The Forever Winter mini series episode 2 - mech influences

[@NakedAvanger]

The sheer fact that the CEO worked on the original Hawken by itself makes this a promising game

[@namaan_taw8259]

I can really get behind the aesthetic of their world building so far, they aren’t copy paste generic vehicles/mechs and do have some thought behind them for their battlefield roles.

[@davidponder1654]

They brought in ex military guys to help with that. Structuring enemy fireteams and such. Garand thumb was one of them

[@elliotsjunnesson2549]

@@davidponder1654 huh

[@andrepalomaro353]

Yeah, too often mechs are just, different flavors of offensive weaponry, not a whole lot of nuance. FW is doing it great

[@tristanhicks9824]

Those mother units are part of the night crew, harvesting the organs from the dead and dying

[@MrSn4rk]

But I also saw them in a lot of videos during the day. I guess they just scavenge the battlefield for usable bodies, dead, wounded, maybe even healthy (in one of the shorts on their social media, you can see this unit stalking a perfectly healthy scavenger)

[@tristanhicks9824]

@@MrSn4rk who knows until we get to play

[@MrSn4rk]

@@tristanhicks9824 yeah, I think they are changing things on the run, since the game is still in development. Some videos are saying there are 2 factions at war, but there are actually 3 factions, etc.

[@flamealisk1584]

@@MrSn4rk Having played the game, I can say that you probably saw them on the Ashen Mesa during its Night Shift (which is oddly brighter than during the day shift and has a sky dominated by a solar eclipse).

[@hellcyte5259]

I like how Fun Dog is being very open about youtubers talking about their project, they basically just fuel people with info and let them do the advertizing

[@CriticalRocket]

I am grateful for their openess. I honestly hope more people will see it and want to play and make this one of those great regular co-op games for friends to play over the weekend.

[@irishijo1]

Man, Ma.K has some really unique designs for literally everything, I love the aesthetic. Forever Winter's aesthetic is also really cool and unique, I cant wait for it to release

[@802Garage]

The Front Mission games have some of the best and most brutal, without being bloody, cinematics of any games I've ever played. I think some good lessons were taken from that here, but with lots of blood added, obviously. I really hope that the gameplay here holds up as well as the world building!

[@wither5673]

armored core, front mission, ghost in the shell, Akira, BLAM, the list continues with things I can clearly see this game was inspired by, and I love it.

[@rays5073]

The Europan EXO also seems to take cues from the Leopard 2A5 and subsequent variants, if you look at the "turret cheeks" either side of the beak, the resemble the additional armour Leo 2A5 and beyond received

[@OcGuy1]

the style and the aesthetic choices for the game also feel like a big nod or tribute to Armored Core V/VD

[@grimgrahamch.4157]

The mech in the trailer is giving me MGS vibes.

[@corneliusocachorromanteiga5931]

exactly what i thought too

[@Alebeard]

Any time Virus comes up I have to smile. It's still some of the best animatronics that ever happened. A visual treat that movie. As for other aesthetics, there's a bit with the pilot entering the mech that has to be a Patlabor 2 Homage. I would be surprised if it wasn't. Maybe some Gasaraki or just like, general 90s Sunrise mecha influence as well. Kai's mech designs remain modern classics. Like sure there's Font Mission, but he's been rockin the grounded design language since like Project Hull Breach 20 years ago.

[@CriticalRocket]

Patlabor is one of the inspirations as was Gasaraki amongst several others. If you are seeing those styles then they have done their job.

[@VoiceOfTheEmperor]

Thank you for covering this. I'm extremely excited for this game and I hope it becomes a big cult hit.

[@werter4569]

I hope that the scav robot seen in one of the trailers is a playable character (or at least a highly expensive equipment). I would love to protect my scav homies till my servos blow up.

[@werter4569]

The mechs look functional, cool and horrifying at the same time. And I love it!

[@MrSn4rk]

I saw two, one bipedal and one that moves more like a spider. I guess the bipedal one is going to be playable, the spider one is going to be a hireable NPC.

[@werter4569]

@@MrSn4rk, or an equipment.

[@zyglotopbrol5492]

It makes me unreasonably excited to hear the Maschinen Krieger Influences weren’t just wishful thinking on my part, and that there are even MORE DESIGNS LIKE THIS?!? Can’t wait for this to release.

[@enoz2]

jesus christ , i was excited for this game but this vid takes it to the next level , especially knowing what the influences are now for the game

[@kharncarmine1318]

You mentioned gasaraki (which i love its mecha) and just gave what could be a great idea for them as one of the things in the show, that being the kugai, could potentially fit if changes were made as i always believed (though im not sure is true) that it was alive only needing a pilot to feed on or use just like how fun dog is doing with their game and its just cool.

[@thaddeussharp1]

Great vid. I love seeing the layers of the dystopian onion peel away. Keep it up.

[@CriticalRocket]

Thanks :)

[@pilotmanpaul]

I love the design of the Ultrahind. Its basically a mix of the Mi-24 as the foundation then got thrown in bits and pieces of the famous Ka-52 Alligator and Mi-28N Havoc into one super helicopter. I'd love to have a diecast model of it. It looks super cool and sick af.

[@_Jay_Maker_]

As a former HAWKEN player, the mech designs _and_ the world design are huge for me when it comes to TFW. So hyped for this game.

[@jacoblucas4259]

absolutely loving this series. great job, I can only hope this game lives up to its massive potential

[@masterzoroark6664]

For me the world looks very close to not only Machinen Krieger but also ACID RAIN WORLD sets

[@CriticalRocket]

Ma.K was an inspiration amongst many others so if you are getting that vibe then the team are doing a good job.

[@masterzoroark6664]

@@CriticalRocket Quite honestly- the other thing the Forever Winter reminds me of is a duology of animations Last War and End of War. The shorts are shot from perspectives of autonomous bombers and bunkers, still filled with skelletal corpses of their pilots as the autopilot took over, enldessly waiting for the human input to tell it to stop bombing runs and defence manouvers.

[@r3dkaneda]

@@masterzoroark6664 My thoughts exactly. Love thae world that Kit Lau created of Acid Rain and this geme totally reminds me of that.

[@grimgrahamch.4157]

Forever Winter feels like it came in at the perfect time, it almost feels like Casa Blanca with its important political message during a time where we're seeing the horrors of modern warfare in Ukraine and growing tensions in the Pacific. The biosynthetic "zombies" in particular remind me of the countless meat waves being thrown at Ukraine.

[@fus132]

You're being pre-programmed.

[@astreinerboi]

@@fus132 Media literacy has gone down the drain when a cautionary tale is labeled as "pre-programming"

[@grimgrahamch.4157]

@@astreinerboi he hasn't seen the war footage I guess. I've been exposed to it in gruesome detail. Drone warfare in particular seems to be a large inspiration in this game.

[@protooverlord-actual-1177]

Bro it’s the far future. It’s not inspired by any type of political thing. To me the cyborgs more remind me of the terminator.

[@DiscipleOfHeavyMeta1]

I've haven't been this excited in a game since the last decade.

[@pf6797]

Ultrahind?? That’s something I can get beHind.

[@BasementMinions]

Really appreciate you sharing your insight into the design language! It's s exciting stuff :)

[@CriticalRocket]

Glad you like it :)

[@immetalisgood4u]

okay but can we talk about that regular soldier just EATING blasts from the mech's autocannon like its breakfast?

[@gromblereal]

i distinctly remember from the concept art a picture of a tank littered with human bodies to use either as armor or intimidaton or most likely both

[@mattmaddogwheaton4724]

So lemme get this straight, we've got one bit of Front Mission and Armored Core (Gen 5 most likely), with just a touch of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, BLAME, and of course Armored Trooper VOTOMS incorporated into the game's already brilliant world-building!? SOLD!!!

[@aguspuig6615]

This game really is the Rain World of extraction shooters

[@ODST-nf7cq]

I think it would be cool for a side game mode where you can participate in the war or maybe get to use some if the power armor or mechs in the future. They just look too cool to not want ro get a chance to play with them.

[@Bingo-San]

5:15 The Victory Gundam units V1, Hexa, and V2 were actually designed by Hajime Katoki.

[@donk8961]

Enjoying a rewatch after playing for 30 hours. They really need a codex and I’d enjoy a narrated codex by you.

[@CriticalRocket]

I wouldn't say no if they asked. Some kind of in game encyclopedia would be nice.

[@masterzoroark6664]

Ps- love the detail that the pilot can show thumb's up with the hands of the mech

[@ruffleraveninc3602]

1:52 So the AI can't shoot guns huh? Are they upholding Asimov's laws of robotics in this war?

[@astreinerboi]

I think the point is, that it doesn't make sense. In real world discussions about automated warfare, the "human in the loop" is an important topic. Usually people make the point, that if we use robotic weapons, there still needs to be a human calling the shots. In the game world, this seems to be inverted, where the AI calls the shots, and the human has been degraded to executioner. Essentially, the war does not serve human goals, but instead the human unquestioningly serves the war effort.

[@Temporal94]

Some of the mechs in The Forever Winter definitely feel Front Mission inspired, in particular one of the mechs in the Gameplay Reveal Trailer (at around the 1:20 mark in the trailer) has the distinct blocky shoulder joints that Front Mission's mascot mech the Zenith has, while the really chunky and blocky one at the 1:36 mark in said trailer evokes the Grapple from the same series.

[@MrQuantumInc]

Both Europan and Eurasia get described as "a little behind the technology curve".

[@MrSn4rk]

No, Europa and Euruska are a little behind, or are more of a "conventional" force (Europan units mostly look american, Euruska units mostly look russian, one soldier model even had "за родину!" on his helmet). Eurasia is the most technologically advanced of the factions. To me, they mostly look japanese (probably going to be a mix of China and Japan).

[@johnp5250]

This game reminds me of what Metal Gear Solid 5 could have evolved into

[@graphosencrenoir4006]

more like in the vein of MGS 4, as that one had this idea of militaristic world but the story of the game was against war... and also the wolrd was futuristic and well depicted by the fake pub intros in the beginning of the game

[@johnp5250]

@@graphosencrenoir4006 Story Yes Game Play MGS5

[@OO-mk1xf]

Il be sleeping to lore when this game blows up

[@saintsinningsword]

Still think it'd be cool to be 'You're Not This Guy' by endgame or in certain missions only, like your character was a veteran before he deserted and became a scavenger and you get flashback missions or something.

[@IronWarhorsesFun]

Ultra Hind looks BADASSS but the VI being the pilot and the human gunner only being there to select weapons is creepy. But at least it shows the VIs are not trusted to run ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING like with Skynet.

[@spaceman77-y2p]

I WANT A MECH, FINNA MAKE A GUNDAM BUILD MUAHAHA

[@SpottedHares]

I don't know if it was part of your design ideology. Some real world tank designs have the driver in a sort of raiseable seat so when not in combat their sticking out and have a good field of view. But when in combat they lower down and some deigns even have protection place lower down to give their head more protection. But their head isn't full inside of the tank, like the Mech the head isn't full enclosde and protected inside the armor but has as much armor placed around as is possible while still providing protection.

[@KylianStark]

thanks for the great laughs and also the valuable lessons!

[@kerkonig5102]

Huh, so europa is behind the tech curve. Thats interesting considering eurasia still uses mbts by th looks of the trailer, while europa seemingly phased them out in favour of more high tech mecs. Perhaps the idea is that europas ranc and file is more high tech while it's high power weapons are lacking, while eurasia is the other way? making europa play catch up in the "titans" (for eas ofwriting) department, while eurasia plays catch up in the rank and file department. Would be a interesting dynamic.

[@watchmebarelywrite]

harvester mommy backstory when

[@SandroAerogen]

Could you do a video on the zombie bombers? Those look rather interesting.

[@CriticalRocket]

I will ask for information about specific foes and see if the team are feeling kind.

[@MrSn4rk]

@@CriticalRocket I'm really interested in either the mother courage or the zombie cyborgs. Also, there was some sort of a cat-like robot that opened it's helmet and had a human head controlling it, I presume it's eurasian, that is also very interesting.

[@enxman7697]

This game is inspiring me on various levels. I'm already contemplating a ttrpg campaign based on it.

[@CriticalRocket]

I have had some idea's for a board game as well. It is a really rich world to comb through for interesting nuggets to use for a TTRP campaign.

[@joshuachapman247]

Sounds interesting

[@GamesforCykits]

I cant wait man lets hope this game delivers

[@CriticalRocket]

Same :)

[@Ragsta]

I think I would love to try this but my humble little laptop would have a Forever Winter :(

[@nigelbagguley7410]

So excited to play this lets hope it rocks

[@chadmueller1784]

Great videos...thank you!!!

[@susangoaway]

That "ultrahind" looks like the stuff I keep seeing on /k/

[@foxhoundusmc]

Simple yes or now question (I know you probably have a lot covered by NDAs): The smaller sized mech walking thru the "underground market" area near the end peaks my interest. Will there be ANY sort of "mech" or "exosuit" type equipment that tha players can use?

[@CriticalRocket]

My question about being able to use any 'mechs or power armour was a no. But it hasn't been ruled out for a far future update possibly, no guarantee.

[@MrSn4rk]

@@CriticalRocket it would probably go too much against the idea of the game. But maybe some sort of a home-made reverse-engineered power armor made by scavs isn't that far off, better than nothing, but still not very powerful.

[@BLANKERAMA]

I haven't heard about "Ring of Red" being mentioned anywhere in a long, L O N G time. Fun game - the light mechs were pretty damned good from what I remember

[@CriticalRocket]

I miss that game. Pity it's Konami who won't do anything with the IP.

[@Irondrone4]

Virus is definitely a film that's more style over substance. I love it, don't get me wrong, but you're there for the cyborg body horror, not the writing or acting.

[@CriticalRocket]

True but it is still a good trash movie to stick on when you can't be bothered with anything else.

[@gasmask7064]

HELL YEA, PART 2

[@NiftyShifty]

I loved Ring of Red back on the Playstation 2 and the aesthetic of the mechs in this game def feel like they were inspired a little bit by the games mechs of RoR

[@CriticalRocket]

I was so sad it never got a PSN release over in the EU and Konami are never going to remaster it.

[@spacesatan5840]

Hope you will talk about the enemy units when the beta comes out Even If i cant participate id still want to get immersed

[@CriticalRocket]

I am going to see what I can and can't discuss. the team are keen to avoid spoilers for those not in the beta.

[@AveragenmGamer]

this game looks awsome

[@Rabascan]

Hey! When's the last part coming?

[@CriticalRocket]

Initial plan was this weekend but I have to wait for some artwork from the dev team for part 3. Sorry for the wait, but I assure you it will be worth it for the lore stuff alone.

[@Rabascan]

@@CriticalRocket No worries - and thanks for letting us know!

[@thewaterbear]

Guys will this mech and just think, "Hell Yeah"

[@andrepalomaro353]

Heads up boss the other parts have not been added to your playlists!

[@osakanone]

I hate saying it but I think the game might be slightly too depressing for me, even though I love mecha. I'm glad for the people who enjoy this, but while the little stories and shock value are enticing, I already feel no shortage of hopelessness for the world we live in. I also don't think this will be a work of catharsis, so I'm not sure what's here for me honestly. I think for younger folk for whom a lot of these situations and emotions still feel very abstract, this is going to be really fun. I'm glad they're getting a landmark work, and something which isn't afraid of pulling its punches. I'll try Forever Winter, but for me, I'm not sure it'll stick. To all of you: good hunting.

[@CriticalRocket]

I get that, some themes aren't going to gel with some people even if the gameplay sounds fun. Like I imagine the idea of Ratten Reich looks fun but they don't want to play as rat soldiers for instance. Best bet is if they ever run a free trial you could check it out since the game will be PVE only and solo offline mode with bots if you like that it can be played that way.

[@berserkfury101]

Are these concept sketches available anywhere? i really would like to look over them, I checked there website but no joy

[@CriticalRocket]

These were shared with me by Kai Lim. They have announced that a book is being worked on for people to order in the future filled with the concepts and lore background and other stuff like that.

[@DisIngRaM]

The aesthetics are amazing. Sadly the game execution is not. I think it was a fatal mistake to limit their games within small maps that makes these mechs and tanks keep getting stuck, or have immersive killing moment (Like tanks spamming their cannon on infrantry at close distance, but unable to hit it, since the infrantry too close to it. Meanwhile the infrantry keep shooting their peas shooter at the tank). And I'm not sure why the devs don't make a proper entry route for enemy spawns, what we have now is just damaging their own ease of development.

[@GeekyDolphin46]

I can only hope for a console release

[@TheDwarfishjoe]

Well if the game comes out unpolished or ends up being shit, just make an animated series!

[@AmbroseBoaBowie]

O that came out fast

[@krieg4017]

Good.

[@andrepalomaro353]

What do you mean when you say she’s an SLA machine? Like a resin printer?

[@CriticalRocket]

SLA industries. A horror cyberpunk RPG tabletop game from the early 90's that is still going today. Written by some mad Scots with a shit ton of really cool artwork and a completely dystopic evil world. Fun game overall.

[@skazkatzroy3444]

ForeverWinter Knaves!

[@skeeeler]

But can I become that guy??

[@osakanone]

Wouldn't that undermine the entire point of the game?

[@CriticalRocket]

As a serious answer from what I have been told. No you can't be that guy though you will probably get to the point where you can fight tougher foes for better loot.

[@AncientRylanor69]

a

[@NIL0S]

War voyerism. Yes.

[@elpozomierda5106]

5:00 thats the tank from metal slug but with legs 😂

[@andrepalomaro353]

What do you mean when you say she’s an SLA machine? Like a resin printer?