Introduction:
Empyrean is a captivating text-based interactive novel that thrusts players into a dieselpunk world of political intrigue and aerial combat. With 325,000 words of branching narrative, players pilot the experimental aircraft Empyrean, shape their identity (male/female/nonbinary), forge alliances, and decide the fate of the mechanized city of Actorius. Its richly layered storytelling and emphasis on player agency make it a must-try for fans of choice-driven adventures.
Features of Empyrean:
1. Branching Narrative: 325,000 words with impactful choices that alter the story’s trajectory.
2. Diverse Identity Options: Customize your protagonist’s gender and romantic interests (male/female).
3. Deep Worldbuilding: Explore the “Deep Tech”—a biomechanical underworld blending organic and machine life.
4. Strategic Alliances: Side with revolutionaries, foreign powers, or the enigmatic Deep Tech itself.
5. Aerial Combat Scenes: Engage in tense dogfights described through vivid, immersive prose.
Advantages of Empyrean:
1. Unparalleled Replayability: Multiple endings and hidden story paths encourage repeated playthroughs.
2. Inclusive Representation: Nonbinary protagonist option and fluid romance choices.
3. Atmospheric Writing: Rich descriptions bring the dieselpunk city and its conflicts to life.
4. Player Agency: Choices meaningfully influence political alliances, character relationships, and combat outcomes.
5. Minimalist Design: Text-only format allows for focused, imagination-driven immersion.
Disadvantages of Empyrean:
1. No Visual/Audio Elements: Lacks graphics or sound effects, which may deter some players.
2. Complexity Overload: The sheer volume of choices and lore might overwhelm casual readers.
3. Niche Appeal: Dieselpunk themes and text-based gameplay cater to a specific audience.
Development Team:
Created by Kyle Marquis, a veteran writer in interactive fiction known for intricate narratives (e.g., Tally Ho and Jolly Good). Developed under Hosted Games, a publisher specializing in text-driven RPGs, the project leverages Marquis’ expertise in blending character-driven plots with unconventional worldbuilding.
Competitive Products:
1. Choice of Robots (Hosted Games): Strong in customization but lacks Empyrean’s political depth.
2. 80 Days (inkle studios): Offers similar branching narratives but focuses on steampunk travel rather than combat.
3. A Study in Steampunk (Choice of Games): Shares dieselpunk themes but prioritizes mystery over aerial action.
Market Performance:
Empyrean holds a 4.5/5 rating on Google Play and Apple App Store, praised for its replay value and inclusive storytelling. Downloads exceed 50,000, with users highlighting its “addictive narrative” and “complex characters.” Criticisms focus on its text-only format, though fans argue it enhances imaginative engagement.
