Some say every piece of art is based on another in some way, and video games certainly aren’t unique in that regard. With a history spanning generations, the children who used to play on SNES or OG PlayStation are now the ones developing games. One example isShrine’s Legacy,an upcoming 2D RPG from Positive Concept Games that takes inspiration from classic titles. In a recent interview with Game Rant, Positive Concept Games' creative director Alan Gabbard and technical director Joseph DukediscussedShrine’s Legacy’s inspirations.
While some games might be more obvious to spot, like the bosses in the2DLegend of Zeldagames, there are more subtle references as well. In fact, Gabbard and Duke worry some of their more obscure inspirations have fallen out of public perception. What was most important to Positive Concept Games is properly making their game feel like an adventure with real stakes and memorable characters. Based on the games they had grown to love, Duke and Gabbard decided they would try to take inspiration from past titles while evolving the formula in their own way.
TheSuper Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)first released near the end of 1990, over 30 years ago. While it didn’t boast flashy graphics or complicated mechanics compared to today’s offerings, the SNES still managed to capture hearts through the variety of stories players had access to. This stands out in the minds of Gabbard and Duke, who grew up playing titles likeSoul Blazer,Terranigma,andIllusion of Gaia.These titles would go on to play a big part in creatingShrine’s Legacy, Gabbard said.
“We have this problem where it’s really obvious thatIllusion of Gaia, Terranigma,andSoul Blazerare big influences, but they’re really niche.”
The two developers expressed worry that as time goes on, these games that mean so much to them won’t be recognized, especially the inspirations their game takes from it. That being said,Shrine’s Legacycan be a memorial, if not a beacon, for the titles that inspired it.
Legend of Zelda, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy
When entering the first dungeon of theShrine’s Legacydemo, which is available on Positive Concept Games' website, the player may recognize red slimes crawling around the dungeon floor. When they encounter the boss monster, they’ll be confronted with a giant blob of slime reminiscent of a boss from one of theZeldagames. The developers at Positive Concept Games feeltheLegend of Zeldaseries had the best puzzles and bosses, and choseSecret of Manaas another influence due to its co-op. Gabbard discussed what they pulled from in detail.
“I would say like the biggest influences for what it is today would be games likeLink to the Past,theManaseries, especially for the co-op, and the storytelling ofFinal Fantasy.”
Something the developers pressed on was how much they wanted the story and characters to be as dynamic and meaningful asthe onesFinal Fantasyhas been able to pull off for decades. While characters will range from evil to loveable, the most important ones will have an arc meant to create a more lively environment inShrine’s Legacy.
Shrine’s Legacyis a love letterto the classic JRPGsthat paved the way for many of the games that players have today. With a new story and a memorable cast of characters, Positive Concept Games seeks to create an experience that borrows from these classic titles while evolving on the classic JRPG formula.
