grow with your passion and enthusiasm.
- Global expansion. Through global expansion, we will expand our reach to players around the world. We will create content that suits different cultures and needs, spread the appeal of our games around the world and strive to make them enjoyable for as many users as possible.
What can you say to your fans?
Thank you very much for your support! Thanks to your support, we are pleased to announce the “launch of our global brand” and our new developments.
First of all, we decided to conduct worldwide technical testing of Arknights: Endfield. We hope that both Arknights players and non-Arknights players will enjoy the game. We invite you to explore the world of Arknights: Endfield and share your thoughts and opinions with us.
We are also preparing to release Ex Astris, a turn-based combat RPG with attractive world art and character designs, and Popucom, a 3D multiplayer adventure game that can be enjoyed with friends and family. We will continue to make every effort to release games that meet the expectations of Japanese users. We look forward to your continued support of GRYPHLINE!
