Exploring the Potential of “Dive the Depths”: An Exclusive Interview with Developer Kangfu Zhang

During my attendance at Gamescom Asia 2024, the indie showcase prominently featured a fascinating title called Dive the Depths. Its unique art style and captivating soundtrack instantly drew my attention. Although I didn’t get the chance to converse with Kangfu Zhang, the game’s developer, at the event, I was able to connect with him later for an insightful discussion about the game’s concept, development journey, and more.

If you’re interested in exploring a rogue-lite adventure set in the eerie underwater realms populated with eldritch horrors, you’re in for a treat. Here’s what I learned about Dive the Depths.

Dive the Depths: Insights from Developer Kangfu Zhang

Introducing Dive the Depths

Zhang: Dive the Depths is an action roguelite that immerses players in the mysterious depths of the ocean. You’ll venture through various biomes, each with distinct ecosystems, as you combat a plethora of engaging enemies.

Your journey will lead to encounters with formidable bosses, each creating a unique challenge. Defeating these bosses yields valuable rewards and insights that prepare you for the overwhelming final confrontation.

The project started as my personal venture following my graduation from polytechnic school. As I progressed, numerous friends from my education background joined the project temporarily, each contributing their unique skills to enhance the game’s development.

What Inspired the Ocean Depths Setting?

Zhang: My initial inspirations for settings included both the ocean and outer space, primarily due to their mysterious nature, which opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and gameplay.

Ultimately, I settled on the ocean after delving into Subnautica, which showcased the potential for an engrossing narrative in underwater environments.

The Development Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

Zhang: The development process has been quite an adventure. For the first few months, I was a one-person team, handling everything from art and programming to music, which understandably led to a lot of stress. My background was mainly in game jams, so the transition to a commercial project came with its fair share of hurdles.

For instance, creating the map generation system proved to be particularly time-consuming. I spent three intensive days developing a basic framework while coping with some chaotic coding practices due to time constraints. However, the experience has been immensely educational, and I’m eager to take these lessons into future projects.

The Allure of Art Style and Soundtrack

Zhang: I was drawn to pixel art long before starting Dive the Depths. Its nostalgic charm resonates deeply with me. Games like Risk of Rain, Terraria, and various titles from Arcsys are some of my favorites that employ this style. My goal is for players to feel the dedication and passion we poured into the game’s artwork.

Regarding the music, I compose every track myself. While I’m still mastering music theory, crafting soundscapes that convey the essence of each boss has been an exciting endeavor. For example, the aggressive nature of the boss Nachtlicht is evident in its high-BPM synth-heavy theme, while Caverna uses conventional instruments to highlight its clam-like attributes.

Designing Engaging Boss Encounters

Zhang: In designing boss encounters, I drew significant inspiration from games like Risk of Rain and Terraria. While Risk of Rain features distinctly patterned attacks, Terraria offers bosses that gain new attacks through different phases, escalating the challenge.

My design approach ensures that each boss fight features escalating intensity through recognizable attack patterns, culminating in a rewarding power spike as players acquire new abilities or traits, offering a unique customization experience.

Campaign and Gameplay Duration

Zhang: There is indeed an overarching narrative that unfolds through player exploration, interaction with NPCs, and item descriptions. Typically, players can expect each run to last over thirty minutes, though mastering the game will likely require several attempts due to its learning curve.

Additionally, the game will feature various quirky achievements, making it difficult to predict how long 100% completion will take. Best of luck to those aiming for that!

Player Feedback: A Valuable Resource

Zhang: At Gamescom Asia, the demo of Dive the Depths garnered significant attention and positive feedback. We’ve noted that much of the feedback is focused on quality-of-life improvements, which can be tricky to pinpoint without thorough playtesting.

I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to play our game and particularly to those who provided invaluable feedback.

Looking Ahead: Release Timeline

Zhang: We are aiming for an early launch in the upcoming year!

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