This is our quick interview with the creators of HopBound coming soon on iOS and Android. Before the game is released, we would like to take this opportunity to ask a few questions about the game – hopefully without spoiling too much of the action. 😉
Let’s go!
— Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. We would first like to start by asking you to give us a brief overview of the game without giving away too much.
HopBound is a pixel platformer game much like DERE EVIL .EXE. However, HopBound focuses less on meta fourth-wall-breaking and comedy that DERE EVIL EXE did, and instead focuses on unsettling psychological horror and the mysteries behind Mayumi, the protagonist of the game.
— How long has this game been in development and what inspired the creation of this brand new title?
The game has been in development since February of this year. However, the story is a mixture of plot elements that came from other projects in the AppSir universe that never got released such as a cancelled AppSir game called “Obscure Arcade”, which was supposed to release in 2018, and a visual novel that was supposed to be released last year. Unfortunately, because of my personal struggles I was not able to finish the games back then. It ended up being a good thing though, as this unholy mixture of the two games that turned out to be HopBound is my personal favorite AppSir game… for now.
— Are there any elements or details you paid special attention to when creating this new game?
Instead of going for the colorful look of previous games like DERE EVIL EXE, we took the risk to stand out by using only four colors to evoke the nostalgic charm of 90s handheld games. We also opted for a story that’s smaller in scale compared to its predecessor. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a rethread of the same storylines from DERE EXE and DERE EVIL EXE. I wanted to showcase AppSir’s variety. Plus, this story is especially meaningful to me. Aside from that, I find the endless mode of the game to be particularly addictive one you figure out the flow.
— Without giving away exactly what “it” is or where to expect “it”, is there anything you are especially excited to see players reactions to once the game is released?
I know everyone has expectations for how the story of this game is going to go down. I’m just excited to know that this game won’t go the way they think. I’m excited to see the reactions. I know some will not like that it’s not DERE EVIL EXE, while some might like it better than DERE EVIL EXE. Whichever the case, I’ve long resolved that part of me as a developer. I want to make games that I want to make, not what I’m supposed to, and not to pander to people. I’ll only end up miserable as a developer. That’s part of the reason why AppSir started anyway. I wanted several standalone games with one long mysterious storyline, and I wanted to play games that are like AppSir’s but they didn’t exist back then. So I wanted to make them.
— Point blank question. Are there any easter eggs in this game for players to discover?
Yes. One they may accidentally discover, one that they might discover in a few months, and a couple that no one will know about for years only to be discovered by someone one day. That’s how I’m predicting it will go anyway.
— Last question. When is the game scheduled to be released and where can players pre-order the game?
The game comes out on June 9, 2020. They can pre-order it on the App Store now, pre-register on Google Play or wishlist on Steam. They can also visit the website for more HopBound content.
