Today, I thought I’d give a quick update on what I’ve been working on and show off the new game I’m busy building. It’s a Cyberpunk/Cybernoir thriller that unfolds as an interactive manga/graphic novel called Reed/Wright Cycle.

Set in a future where cybernetic augmentation of the human body is the norm, you play as a fully cybernetic private detective trying to solve a case of corporate espionage.

Synopsis

The game features lush, detailed graphics set in an 80’s style cyberpunk world. When completed, you will have more that twenty unique locations that you can visit, explore and interact with.

PUBLIC BETA

Reed/Wright Cycle is currently in open beta via TestFlight for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV (with a required extended MFi Gamepad). We’d love to get your feedback and help make the game better. You can join the public beta here: https://testflight.apple.com/join/7SfToPrc 

Gameplay

The game UI is presented in the style of an 80’s graphic novel/manga where there are three distinct modes of gameplay:

  • Manga Pages – These act as “cutscenes”, provide information and move the game narrative forward.
  • Multi-Choice Dialogs – These allow the player to make “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” types of decisions and to drive conversations with in-game characters.
  • 3D Exploration – Manga pages that can be navigated in 360 degrees of freedom with interactive hotspots.

Manga Pages

Here’s an example of a Manga Page, these are the opening pages of the game:

Multi-Choice Dialogs

Here’s an example of a Multi-Choice Dialog, working with the computer in your office:

3D Exploration

Here’s an example of 3D Exploration in the game, exploring the crime scene:

Lush Graphics

The game features lushly rendered, highly detailed graphics that are set to match the cinematic style of several of my favorite cyberpunk movies such as Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell and Netflix’s Altered Carbon.

Most of the imagery was rendered in Daz Studio on an M1 based Mac Studio computer. Daz 3D has been a lifesaver allowing me to purchase high quality 3D content at a veryreasonable rate and kit bash multiple purchases (along with custom 3D models, Materials and Textures) to bring this world alive.

As an indie developer, having access to Daz is like having my own team of graphics artist. A game of this size and scope wouldn’t be possible for me otherwise. You really should check them out!

Coming Q4 2023

If things work out as planned, I hope to release the game in the Fall/Winter of 2023 on the Apple App Store for iPad, iPhone and Apple TV. The iPad really presents the best viewing experience, but the game works nicely on the iPhone and Apple TV too. Actually, using an MFi Extended gamepad, playing on the Apple TV has become my favorite version now.

Stay tuned for more future details and possible public betas. I’d love to get you feedback, so hit me up @KevinAtAppra on Twitter.