Aeternox

Disclaimer: This Game was created in 2023 in a timeframe of 8 Weeks by students of Games Academy. Additionally, this game only has a German localisation!

About the Project

The main goal of Spectral Production was the development of a 3D Action RPG in Unreal Engine 5.3 with the use of the latest technologies available. Tessellation and displacements made with Nanite were supposed to be used to make the environment look even more stunning, however, as these technologies would not work the way they were supposed to, the team switched to vertex painting with hide blending to achieve a wonderful atmosphere. Whereas level streaming helps keeping the performance in check, the foilage used in the levels are painted with Nanite enabled to further boost performance, while achieving a visual pleasing result. Niagara is used as a base for all VFX.

Furthermore, the team was able to import themselves as NPCs into the game via MetaHuman and even voice the NPCs afterwards. All this has been achieved,  despite the fact, that almost no documentation was available. Thanks to the tirelessly efforts, ambitions and pioneer mindset of the team, we are more than happy to present you our final product "Aeternox".

Story

In Aeternox, you will embark on a journey to restore balance between two worlds, created by the twin gods Lysandra of Light and Obskurion of Darkness. Through Obskurion's evil influence, it now lies in your hands to repell the armies of darkness. To achieve this feat, you will learn to wield a mysterious sword, enchanted by even more mysterious powers. Throughout your journey you will become more powerful and ultimately discover an ancient plot surrounding you and the entire world, that has been set in motion nearly a millenia ago.

Main Features

Narrative Storytelling

Discover and experience an engaging story, that will unfold in many different aspects. Travel along different areas, from a run down village to an eery cemetry and discover the secrets hidden within the world. Put the all the puzzle pieces togehter to fully understand the divine machinations behind the scenes.

Combat System

Fight your way through Obskurion's evil forces in a soulslike combat system. Fend of hordes of evil goblins, but beware of the overlords, powerfull and frightening beings, who will pose a much higher thread.

Quests and Levels

Fulfill the main quests in order to progress through the game and experience the story or take a break and help out people in need in order to gain more levels and be prepared for whatever evil will undoubtly throw your way.

Skillpoints and Skilltrees

Gain skillpoints by leveling up or by completing main quests so that new, powerfull abilities can be unlockend. Don't worry though, skills can be changed whenever you are not in combat and it's completely free!

About the Development Team

Production

Giuseppe Napoli - Project Lead, Co-Tech Lead, Projectmanagement, Documentation, Presentation

Marcel Pospiech – Mentor, Risk Management, Unreal Engine Support, Video Editing, Event Planning

 

Game Design Department

Nicolas Gail - Game Design Lead, QA, Balancing

Marc Hoffmann - Level Progression, Weapon Progression, Balancing

Hieronymus Siegmund - Quest Design, Voiceline Dialogue, Narrative Level Design

Alexander Moser - Narrative Level Design, 3D Environment

Yasmin Herold - Narrative Level Design, 3D Environment

Pascal Kruse - Storytelling, Cutscene Art

 

Programming Department

Marius Mörsch - Co- Tech Lead, Backend, Quest System, Dialogsystem, Load & Save System, Sound Implementation

Rashid Ouro Gandi - Gegner KI

Silja Weßels - Puzzle Mechanics, Interaction Feedback

Giuseppe Napoli - Character, Combat System, Audio Implementation, Animation Implementation

Marc Hoffmann - Skill System, User Interface

 

Art Department

Alex Radwansky - Art Lead, 3D Character, Clothing

Fabienne Zwicker - Character Concepts, Enemy 3D Model, Branding / Logos, Enemy Weapons

Pete Kaag - Character: Rigging und Animationen

Leo Reit - 3D Environment, Environment Concepts, Lighting

Benno Hobrecht - 3D Environment, Prop, Lighting

Nico Enns - Tech Art/VFX, Lighting

External Team Members

Johannes Renner (Audio Creature) - Sound- und Audio Design

Markus Zierhoefer (Audio Creature) - Audio Supervision

Nicolas Heese (Audio Creature) - Audio Supervision

Marcel Roehringer -  3D Environment Consultation

Leander Klaus - Voiceacting

Nils Rueger - Character Rig & Implementation Consultation

Markus Dullnig - Performance Optimization Consultation

Felix Guenther - Level/ Narrative Design Consultation