Mechanics

The page is dedicated to preliminary information about Underworld Ascendant mechanics and features.

The Improvisation Engine
Do you enjoy the freedom of choice in sandbox games like Deus Ex or Elder Scrolls? The team at OtherSide in large part invented this style of experience with the original Ultima Underworld --- now they intend to take it to the next level.

At the heart of Underworld Ascendant's distinctive gameplay is the Improvisation Engine, which gives you an array of tools to think up your own ingenious solutions to challenges.


 * For instance, how to cross a subterranean river guarded by deadly lurker?
 * Unwise player tries to swim pass, and meets their watery doom.
 * Clever player tosses rotworm downstream to distract lurker.
 * Clever player charms giant cave spider to carry them up and over.
 * What's your clever solution?

Underworld Ascendant's Improvisation Engine encourages you to experiment and unlock your creative potential. Devise clever techniques that even the game's designers haven't imagined yet!

Intense combat & inventive magic
Enjoy swordplay and spell casting that are distinctly dynamic and inventive.

Experience engaging first-person combat. Launch yourself into fluid, running battles where maneuvering and timing are everything. Utilize your environment to stack the odds in your favor.
 * Collect magical runes bristling with power. Learn to combine them to surprising effect. Discover potent spells like Charm Creature, Hailstones, and Clairvoyant Eye. Experiment to customize and improve their effects.
 * Obtain rare and powerful weapons and armor. Align with the dwarves to acquire masterfully-crafted plate mail. Trade with dark elves to gain access to an arsenal of enchanted weaponry.

Create your own character class
Think outside the box of formalized character classes and concoct your own one-of-a-kind adventurer.
 * Jump right into the game choosing from a Fighter, Mage or Thief. But from there you are free to customize your Avatar to your individual play style.
 * Mix and match your favorite skills and perks. Create a mage skilled at stealth, a fighter who can summon spectral allies, or the ultimate thief.
 * Join a faction and gain special perks that improve your abilities to alter the environment, traverse obstacles, or craft traps.

Stretch traditional RPG boundaries
Stretch Goals will allow us innovate even further, adding companion creatures, co-op, user-crafted content, and more...
 * Crave the fellowship and a companion creature? Vote for the addition of a vorpal bunny or mini-brain.
 * Use the Underworld Builder Toolkit to craft your own corner of the Stygian Abyss, and share it with friends.
 * Need a fighter's prowess in combat, a mage's spell craft, or a thief's lock pick skills? Invite a friend to join you online for a cut of the loot. All your buddies' offline? Use a Doppelganger Gem to borrow a friend's character as an invulnerable ethereal companion AI. Afterward, your friend will receive a message, with video highlights and rewards.

Even more ambitious Stretch Goals will be revealed if our fans are up for taking the creative journey far.