The world of Slashin’ was looking a little bare. There were trees, buildings and paths, but a lot of empty ground between them. So I added grass, flowers and reeds.
It’s surprising how much a little greenery changes the feel of a place.
The same corner of the village, before on the left and after on the right.
Same village, same buildings, same path. With plants filling the gaps, it feels much less empty — and a lot more inviting to explore.
Taking a walk
Of course, I couldn’t just leave the new plants standing there.
Walk through them and they bend out of your way, then spring back behind you. Small creatures barely disturb them; bigger monsters make rather more of an entrance.
The plants also react to weapon swings, knockback and explosions. I thought I’d start with a nice walk for the video, though. Give the flowers a moment to settle in.
A little room to grow
I wanted the greenery to feel at home in each map. Reeds line the water’s edge in the swamps, while flowers brighten the meadows and villages. The plants grow in uneven patches, with dense little clumps giving way to open ground.
Wind adds movement even when nothing is passing through. Its strength changes with the weather, and gusts sweep through the plants. In fog and magical weather, the wind falls quiet.
Together, these details make familiar places feel more alive. Sometimes I’ll run through a patch of grass just to watch it react. No quest, no loot. Just grass.
What’s next for Slashin’?
Slashin’ is an action RPG I’m making for iOS and Android. I’m aiming for release this autumn, with beta testing before launch. Exact dates are still to be announced.
If you’d like to try it, sign up to hear when the beta opens.