Liquid Swords has released a fresh developer diary for their upcoming action title, Samson: A Tyndalston Story. Within the update, artists Piotr Kupsc and Damian Ksezopolski share detailed insights into the creative evolution of the game’s visual identity.
The primary inspiration for the city of Tyndalston stems from the gritty, urban atmosphere of Northeastern American metropolises in the 1990s, notably New York and Philadelphia. The developers aimed to strike a balance between authentic urban architecture and functional level design. To achieve this, they established rigid environmental parameters—such as standardized corridor widths and ceiling heights—to prevent camera issues and ensure intuitive navigation for the player.
The city’s artistic direction is built upon three core conceptual pillars: “manifestation,” “violence,” and “parasitism.” “Manifestation” is represented by bold visual elements, such as massive murals adorning weathered buildings. “Violence” is woven into the decaying and damaged architecture, while “parasitism” reflects the systemic social inequality and injustice permeating Tyndalston. The team emphasized environmental storytelling, tucking away numerous secrets and detailed corners for players to discover, regardless of whether they serve a specific gameplay mechanic.
Transportation received significant attention, specifically the protagonist’s primary vehicle, known as the “Magnum Opus.” While it was initially envisioned as a standard four-door sedan, the design was eventually steered toward a more aggressive and menacing aesthetic. Taking cues from iconic 90s car culture, the studio designed original models from the ground up to ensure a unique look without the limitations of official licensing.
The driving experience will also feature a sophisticated damage model and realistic body deformation. Beyond simple traversal, vehicles in Samson function as weapons, allowing for visceral and brutal eliminations of enemies on the streets.
Source: iXBT.games