Among The Trolls: A Finnish Survival Adventure
From Concept to Reality
It’s not unusual for game development to go through challenging times, and in the case of Among The Trolls, a first-person survival action adventure game set in the Finnish wilderness, its journey has already been quite dramatic. Originally revealed in 2020, the game was the project of Forbidden Studio until it suffered mass layoffs at the end of 2022, and then fell into limbo.
A New Beginning
Yet, a studio closure might imply a project is dead, but the game had already found a publisher in 505 Games that still saw potential in the game’s Nordic-themed survival gameplay in a post-Valheim world. Fortunately, it was revealed earlier this year that the game had been resurrected, not only with developer Avantgarden Games taking over the reins but starting from scratch with Unreal Engine 5, while the game is to be published by 505 Pulse, a new indie publishing label from 505 Games.
A New Engine, New Possibilities
It’s not hard to see why this pivot was made. While Unity is often popular with indie game developers, Unreal Engine 5 offers the most cutting-edge technology for games striving for immersive and realistic worlds, and the difference in footage seen between the two iterations of the game are day and night. Avantgarden Games already proved its talent with UE5 while creating Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons Remake.
A Photoreal Aesthetic
The setting for Among The Trolls is an alternate Finland where folklore, presumably including the titular trolls, is tangible and real, manifesting itself in nature.
Gameplay and Technical Aspects
Visually, this is expressed through a contrast between realistic elements, such as vegetation, lighting, and weather conditions, and details that suggest a supernatural influence. For example, creatures that at first glance seem like common animals reveal mystical traits, and natural locations transform into gateways to more ancient dimensions.
Procedural Content Generation
Having a highly realistic aesthetic makes the fantastical believable. That balance between the natural and supernatural is also inspired by the Kalevela, Finland’s national epic poem first published in the 19th century.
Dynamic Weather and Wildlife
The sensation of being in a physical, real space is key for a game that involves crafting using materials found in the world, but there are also ways that the environments are even more dynamic through the weather and wildlife, which also have interactive elements.
Conclusion
Among The Trolls is set to release on Steam in early access in 2025 for PC. Visit the 505 Pulse website for more updates.
FAQs
Q: What is the release date for Among The Trolls?
A: The game is set to release on Steam in early access in 2025 for PC.
Q: Who is developing Among The Trolls?
A: Avantgarden Games is developing Among The Trolls.
Q: What is the publisher of Among The Trolls?
A: 505 Pulse, a new indie publishing label from 505 Games.
Q: What is the setting of Among The Trolls?
A: The game is set in an alternate Finland where folklore is tangible and real, manifesting itself in nature.
