At first glance, Stained‘s visual style seems to be very reminiscent of Trine. But once you take a deeper look, the similarities start to fade. While it’s a 2D platformer, Stained looks to stand out from its competition by creating seemingly random experiences powered by the shattered remains of stained glass.
At first glance, Stained‘s visual style seems to be very reminiscent of Trine. But once you take a deeper look, the similarities start to fade. While it’s a 2D platformer, Stained looks to stand out from its competition by creating seemingly random experiences powered by the shattered remains of stained glass.
Stained is a two-dimensional platformer that places you in the role of a mysterious black-robed, scythe-carrying creature who’s occupying an equally mysterious lifeless planet. The game takes place at what used to be the center of an ancient civilization before it was wiped out in war. The inhabitants of this kingdom were overrun by monsters known as the Scourge. The few survivors lined the windows with stained glass as a way to preserve their history.
If the title didn’t give it away for you, this glass is a focal point in the game. Visually, the effects of the glass look to be stunning. In what’s an otherwise dreary world, the sunlight hitting the stained glass adds a much needed splash of color.
What makes the stained glass special is that it’s not only used to form the enemies you’ll encounter, but the chunks of glass scattered about also lead to various events. Different combinations of glass will alter those events in different ways. The same concept also applies to enemies. RealAxis Software says that “victory is usually temporary” and they mean it. After defeating a glass enemy, it’s likely to either re-form later, or form into a brand new creature.
Stained looks to be a game where every experience is unique. As of right now, the platforming appears to be solid, and the art style, while not necessarily unique, is vivid and polished. RealAxis is trying to give every player a slightly different experience every time, whether it be with new monsters or new events. Breaking a mirror may result in seven years of bad luck, but breaking some glass looks like it’s going to be a fun time.
Stained is currently does not have a release date, but will be released first on the PC, then later on Mac.
