In Giant Sparrow's latest developer diary for The Unfinished Swan, the studio gives us a look in how they tackle the art and design for the game.
Here's what Level Designer Ben Esposito had to say regarding the game's unique levels:
We had a very unique creative process. In planning out each level, we used a series of index cards representing emotional beats. I would then work with Ian to put together a rough version of the level. If something didn’t feel right, we’d cut it out and shuffle our cards. Hokyo sums it up really well when he says the experience of play is more like eating a meal than looking at a painting. We eat with our entire bodies, at our own pace, using all of our senses. The metaphor of food isn’t purely conceptual; both Hokyo and Ian’s love of food manifests itself in the personality of the King character. In one chapter, players explore the King’s dining hall, complete with an abandoned feast. Also, see if you can find a giant piece of toast hidden somewhere.
Currently, The Unfinished Swan is sitting at a good 80 average on Metacritic. Not bad for a first-person painting game, no? It's now available for PS+ members, while vanilla PSN users will need to wait until October 23 to be able to play it.
Has anyone here tried it? Is it good and quirky as most people claim it is?