Hiroyuki Kobayashi, the producer of Stupid Never Dies, takes you behind the scenes to discuss the game's unique visual style. Stupid Never Dies is an upcoming "pop-punk action-RPG" from GPTRACK50, set for release on October 21 on PlayStation 5 and Steam.
A demo is also currently available on both platforms.
GPTRACK50 wanted to create a visual style that stood out from the crowd, much like the game’s protagonist, Davy – nothing too polished, but rebellious, emotional, impactful, and something that leaves a lasting impression. The team drew upon their neo pop punk theme using colours and styles that tied into the nostalgic feel of that sound. Weaving together a hand-drawn style to 3D models through carefully constructed linework and shadows, and blending classically familiar with modern elements to create something that felt dynamic and hand-crafted.
Over Technology (OT) is a core mechanic to Davy’s – and his enemies – arsenal, so integrating it organically into the monster designs was key. To make enemy power easily identifiable by the player, the more powerful the enemy, the more dangerous the dungeon, the more menacing the visuals become.
Since the story is from Davy’s perspective, the team wanted to make the player feel immersed in his mind. It was decided that the UI, and other visual details should look as if they were things that Davy would have lying around, or drawn by himself
About Stupid Never Dies
Developed by GPTRACK50, Stupid Never Dies delivers a single-player 3D action RPG experience unlike anything you’ve played before.
Set in a monster-ruled otherworldly dungeon, Stupid Never Dies puts you in control of Davy, a timid zombie living at the very bottom of monster society. Defeat enemies, level up, and collect strange items to grow stronger on your quest to bring Julia, a frozen human girl, back to life. Steal enemy abilities, customize your undead body with bizarre upgrades, and experience fast-paced combat packed with innovation.
Key Features of Stupid Never Dies:
Over Technology (OT) is a core mechanic to Davy’s – and his enemies – arsenal, so integrating it organically into the monster designs was key. To make enemy power easily identifiable by the player, the more powerful the enemy, the more dangerous the dungeon, the more menacing the visuals become.
Since the story is from Davy’s perspective, the team wanted to make the player feel immersed in his mind. It was decided that the UI, and other visual details should look as if they were things that Davy would have lying around, or drawn by himself
About Stupid Never Dies
Developed by GPTRACK50, Stupid Never Dies delivers a single-player 3D action RPG experience unlike anything you’ve played before.
Set in a monster-ruled otherworldly dungeon, Stupid Never Dies puts you in control of Davy, a timid zombie living at the very bottom of monster society. Defeat enemies, level up, and collect strange items to grow stronger on your quest to bring Julia, a frozen human girl, back to life. Steal enemy abilities, customize your undead body with bizarre upgrades, and experience fast-paced combat packed with innovation.
Key Features of Stupid Never Dies:
- Fight Like a Zombie: The best defense is a good offence, according to Davy. Relentlessly attack enemies with reckless abandon – zombies don’t need to dodge if they can’t feel a punch! And with a flexible enemy targeting system, Davy can fight the hoards of enemies coming at him from every direction freely without being tied to a single target, keeping KOM’s army on their toes.
- Blazing Fast Growth: What if you could play a 30+ hour ARPG but reach max level in just 30 minutes? Drawing inspiration from aspects of roguelike mechanics, every dungeon dive starts with Davy at level 1 but enemies defeated across previous dives increase growth rate – and XP gain – exponentially, resulting in a faster, more intense experience.
- Eat Your Enemies: A zombie’s most famous attack is his chomp. With “Style Eat”, Davy not only repairs any damage his deathly body has taken, but absorbs the powers of whatever enemy he eats – werewolves, harpies, vampires, and more. With over 11 styles to devour, Davy can become the ultimate monster-munching machine!
- (Body) Hack the Planet: Collect powerful Over Technology from each dive and visit Acelino’s shop to hack Davy’s body, modifying his arms, legs and head to unlock devastating powers.
- Stupidity Beyond Belief: Interdimensional toilets, a robot vacuum cleaner you can ride, a bizarre cast of loveable characters, and a love story for the ages – there’s never a dull moment in Stupid Never Dies!
