If you’ve ever walked into a strange room and eyed a closed door, pondering the mysteries it might conceal, then you’re already tapping into the essence of Blue Prince. Beyond each door, who knows? It might unravel into a warren, hide a cozy bedroom, or open up to a majestic ballroom.
Hi there, I’m Tonda Ros. As someone passionate about indie games with atmospheric flair, I’ve spent the past eight years immersed in creating a game that revolves around a sprawling manor teeming with enigmatic doors. Blue Prince emerged from blending big ideas from vastly different realms. It’s a harmony of mystery, strategy, and discovery, merging the immersive world of first-person puzzle adventures with the intricate drafting mechanics found in tabletop card games. Mark your calendars because it officially hits the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on April 10.
But you’re likely wondering, how does it all work?
Let’s talk about floor plan drafting. My journey kicked off almost ten years ago with a straightforward yet profound notion: “Every door is a choice.” This principle lies at the heart of Blue Prince. Mount Holly, the estate setting of the game, is far from ordinary. It’s a place where rooms morph, and expectations spiral. With each door you decide to open, you have a say in your fate.
Fancy a storeroom to gather essential tools? Or perhaps a library, where clues await? Maybe a simple corridor, offering a plethora of more doors to explore? Your choice dictates the immediate scene behind the door.
Creating this game was, in some ways, akin to playing Blue Prince itself. Both the players and I have been constructing this vast, ever-evolving mansion. A place filled with unforeseen challenges as we embark on our respective adventures. Room by room, decision by decision, we shape the house. As we build and explore, wandering from chamber to chamber, we seek answers and uncover clues.
For players, the real twist comes with the dawn of a new in-game day. By then, the house they’ve been investigating shifts its layout. New rooms come into existence, fresh objects appear, and new puzzles await. Every day brings more insights, unfurling the enigmatic rules that weave the fabric of this curious abode.
Now, about those shifting puzzles. Designing them for a mercurial mansion certainly posed challenges. Sometimes, a player might stumble upon a puzzle only to find a clue right in the next room. Others might need to traverse many spaces before unlocking its secret. But therein lies the charm. Each choice, item, and revelation crafts a unique adventure experience, distinctly different for every player.
Moreover, you’re never stuck with a single puzzle. The mansion offers multiple pathways and solutions. So, if you hit a mental block, just keep exploring. The manor holds answers in unexpected places, ensuring you’ll piece things together eventually.
As I wrap up this eight-year journey, I’m thrilled to pass the baton to you. Here’s a little tip before you start: knowing less about the game before diving in could enrich your experience. This piece has merely skimmed the surface of the mechanics and my design process. The deeper stories of Mount Holly await your discovery. And the wait isn’t long—Blue Prince opens its doors on April 10.
