A Closer Look at the Creation of the Two Worlds in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
Welcome, gamers! We’re excited to announce the release of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie on Xbox Series X|S. This narrative adventure takes you on a journey through two vibrant worlds, filled with unique characters and an engaging story. Let’s dive into the inspiration behind the game and how the mechanics and narrative intertwine.
The Birth of a Concept
The core concept of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie centers around the ability to see future narrative branches and make choices that shape the story. This idea led us to explore the concept of dreams as a source of power for future actions and an opportunity to explore complex themes. We wanted the game to exist in a slightly futuristic setting, close enough to our world to address contemporary issues, but with enough creative freedom to tell a captivating story.
Building Reverie: Balancing Gameplay and Narrative
Creating Reverie, the realm of the Aspirations, was a crucial step in aligning gameplay mechanics with narrative intentions. Our goal was to provide Polly, the protagonist, and players like you with a broader perspective of the world. However, we didn’t want Reverie to feel excessively divine. Instead, we aimed for a fragile realm, one that withered under the weight of a dreamless system driven by capitalism. This setting served as a bridge between the impactful choices and consequences of gameplay and the intimate story we wanted to tell.
Brittle, the real world within the game, was designed as a bright and vivid place, where social issues were concealed. In contrast, Reverie’s lands were cold, barren, and reminiscent of ancient civilizations, reflecting the absence of dreams in Brittle. This stark contrast emphasized the idea that dreams hold hope even in the face of despair, and serve as a catalyst for greatness.
Inspiration Behind the Aspirations
The Aspirations, the godlike beings in Reverie, were inspired by various mythological and psychological theories, including Spiral Dynamics and popular culture classics like “Sandman” and “Inside Out.” We wanted them to feel real and flawed, rather than all-powerful Greek gods. This added depth to their characters and portrayed them as magical, unpredictable entities who, despite their immortality, were still grappling with their own community struggles. Their journey paralleled what was happening in Brittle, creating a meaningful connection between Polly’s quest and the Aspirations.
Narrative Balancing Act
Developing two worlds simultaneously within our narrative system presented challenges, particularly in terms of balancing the storytelling between Brittle and Reverie. After some iteration, we decided to make Brittle the main setting of the game, allowing Reverie’s storyline to take center stage during pivotal moments. This approach ensured that Reverie’s narrative felt both impactful on a larger scale, influencing humanity, and intimate, as it was intertwined with Polly’s personal history.
We hope you dive into the captivating story of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie and draw inspiration from Polly’s journey through Reverie. Get ready to experience the game on Xbox Series X|S and embark on an adventure like no other!
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
Price: $24.99 ($22.49 with discount)
The fate of humanity is in your hands. Use your clairvoyant abilities to prevent an impending apocalypse that threatens to disrupt the balance between our world and that of the deities.
In the Very Near Future…
Polly returns to her hometown after a long absence, only to discover that it has drastically changed. The megacorporation MK holds control over the population, putting her community at risk. As she explores further, she realizes she possesses the gift of clairvoyance, connecting her to Reverie, the realm of the Aspirations of Humanity.
As Harmony, an Oracle in Reverie, Polly must choose which Aspiration will ultimately rule over the realm and restore balance between the two worlds. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance, and it’s up to you to decide its destiny.
Decide Your Destiny
Every action you take as Polly/Harmony will have a profound impact on both worlds. Through the Augural, a game board visualizing Polly’s gift of foresight, you can see the consequences of your choices and explore various narrative paths. Bond with the Aspirations and collect crystals that unlock different storylines and determine the fate of humanity.
Find the New Heart of Humanity
The Aspiration that leads Reverie will not only shape the realm but also become the heart of humanity. Each Aspiration has a unique personality and ruling style, influencing Reverie and providing a new direction for our world. Strengthening the link between the two worlds amplifies Reverie’s impact on humanity. The choice is yours to make – decide what your world truly needs as Polly.
A Colorful World
Immerse yourself in a vibrant and futuristic Mediterranean city as you embark on this adventure. Interact with a fully voiced and animated cast of characters, and enjoy the enchanting soundtrack composed by Lena Raine.