Eksil Studio, a rising game development company, is about to release their action-packed beat 'em up game titled Acts of Blood. This game stands as a testament to the growing talent within Indonesia’s gaming scene, blending influences from notable global hits like Sleeping Dogs and Sifu, while also drawing deep inspiration from the heart-pounding intensity of the Indonesian action film The Raid. FFWS Global Finals 2024 ~ Schedule, Prizes, and Competing Teams
The game's development journey has been a labor of passion and perseverance, and Acts of Blood is poised to be a groundbreaking release for the Indonesian gaming industry. Let’s dive deep into the inspirations, mechanics, and exciting details that make this game unique.
A Fusion of Inspirations: Sleeping Dogs Meets Sifu and The Raid
When discussing Acts of Blood, the first question that arises is: what inspired its creation? Lead developer Fajrul FN reveals that the game’s concept was largely influenced by two highly regarded games: Sleeping Dogs, developed by United Front Games, and Sifu, the intense martial arts beat 'em up from Sloclap. These games are known for their exceptional hand-to-hand combat mechanics and engaging storytelling, elements that Fajrul wanted to bring to life in Acts of Blood.
But it doesn’t stop there. The game’s raw and gritty atmosphere also takes after The Raid, a seminal Indonesian action film renowned for its brutal fight scenes and dark, unforgiving setting. The blending of these influences promises a unique experience for players—a mix of dynamic hand-to-hand combat, intense storytelling, and a visceral world that feels as if it’s been lifted directly from the streets of a dystopian city.
Acts of Blood brings these elements together seamlessly, creating a game that feels both fresh and familiar, appealing to fans of hard-hitting action and complex narratives. The developers have carefully balanced high-octane fight sequences with a compelling plot, allowing players to become fully immersed in the character-driven story.
The Story Behind Acts of Blood
At the heart of Acts of Blood is the story of Hendra, the game’s protagonist. Hendra is a law student whose life takes a tragic turn when his family is murdered by a powerful criminal syndicate. Set in a dystopian version of Bandung, the story delves deep into themes of revenge, justice, and corruption.
Hendra’s world is shattered when his family becomes the target of a ruthless group of criminals—business rivals of his father. With no one to turn to for justice, Hendra is left to fend for himself in a corrupt system that not only fails to protect him but actively shields the very people responsible for his family’s deaths. As a law student, Hendra’s initial hope for legal justice is quickly dashed when he realizes the system is as corrupt as the criminals it protects.
In his quest for vengeance, Hendra decides to take matters into his own hands. The game follows his journey as he navigates through the dangerous underworld, battling enemies and unraveling the deep-rooted conspiracy behind the murder of his family. His journey is one of blood, sweat, and relentless pursuit of retribution—an epic quest where every punch, kick, and fight brings him closer to the criminals who ruined his life.
A Deep Dive into Gameplay and Combat Mechanics
One of the standout features of Acts of Blood is its combat system, which is a direct homage to the fast-paced action of Sleeping Dogs and the intricate martial arts choreography found in Sifu. The game’s beat ‘em up style is not just about mindless button-mashing, but about mastering complex combos, reading the flow of combat, and strategically outsmarting your opponents.
Fajrul and his team have worked tirelessly to create a combat system that feels rewarding and impactful. The fighting mechanics in Acts of Blood are fluid, allowing players to chain together moves seamlessly. Whether you’re battling in narrow alleyways or against thugs in a crowded marketplace, the system provides a high degree of flexibility in combat, giving players the freedom to experiment with different tactics.
The game’s environmental interactions are also a key part of the combat. Inspired by Sifu, players can use their surroundings to their advantage, throwing enemies into walls or using objects as makeshift weapons. The design team has made sure that each fight feels dynamic and unpredictable, keeping players on their toes throughout the game.
Another aspect of the gameplay that stands out is the progression system. As players advance through the story, Hendra gains new combat abilities and techniques, making each fight feel more engaging and rewarding. The development team has placed a strong emphasis on skill development, allowing players to feel the growth of their character as they become more adept at taking down enemies.
The Team Behind the Project
The creation of Acts of Blood is not just the work of a single individual. The development team at Eksil Studio is composed of nine passionate individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. While Fajrul FN takes on the lead developer role, other members of the team contribute their expertise in areas such as music composition, voice acting, 3D art, and project management.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that many of the developers are working on the project as side gigs, bringing their personal passion for gaming into the mix. The small but dedicated team has made significant strides in game development, pouring their hearts into every aspect of Acts of Blood.
Fajrul has also been transparent about the development process, explaining that the game’s creation began in June 2023 but was temporarily halted due to other commitments in the gaming industry. The project was revived in January 2024, and the demo released on Steam marks a significant milestone in the game’s journey. The demo, which lasts around 20 minutes, gives players a taste of what’s to come, offering a glimpse into the brutal, action-packed world of Acts of Blood.
The Demo and Early Reception
As of now, Eksil Studio has released a demo version of Acts of Blood on Steam, and it is available for gamers to try. The demo provides players with a short but exciting introduction to the game’s world, giving them the opportunity to experience the combat mechanics, meet the protagonist Hendra, and get a taste of the game’s setting.
The demo has received a warm reception from the community, with many players praising the intense combat and the game’s cinematic feel. Eksil Studio has also made it clear that they are actively seeking feedback from players to refine the game before its full release. The demo will remain available until December 2024, though the team has hinted that it might extend this period if demand for the game continues to grow.
A Passion Project and Future Plans
At its core, Acts of Blood is a passion project for Fajrul and his team. While it’s not being developed on a massive budget like some AAA titles, the dedication and love poured into the game are evident in every aspect of its design. Fajrul has expressed that he views this game as a personal challenge, a way to test his abilities and push his limits as a game developer.
Looking ahead, Fajrul has hinted at expanding the game’s scope after the full release. The team is already brainstorming ideas for future updates and expansions, and there is potential for Acts of Blood to grow into a larger franchise. Fajrul has made it clear that the goal is not only to finish the current game but to use it as a stepping stone for greater projects in the future.
A Game to Watch
Acts of Blood is shaping up to be one of the most exciting indie games to come out of Indonesia in recent years. With its mix of cinematic storytelling, intense combat, and unique influences, it offers a fresh take on the beat ‘em up genre. Fans of action-packed games like Sleeping Dogs and Sifu, as well as those who appreciate the raw intensity of The Raid, will find much to love in this game.
With the demo currently available on Steam and the full release expected in 2024, Acts of Blood is certainly a game to keep an eye on. As Eksil Studio continues to develop and refine their creation, Acts of Blood could very well become a staple of Indonesia’s growing presence in the global gaming industry. Whether you’re a fan of action games or just looking to support an indie game developer from Indonesia, Acts of Blood promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
