LCB Game Studio’s third Pixel Pulp, is out now on Xbox.
- LCB Game Studio has released its third Pixel Pulp, which is now available on Xbox.
- This unique and engaging interactive fiction game combines 20th-century ‘Pulps’ with 80s game aesthetics.
- Players can experience a captivating fusion of undercover cop drama, supernatural beliefs, and tornado-chasing road trips in this Pixel Pulp game.
Bahnsen Knights is the third Pixel Pulp released by LCB Game Studio. It’s an original approach to interactive fiction, combining early 20th-century genre narratives and 80s computer game aesthetics. We aspire to blend these disparate elements into a cohesive and immersive narrative experience.
It’s essential to note that our “Pixel Pulps” go beyond mere nostalgia; they offer a unique glimpse into an alternate past.
History of Bahnsen Knights
In Bahnsen Knights, players take on the role of Boulder, who embarks on an investigation into the disappearance of a fellow Agency member by infiltrating the Bahnsen Knights cult. Led by Toni, a former used car salesman, the cult believes that hell is above us and that tornadoes are the devil’s doing. Toni and his followers drive their Sierra to conduct ‘road exorcisms’ as a means of combating F5 tornadoes.
Similar to other Pixel Pulps, Bahnsen Knights aims to deliver a captivating narrative experience reminiscent of stories featured in pulp magazines that captivated readers in the first half of the 20th century.
Art of Bahnsen Knights
The visual design of Bahnsen Knights draws inspiration from the limited color palette of the ZX Spectrum console, which was restricted to six colors plus black and white with two levels of brightness. This choice, despite its potential for stridency when used in its entirety, is part of its inherent charm and nostalgia.
To ensure each Pixel Pulp has a distinct identity, we narrowed down the color palette to a couple of colors for each game. Drawing parallels with magazine printing techniques, we aimed to create the illusion of additional colors by blending small dots of two colors together.
In Bahnsen Knights, we leaned into a saturated red, complemented by magenta, to create a sense of alertness and imbue the visuals with a vibrant neon 80s quality that aligns seamlessly with the story.
Input in Bahnsen Knights
Our Pixel Pulps all utilize a choice-based input system that extends beyond typical choose-your-own-adventure decisions to control mini-games. Bahnsen Knights continues this tradition, offering an expansive system that aligns with our favorite game genres and also allows for experimentation with game design elements such as time, muscle memory, and reflexes. To top it all off, Bahnsen Knights features a variant of a solitaire game we designed – Cross Solitaire!
Time in Bahnsen Knights
Time plays a crucial role in enhancing the gripping nature of the story. As an infiltrated agent, Boulder is constantly on the verge of discovery, leaving no room for rest.
By incorporating quick-time events, counters, and various game design resources, we aim to disrupt the passive reading experience typically associated with interactive fiction games. This approach defies the norm, where time is often on the player’s side. One of the game’s achievements revolves around this aspect specifically – can you unlock it?
What Could Have Been and What Might be
Our Pixel Pulps, grounded in pulp-like narratives and pixel aesthetics reminiscent of an 1980s that might have been, defy the calcified design practices of the video game industry. They are not born out of yearning for the past, but rather from a past that is yet to come. We hope players will enjoy delving into this unique universe!
Bahnsen Knights
Chorus Worldwide Games
$9.99
In a world of religious fanaticism, F5 tornadoes and Ford Sierras you are Boulder, an undercover agent. Your assignment sees you infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights, a deadly, supercharged cult with an enigmatic leader. In this murky and dangerous world you must keep your wits about you and stay alive to unravel the mystery behind an old friend’s disappearance.
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