How RPG classes inspired the character switching system of PS4’s Pankapu, out September

During the creation of your game, it’s impossible not to get inspired by what has been already made. As both passionate players and creators, players and devs, we wanted to do what we liked, even if this meant creating a Frankenstein’s monster, a hybrid between two styles. It is with this energy that we have created Pankapu, inspired by the games we grew up with.

Pankapu is a colourful action platformer in which you can freely switch between three outfits, or Aegis, each providing the player with specific powers and abilities. There’s the Warrior, the Archer, and the Mage.

Despite the similitude with the game Trine, our switching system is clearly more inspired by the holy trinity of classes found in RPGs: Tank / DPS / Support. To fit the style of our game, these three classes have been redesigned with specific skills to be adapted for our level design and combat.

With a press of a pad trigger, the player can switch instantly their Aegises with direct impact on the gameplay.

Bravery

The scarlet warrior, performs powerful melee attacks and blocks enemy hordes with his shield.

Ardor

Our archer, fast but fragile. Its movement skills allow you to always stay away from enemies.

Faith

Our third Aegis, the mage, controls time and space. Its powers are used to stop time, immobilize enemies and teleport.

Our boss Tokatanka perfectly illustrates the importance of the switch system in Pankapu. We placed Tokatanka in an enclosed environment, surrounded by magnets. So, when the boss spits fire, the player must use Bravery, the only Aegis that can stick to magnets.

Following this attack, flames remain on the ground while the boss charges at Pankapu, which forces the player to switch to Ardor to double-jump over Tokatanka.

As the flames stay on the ground, the player switches to Faith to hover to the non-inflamed area and thus to avoid damages.

Another mechanic that we wanted to integrate during this fight is the reversal of gravity. Again, magnets placed on the ceiling allow Bravery to dodge enormous blazing projectiles.

But Tokatanka is not totally stupid. He also spits projectiles in the air, forcing the player to change the Aegis, to perform an infernal aerial dance.

We are convinced that this switch system gives depth and personality to Pankapu and we hope to share our universe with all of you.

There are plenty of other uses of this switch system in Pankapu. You will be able to ride the wind, freeze lava, destroy walls… and many more specific actions against opponents with particular patterns. Mastery and dexterity will be the key.

See you soon in the world of dreams on 20th September!