Unleaving: Self-Reflection in Orangutan Matter's Debut Game
Lose yourself in the world of fine art and contemplate new perspectives with Orangutan Matter's latest title: Unleaving. This mind-bending debut from the indie studio launches on Steam today, inviting players to explore life's more profound questions through the eyes of a child.
Unleaving takes its title from Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "Spring and Fall: To a Young Child" and transforms its words into a playable experience. The game blends physics-based challenges with a symbolic narrative, encouraging players to transcend mere puzzle-solving and delve into introspection through art and metaphor.
The puzzles in Unleaving are not just obstacles to overcome; they are integral parts of the narrative, each embedded within a chapter's theme like a piece of art. Players can approach the game as a series of puzzles or use them as a pathway to deeper self-reflection, making each experience personal and unique.
Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up." With Unleaving, players are encouraged to embrace their inner child, express themselves freely, and explore broader perspectives without judgment. The game aims to inspire introspection and curiosity, inviting players to rediscover the boundless freedom of expression reminiscent of childhood.
The art in Unleaving combines traditional styles and mediums, blending impressionist hand paintings inspired by masters like Van Gogh and J. M. W. Turner with pencil illustrations that shift and breathe, giving the impression of "living art." This unique visual style was achieved through painting-animation techniques, where acrylic paintings on canvas paper were altered and captured frame by frame, creating backgrounds that subtly change as the player progresses.
Immerse yourself in a multimedia art world that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Brushstrokes and textures draw you into a contemplative exploration of the game's themes. Experience the beauty of real-life art brought to life in a digital landscape, and embark on a journey of self-discovery unlike any other in Unleaving.