>What themes does your game explore that set it apart from very similar games in the same genre?
Some of the themes explored include insanity, sickness, hopelessness, guilt, sin, and death.
>How are these themes and ideas expressed through gameplay?
There won't be any quests to kill x amount of rats. Every NPC is unique, with their own mental or physical ailments and philosophies.
>How does this game separate itself from the simple "dodging and shooting" mechanic you often see in these top-down 2D games?
I've put a lot of work into making sure the combat system is simple but engaging. The way the stamina bar interacts with your movement and weapon speed forces you to consider the best opportunities for attacks. Every weapon also has unique attributes (damage, range, attack speed, stamina drain, etc).
>How does the game hook players?
Like other games in the genre, the skills and random loot can be very addicting. The key to an open world setting like this one is to reward the player for exploration, and I think the wide variety of environments, creatures, spells, and equipment will be very immersive.
>Why would I play this game over something like Hotline Miami?
Hotline Miami is a fun but tightly linear experience. Lunatic's Bane is more about exploration, atmosphere, freedom of choice, and character building.
>How do you think it stands up to same-genre games with bigger budgets?
Realistically, you'll get more content and polish out of a game like Pillars of Eternity or Divinity: Original Sin. I'm just one guy working on my dream game, and it will also likely be around 1/10th of the price of a bigger budget RPG. I also have more freedom to explore risky game design decisions, so it will definitely be a unique experience.
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