OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast

OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a game that combines sandbox survival with relaxing simulation. This indie game was developed by Cliff Mitchell and Emma SanCartier. The couple have some connections to the games industry through Cliff, who previously worked for over 12 years as an animator on Halo Infinite and Dragon Age: Origins (as well as films like Megamind and How to Train Your Dragon). The project was crowdfunded on Kickstarter.

Plot

The living world of OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a really unusual place, because the word "living" should be taken completely literally. The action of the game takes place on the surface of the terrabeast - a huge cosmic entity, which according to legends can grow for miles. It is so huge that life with many different ecosystems can thrive on its back. However, it also attracts a destructive plague and many malicious creatures. Therefore, the terrabeast lives in symbiosis with Astor, a special species of strange creatures (i.e. the title OddFauna) that cares about the health of the world and seeks out special seeds called TerraSeeds. This is the role players take on in OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast.

Mechanics

Although OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast can basically be classified as a simulation survival game in an open world, the game of the Cliff Mitchel's team is probably closest to the very popular Animal Crossing series. However, instead of developing our own island like in New Horizons, here we take care of the natural ecosystem and its inhabitants. At least in theory, because the game gives us a lot of freedom in controlling the environment. We can shape the earth like clay, raising or lowering the terrain, water level and temperature. There is also a system of alchemy, using elements to manipulate any object in the game world. All this allows for the creation of a variety of biomes, but also a variety of pranks, and the game not only does not stop us from rash actions, but actually encourages us to experiment.

Nevertheless, there are many reasons for taking care of the health of the world (terrabeast). This is because it is inhabited by numerous species of strange animals called OddFauna. Many of them can befriend Astor, allowing you to acquire new crafting recipes and useful items, or even travel companions. However, each species differs in behaviour and preferences. Some live in forests and simply bringing them their delicacy is enough to gain their trust. Others prefer hot deserts, open meadows, etc., and will only befriend you after you build them a shelter or "talk" to Astor.

What's more, a healthy Terrabeast will grow at the start of each season. Along with it, the game world expands, unlocking new locations, biomes and seeds (the latter of which can be crossbred to create new varieties). However, this also brings with it new challenges in the form of hostile creatures, harmful natural phenomena and a plague that destroys everything in its path. However, if you overcome these and other challenges, you may come across unique, legendary specimens of OddFauna, which can reward you handsomely for your efforts in caring for your Terrabeast.

Game modes

OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a strictly single player game with one game mode. However, the adventure is extended by random world generation at the beginning of the game, which encourages further adventures.

Technical aspects

The 3D, slightly simplistic graphics of OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast again bring to mind the Animal Crossing series, albeit the resemblance is only superficial. All objects in the game began life as hand-crafted sculptures created by Emma SanCartier, which were then transferred to the game engine using 3D photo-scanning. Combined with an unusual animation system, this gives OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast a unique style. The developers planned to further enhance it by engaging Hiroki Kikuta (Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana) to compose the soundtrack, which was one of the first goals of the additional campaign on Kickstarter.