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MechScape is a retro sci-fi 1990s-styled RPG-lite game based on my webcomic of the same name inspired by the comics, games, and cartoons of that era.


Gameplay consists of slideshow-style text/picture segments detailing the story with RPG combat segments scattered throughout. Although the player character- named as SecurityBot in the game’s menus, but nameless at first within the game’s universe- starts off with only one ability, it can gain more by copying Skills from its opponents. These form the entirety of SecurityBot’s arsenal- unlike other RPGs, every Skill SecurityBot uses costs Skill Energy (akin to MP in other games), and there is nothing resembling a cost-free “Attack” option. In accordance with this, you can recover Skill Energy when you run low on it. Skills are both vital for progressing in the game and serve as MechScape’s main collectible.


MechScape tells the story of a long-dormant robot that awakens in a dystopian world conquered by a computer virus and its journey to escape an abandoned laboratory while being guided by a mysterious voice. Urged on by the being speaking to it through its radio, the robot traverses the alternate dimension contained in electrical systems known as Cyberspace. Along its journey, SecurityBot will come into contact with the inhabitants of the laboratory and be forced into conflict with the Viruses that now rule the planet. Fortunately, SecurityBot has been built to assimilate the Skills of these creatures and delete them. Thus, this lone robot forges on- in search of what, it does not yet know.


The game is illustrated almost entirely in CGI, and the graphics are designed to resemble those of game consoles from the late 1990s-early 2000s in keeping with MechScape’s retro styling. It is written in the style of the era as well, reflecting the type of dialogue and plot that was common in sci-fi stories of the time. I hope that this will lend it a nostalgic look and feel.


I hope you enjoy, and any feedback would be appreciated!

SECURITY BOT




Its stasis pod prison shorted out by a chance rainstorm, the Security Bot emerges to find an abandoned laboratory before it and a mysterious voice giving it instructions. With no memories logged within its system, the Security Bot has no other choice but to obey this commanding figure.

This robot is equipped with only the most rudimentary of sentience. With no emotional data, it is not programmed to feel as a human does. Instead, its programming gives it the ability to enter the Cyberspace within electrical systems and delete the viruses that call it home. Perhaps it was designed with such a purpose in mind? Only time will tell.



ENIGMA








The man who now calls himself Enigma was one of Earth’s top researchers before the emergence of the virus. Seeking to destroy the virus and secure the planet as humanity’s domain once more, he created the Security Bot to combat its threat. However, the virus discovered his plan and sealed him away in his laboratory before he could finish building and activating his creation. To survive, he rebuilt himself into a cyborg.

Enigma has replaced his right arm with a mechanical claw, perhaps as a mocking imitation of some beings in the army of the virus that drove out his people. With it, he can interface with mechanical devices and control them from a moderate distance. However, his greatest asset is his mind- Enigma’s expertise in the field of robotics is matched by few. Although he has managed to hold on, trapped as he is, the long years Enigma has spent confined to his laboratory has driven him a bit batty… just a bit. The activation and retrieval of his Security Bot gave him his first hope since his imprisonment. As its creator, he holds absolute authority over the Security Bot. He acts sincere, but who knows what he may be planning?




THE VIRUS



Its origins unknown, the Virus descended upon the planet long ago, bringing life to humanity’s mechanical servants. Turning their own technology against them, the Virus drove humans off of Earth and claimed it for its own.

Other than its life-giving ability, the Virus’ true power has not been revealed.




THE VIRUS’ ENFORCERS



These robots, two of many, were built for industrial purposes. The red being was intended to chop down trees with its axe-arms, and the orange being was to excavate artifacts with its drill-arm. They worked alongside others like themselves for several years. However, when a computer virus caused Earth’s robots to come to life, both were turned against their human masters as part of a vast army. Now, they act as the virus’ underlings, patrolling the abandoned laboratory that belonged to the humans they once obeyed.

Other than being rather sharp, the Enforcers’ appendages carry an electrical current that can short out other robots. Unlike others in the virus’ army, they have been modified to be able to access Cyberspace to travel more effectively across the virus’ territories. Although the Enforcers are both agile and powerful, their electronic brains are simply designed, affording them little intelligence and resulting in their mechanical speech pattern.