AckkStudios is bringing its 3D, turn-based, Japanese-style indie RPG Y2K to PlayStation 4 and PS Vita in addition to the previously announced Wii U, the company announced.
The name “Y2K” refers to year 2000 problem, a coding bug projected to crash computer networks around the world once the clock hit the year 2000 and ending the world. That ties in a bit to the game’s story, summarized by AckkStudios below.
When an erratically-behaving elevator claims the life of a young woman, unemployed recent college graduate Alex Eggleston takes to a primitive 1990s message-board to find answers about the death of this stranger. His quest for answers leads to more questions as his research points him to a mysterious van the internet has dubbed the “Death Cab.”
This vehicular oddity roams the game’s city and countryside. Who is driving it? And despite mysterious happenings surrounding the vehicle, why does no one seem recognize its threat? On Alex Eggleston’s journey, he reunites with childhood friends, encounters a girl who can traverse the Soul Space to reside in new realities, and a multidimensional Android who sets the events of the game in motion.
Y2K is influenced by the Mother series and Haruki Murakami and boasts a 400-page script. Enemies appear on the map and once you kill them the first time, they’re gone forever. However, if you need to grind to defeat a boss, you can dial #333 on a payphone to enter a “Mind Dungeon,” which exists solely for grinding. You’ll need keys to enter, however, which you can obtain by talking to NPCs.
While battles are turn-based, the player can control the battle’s speed using the R2 button. But this comes with risks, as dodging moves and executing combos require players to input commands in real time. On the reverse, players can also slow down battles using energy from a meter that is filled as you’re attacked.
As far as abilities go, there are your standard magic, skill, and melee attacks, as well as a new addition called “traps.” Ackk provides the following example: “Upon getting hit with fire magic, swap position of party member with a stuffed Panda. So using this strategy against a fire monster MUCH stronger than you might be necessary if you are under-leveled.”
Items you find in dungeons can also be brought into battle, including ladders, boxes, bombs, and such, which can be used to fight off enemies.
If you’re at PlayStation Experience in early December, an early build of Y2K will be playable. The full game is aiming for a late 2015 to early 2016 release.
Find some six-month old videos of the game below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqRYpzEr7SM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nafH_ijngV8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl9lXdfVaMM
Bonus: this one is only one month old.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS9Dspy8VMo
