Today, Failbetter Games has announced that its popular title, Sunless Skies, will be receiving a new version called Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition. It will be ported to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch while also receiving a release on PC. It will be released in the first half of 2020. Players who already own Sunless Skies will receive the Sovereign Edition for free.
The sequel to 2015's Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies is a gothic horror roleplaying game that focuses on exploration and emergent storytelling. With such a focus, over 800,000 words have been written to help tell its tale.
So far, Failbetter Games' approach to developing games has been successful, with their latest title being nominated for many awards, most notably with PAX West selecting it as one of the ten best indie titles of 2019.
Failbetter Games Narrative Designer Chris Gardiner has a lot to say about the newest update for Sunless Skies.
"We're overhauling the character progression user interface, and introducing a range of new Facets to define your captain's past," said Gardiner. "Perhaps you lost your soul (and found it again), or attended a seance. Perhaps you have a hobby, or are close to rats, Devils, spies or Rubbery Men. Experienced captains will be able to continue to raise their stats even after reaching the level cap, extending the late game experience."
Gardiner also talks about the console versions and how they had to ensure that the gameplay remained "smooth and intuitive". Besides that, players for all versions of the game will be able to find new ways to trade and exploit, a new engine to acquire for the more advanced players, and new stories for starving crew members that will be added. They will try and eat many different things that would otherwise not be permissible.
What do you think of this announcement? Have you played either title in the series? Let us know in the comments!
