‘Hyper Light Drifter’ - Inside the Video Game Inspired by a Life-Threatening Illness
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2016
- VICE spends time with developer Alx Preston, who has battled serious heart conditions all his life, but achieved his dream of producing an adventure game in the spirit of the classic Zelda titles.
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The coolest part about the game imo is that you can tell it's a game made by people who play games, and know what players want out of it. It's more than a love letter to classic games, it's a love letter to the people who have played them.
Mister Frostee goosebumps but this is so true
Mister Frostee youre at 420!
i felt the exact opposite playing this game tbh. this is my favorite genre of game and i find HLD impossible to enjoy. I feel as if the devs put zero thought into people actually enjoying or understanding the game.
@LOWLIIFEYT no offense, but this seriously reads like you just want everything handed to you. I can't blame you, modern gaming is a lot like that. Every game holds your hand now, but this goes back in time where you just have no idea. You're on your own, and that's ok to not enjoy. But it's not something to criticize
See? This is why videogames are an art medium as valid and profound as any other.
well, video games are the pinnacle of art.
art, sound design/music, (voice acting), story telling.
Video Games unites everything you can call art.
but some video games are less or more art than others.
Neoshenlong Archivo 2008 - 2011 yeah and artist live for free right? They need the money lol
YEAH!!!!!
Lisha xoxo bullshit
Mostly a combination of those and the way all of them blend toghether and make you feel immersed is what makes it unique as an art form
How did this information not get told before now? This is incredible. I am about to buy this right now
Same
wait till summer sale bro
the point is to support the dev man, kinda shallow to wait to support them less, but every purchase matters i guess
Anawesomecow818 right lol
skullfuuck 47 did not know that, thanks skuulfuck
''oh gosh it looks like you are fistfucking my heart''
Legend
VICE talked with Preston's family members and cardiologist to find out how he channeled his ongoing health concerns into his most exciting project yet.
I think this series is important. If you can unearth the pathos behind good emotive game design, it could inspire people to make more personal projects like Hyper Light.
completely agree kritmus.
+kritmus this comment was thoughtful. the game is gorgeous and worth many awards.
VICE
Thîs game is so fucking good.
i was also born with hear conditions ive had a valve replaced on the left side of my heart
Hyper light was amazing, even better with this knowledge.
ikr the value put in omg...
This game is so good it hurts.
Such a beautiful game, even better backstory. Wish more developers take note and realize not everything needs to be a HD shooter or zombie.
Check out Ori and the Blind Forest
That depends on what the developpers want to do. And there's a lot of other similar indie games coming out each day. In fact, big titles are only a small part of the gaming industry nowadays.
+EzeTarget can you recommend some titles? I've lost the urge to play video games because of that reason.
Aye Run
Ori and the Blind Forest (Metroidvania)
Momodora (Metroidvania)
Trine series (Puzzle platformer)
Shantae series (Metroidvania)
Axiom Verge (Metroidvania)
Hotline Miami (Top-down shooter)(Warning, it's violent)
Undertale (Adventure-RPG)(Must Play)
Rue Gemini (Point n Click Adventure)(and other similar awesome games made by it's developers)
Stardew Valley (Farming/Life sim)
To The Moon (Adventure) (Prepare for Tears)
Bastion, Transistor (Action-RPG)(Made by the same company)
Mark of the Ninja (Side scrolling stealth)
Rogue Legacy (Rogue like Platformer)
Defender's Quest (Tower Defense)
And these are only the really popular ones (and I've missed many).
^this x) Undertale and Hotline Miami are crazy good
An amazing game. One of the best pixel art i've seen.
FEZ is much better imo
I was not even close to impressed after 2 hrs, but I will give it a second chance when I get some more time.
Even if you don't like the game style or the gameplay, you can appreciated the amount of detail and effort that was put into it imo
Even if other games beat it in terms of art and gameplay, everyone should remember that it was created because of someone's condition: That giant titan thing that attacked the Drifter after he fell over and started coughing?
Yeah, that's his heart disease and guillotine.
You need to look at more more art games I guess.
Hyper light drifter is one of my favorite games ever
I just watched this and i shed a tear. It is what got me to get the game, I wasn't born with a heart condition but developed one over time in past years. While not as heavy as him... I felt the sense of mortality with this video and how a passion to a ticking clock can grow to such an extent. I honestly feel for him and I am glad he is still going on.
lmfao a taco bell endorsement on a video about heart disease. Coincidence?
They did a specializes fundraiser specifically for indie titles and this was one of them?
not really but nice try
Illuminati confirmed
marvdatboi No really, that was true.
+mrdaxtercrane there is no irony in something your born with...I can see why you'd be confused equating eating fast food with problems of the heart.
he was wearing an FLCL shirt.
he's a cutie
hope he has a good time
There's a lot of gainax inspired stuff in this game.
FlushedNoob really? Well I thought the game looked pretty cool but I guess now it's a must buy
+FlushedNoob nice
I have a poster of his shirt. Guess he does like Gainax, the giants remind me of Evangelion
How 0:53 would not be inspired by EoE
Although I absolutely fell in love with this game and the world, I either suck ass at it or it's really hard to play.
It's a difficult game, called by some Zelda meets Dark Souls
+Commander Corgi It is very difficult. Especially so on New Game+ where you only have 2 health to start out with.
jacobdean35 I really tried to play it but after dying a bunch of times in a row I gave up lol, it's a shame
i try not to look up guides for games because i feel like it ruins it but fuck it man this shit is hard lol
Smoov It really is lmao It's just been sitting on my desktop collecting dust. Makes some good wallpapers though
Im in love with this game!
This game for me is everything I ever wanted someone to make. The retro artistry invigorates the imagination in no way any new HD game can. All this making games to look as real life as possible, pfffff where's the fucking art! The emotion! The awe inspiring design that lefted you amazed when you first ever played a console. If you want real life go outside! If you want something to capture the imagination indie games are the only games
This game is insanely good, the music, the gameplay, everything is awesome.
1000% respect for the game designer. it is a gift to us all when someone is able to make meaningful art out of distress.
more stories like this!
Yeah nobody wants a comedy any more. Everything has to be a tragedy.
I just finished this game and it left me Mindblowed! a real master piece!
and now I'm watching this video with the intention of knowing its creators and I was shocked when i found out about Alx´s heart condition... And now it all makes sense. It was a great experience to advance through the game while i was creating a special connection with the main character as I also suffer from a heart condition.
Every night I sleep wondering if I would see the sky tomorrow to breathe one more day. But over time I learned to face that "shadow" that haunts me and nowadays I just try to enjoy life, doing the simple things that amuse me and sharing with my family and friends.
Thanks Heart Machine! for this awesome pixel art videogame.
And Alex Preston...Keep going bro!
god this game is so fuck satisfying to play....
I can’t believe that this game came out three years ago and I just barley found out about it and I fucking love this game.
I just got it, a physical one too! I just found this video and it makes me so much more appreciative
Whoever scored the soundtrack to this game needs to seriously do more videogame work. They are right up there with some of the best
He did FEZ too, it is even better than this one in my opinion.
disasterpeace! brilliant brilliant artist.
@@aether3754 Oh man...wasn't aware it was him, since I have not played the game. He did the "It Follows" OST as well. Love him!
Thank you so much Alx.. this game has been a giant inspiration to me. I also battle a deadly illness & this game spoke to me on such a spiritual level. The laughter flowed at times.. as well as the tears.. this game made me experience emotions I almost didn’t know existed. From the bottom of my heart.. THANK YOU FOR THIS.
the three big robot dudes remind me of nausicaa and the valley of the wind
Yes!
man with beard dude ik you prob dont care but I believe the giants 'canon' name are "Titans"
They remind me more of Angels/EVAs from Evangelion because of their horrifying, gaping mouthed expressions.
They also remind me of the "sentinels "in X-men comics.
@@combativeThinker fun fact both were animated/directed by the same guy! Hideaki Anno animated the god warrior in Nausicaa and was the creator of Evangelion
This game is amazing. I love his story read about a month ago and so glad he was inspired to make it!
This is one of the most beautiful games i’ve ever seen in the sense of the connection between the creator and his game and how he found a way to output his story into a medium.
Playing HLD again in June 2020. Still one of the best.
Hyperlight is a masterpiece of Indie Gaming and I really hope it wins Indie GOTY this year. Disasterpiece's soundtrack for it is absolutely phenomenal too.
Hyper Light Drifter is by far my favorite game, the graphics paired with that soundtrack is simply stunning.
This is quality, the personal stories behind developers of video games is really interesting, how the idea came about, how it evolved, the personal hardships during the cycle, it's great stuff, ironic that we hardly see these types of pieces from video game journalists, thanks Vice, you should have a channel or division to cover more of this industry
oh god, watching rn this old videos puts a tear in my eye, this game is truly a hidden masterpiece and i hope the medium as a whole takes notes from its artistic tones
HLD is one of the greatest video games ever made.
Saw this on steam and I wanted to play right away. The visuals are stunning af
I love seeing stories like this on gaming. Do more vice!
Hey Vice. Really liked this piece. I'll be looking at more of your content. Thanks for making thoughtful gaming journalism.
This is so fuckin cool. And no, I'm not being snarky or sarcastic even. I think it's cool as shit to see a small team of people work together for so long to create something that works perfectly and get great reception from an audience. I wish this video was longer, by a lot.
One of the best games I've ever played. It outclasses most AAA competition with its artistry and execution. Played it during my own health problems when it released. I hope the creators know that, at least for me, the message came through loud and clear.
That lighting in their office. Such awesome vibes!
this was exceptional. please consider doing more game developer diary type things like this
Patient: *lays on operating table* what are you gonna do to me doc
Surgeon: were just gonna fist fuck your heart don't worry
"brought to you by taco bell" xD
Dark irony.
sorta annoyed that a journlist site is doing sponsored videos.
Still a great story though.
Ben Song Meh as long as it doesnt affect the content..
We should move post-capitalism so we do no longer have these issues of financing.
Kissaki post capitalism means everyone has money?
This video was awesome! Gave an amazing insight of the story and the creators.
I played the game before knowing the creator had congenital heart disease and watching this video. This retrospectivly made the game so much better for me.
Best game deserves the best video
This game is a damn masterpiece. Also, it was, and may still be, on sale on steam.
One of my favorite games. It's so beautifully executed. The Characters, the visuals, the music, it's amazing.
Now one of my all time favorite games. knowing the story behind it makes me appreciate it even more.
6:27 i love how the password isn't blurred but the depot is
This is my favorite game in a long, long, time.
Now i understand why that kind of backstory.
This game stirred emotions i haven't felt for a long time, i am really thankfull for their work.
I often find myself coming back to this video for motivation. This is one of my all time favorite games, and I have so much respect for the team that created and developed this beautiful game. I hope to create a personal game like this someday and share it to the world, watching this fuels my drive for this idea.
woah i suffer from heart conditions too but this was pretty darn insperational
One of the best indie games in history hands down.
This is so inspiring. Someone should make a movie about this
This game is gorgeous and so creative! love the visuals like crazy!
This is the best game i have seen for soo long...
I spend dozens of minutes wondering in Half-Life before proceeding sometimes, it has that atmosphere...
Yea i was born with multiple congenital heart defects and have had 3 open heart surgeries, +40 catheterisations and a kidney removed...also had my pulmonary valve replaced just like him...also I'm a medical doctor, and i am 29 going on 30 this year. Thankfully i don't have to take any medications unlike he showed in this video. I don't know this guys entire case, but all he said he had his pulmonary valve replaced and as far as i know...hes gonna make it. I clicked bc i thought there was going to be something other than promoting taco bell and a video game. I am glad he drew inspiration from a crappy disease. Pretty gloomy guy though amiright?
i also had a loop recorder put in and later removed after a few years. I kinda feel like if you made it out alive after your teenage years...and especially turning 30, you should feel pretty good about your odds. You made it through the worst part
This is really cool, love the art and concept :)
Love this game on steam! Great job to Alx and his team. Great success story. Very inspirational
/!\ Hey guys, your blur on the license plate is dropping on the last frame of the shot at 3:37s. /!\
+SexDrugsNpostprod good find
thx. I work in TV news. This happens more often than we think...
7CVF806..... Doh.
A couple of months ago they blurred peoples faces then showed a close up picture of the kids.
I hope the kids are ok.
+Glen Cychosz Woah, my political compass is almost identical to yours.
Just started playing this game. Now, I see Vice doing a report on it. What kind of glory have I discovered ?
Great insight into a beautiful game.
Played this game and it was amazing, really cool to see some of the story behind it.
great game and beautiful as well ; best wishes to the creator
This game is so fucking beautiful. Became one of my favourites games i've played for a lot of reasons. Thank you so much for producing this, you guys are awesome : )
Beautiful game. One of my favorites. Much love!! Keep it up
Wow! So much respect.
Hyper Light Drifter is one of my favorite games! I instantly fell in love with it and almost couldn't put it down until I'd finish it!
I didn't know anything about the backstory of Alx and the team when I started playing it.
Awesome story brother!
Damn those are some amazing graphics
Thank you for this insight on one of my favorite games of all time.
I loved this video! I'm glad small devs like heart machine and tribute games are getting recognition for their hard work and amazing art.
The game is awesome! knowing the backstory only adds to that.
one of the best games i've played in a while
I remember first playing this at Minecon 2013 and I was so obsessed with this game.
Putting the finishing touches on my review of this game. Really enjoyed it. This clears up a lot of the vague symbolism in the game.
Anyone else get a Samurai Jack vibe from this game?
I think it's mostly the art style that does it. It's got the same minimalistic, yet detailed feel to it, not to mention the colourful and lush but mostly desolate and subtly menacing environments.
plus the dudes a lone rollin sword guy
its more like new samurai Jack but yeah
this game fore shadowed new samer-eye jack
more like megaman zero but yeah whatever.
Just came here to tell y'all that there's going to be a Hyper Light Drifter TV show that is currently still in the works.
Amazing art, and even more amazing soundtrack. I need to get this game soon
This game was an amazing play. Well done
The game is beyond adorable.
this game is fuckin great.
I could relate to this game with my own health experiences. Thanks for sharing and expressing your situation. It makes you feel a lot less alone/isolated when a connection is made to the people who are going through what you're going through.
Also, I think Hyper Light Drifter could possibly be the best title for a game ever.
one of the most solid playing, beautiful, wonderfully put together games i've played in a long time.
one of best games ever
Graphics? Please show me art like this
聚西 Juxi Just search up Pixelart
This is art!
love this game. Make another!
LOVE this game. Still need to finish it
Awesome vid about to cop...
Taco bell
lmao
As someone with a heart defect, I hope I can muster up some way to make a game and afford my mechanical heart someday.
I really appreciate this guy and what he has made
I see some sun praising! 0:37
Congrats to this developer and shining through the struggle.
5:27 AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Nausicaä
Farnese Vandimion omg same! this game reminds me so much of Nausicäa and a bit castle in the sky.
Hey everybody...don't eat taco bell, lol.
Love the Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind comic :)
wow, the art/design behind the game is really beautiful
1:44 he's an ironic living meme
This game is great and well worth the 20$. Kinda like bloodborne in a lot of ways tbh.
I've been loving the hell out of Hyper Light Drifter, its one the most fascinatingly frustrating, ambiguously immersive games I've played in a long time. Exploring the gorgeously devastated world for all its secrets, adapting to the high octane contrast of fast paced combat and confounding puzzles, always anxiously wondering what you'll encounter next. It's reminiscent of so many retro-style games I love, yet it stands triumphantly unique as this Drifters urgent, questing odyssey you the player become so invested in. I thank Mr. Preston and his team for sharing their vision with us, and wish them all the best in the future to come.
I already loved this game. One of my favorite indies of last year. But now I love it even more.