Mermaid Game Update 5 (UE 5.3)

Hi Everyone, figured it was time to show progress made in the last few months. As always its a straight one shot gameplay recording unpolished and as is. This is not a game that is currently available to buy anywhere but I do plan to release when its finished. There is also no Game Name decided yet. I play in the demo using Keyboard/Mouse but it is fully controller compatible too.
Quite a bit has been happening since the last video and the big updates are as below.
updated to Unreal Engine 5.3 and DLSS 3.5
Questing system Replaced as the earlier solution I was using in one of the videos was not multiplayer ready and had some other issues so started over with a much better design from the off, this is just first look for questing and the UI will be updated.
The big update everyone has been asking for is now in... Water Combat. Now anything in the water that attacks you you can fight back, yes the sharks too though id still steer clear of the sharks unless carrying the Trident.
Surface tricks/dives are also in and you can see in this video the start of this though I do plan to add more. huge improvements have been made in performance too opening up for a much more populated ocean. LUT corrections have gone in and boosted the color a bit and made some other camera improvements.
Alterations to thin down the tail design have been completed which was another thing commented on quite a bit. And as there was a recent big movie with lots of Pink we just had to get a new skirt and tail to match right.
Some new AI characters have been added and the existing Water based AI extended to be full combat ready.
Horse/Pegasus animation / IK improvements though i forgot to show the horse in this video but the earlier strange legs in places for the horse are now solved :) Anyhow these are the key updates, lots of minor things but would take too long to list everything, Hope you like it and let me know in the comments what else you want to see added or is there enough functionality here now to start and crack on with getting the game ready to go after the next bugfix run.

[@xxholicxxclover7413]

I feel like the water isn’t deep enough. I want to explore caves, deep sea wrecks etc.

[@rus2836]

thanks yes for sure, all this will be in the game (cave systems, deep sea, shipwrecks, depth darkness etc), this is just my quick test level to make sure everything is working

[@entrapta101]

Same!

[@nohee1702]

Would be fun if the sea is reallyyyyyy deep

[@goteamslugs]

Yes, though I also really like the look of shallow waters near the beach. ^u^

[@meow89022]

Add magic from the hands because she is a mermaid and you need to show it in attacks from the hands of the idea of magic: storm, lightning, ice or frost, fire.Thanks for the likes, you are the best 🥰

[@kenainavarro3747]

YESSS

[@rus2836]

yea I agree too ill get that in thanks :)

[@lovemermaids4evermermaids515]

Well do something like from the TV show H2O just add water kind of powers or mako mermaids tv show

[@julienrouche-lestonnat997]

Only magic that would make sense under the sea. water/ice.

[@meow89022]

yes, it will look cool too

[@user-ym4zs1oj1d]

So cool! Can’t wait for this game to appear! It’ll be amazing! Question. Will different races be supported in this game? Like for example: - mermaid - fish tail. Not very quick, but small and maneuverable, can easily go through any tight/small locations - mershark - shark tail. Strong and fast. Aggressive. Good in chasing. Bad in maneuvering. Can stuck somewhere easily - meroctopus - tentacles. Very slow, but smart. Can use his tentacles and ink for lot of purposes - mereel - long snake-like tail. Beware of his powers - he can easily fry his enemy if he’ll wish that. Slightly insane thanks to constant interaction between his brain and his electro powers. Good in “hide&seek” using his powers as some kind of radar

[@ZaffiroOcean]

Maybe cecaelias too

[@goteamslugs]

@@ZaffiroOceanYes! That is what they meant. Also known as "cilophyte". I'd like a Spanish Dancer as well. ^u^

[@krysxmoon]

This looks great so far! I'd tweak the lighting, maybe look at some dark fantasy images for reference. And include more water sound effect while swimming?

[@Sencilia]

I get more and more excited for this game every time you post a new video for it.

[@blurrybie111]

this is so beautiful! im so excited to see the finished game 🩵💙🫧

[@miguelitosantos679]

This is going great its so hard to make this games take time i appreciate the hard work you put in this❤

[@zarasiddiqui3941]

This looks gorgeous! I'm so excited to see what it looks like when it's totally finished. Just my personal opinion but I feel like the female character's stance is too far apart, kinda caveman-ish lolll. If it's going to be based on sirens I'd love to see a singing aspect as a way to lure in people >:)

[@docterzero1503]

Just stumbled upon this project. Looks really promising, even if it does seem a bit placeholdery so far. Looking forward to more updates

[@meow89022]

❤I haven't seen the video yet, but I know the game will turn out great ❤

[@v8matey]

This looks promising. I suggest playing giants citizen kabuto for some ideas for the water princess character. Another idea is when the character is running 50%, in the water. Make the character slow down to walk speed. Check out assassins creed black flag for reference. People naturally try an hop / skip in water when wanting to move fast.

[@LuisSanchez-by7mh]

Damn this game could really take off. Can’t wait to play.

[@tiffanywong1585]

imagine if heavy attacks in mermaid form just involved hitting someone really hard with your tail 😍

[@elinaamalik]

i'm waiting for this game !!!!! (as for title: "The lost bay of Belladonna" or "Secrets of Mako Island" smth like that)♥

[@freizeit.gaming.modellbahn6764]

yeah a bit mako based would be nice. maybe another map with modern buildings, the highschool/collage, rita´s house with caves and water access....

[@elinaamalik]

or even a story based on h20:just add water (like girls find this cave and become mermaids !) it would be very interesting @@freizeit.gaming.modellbahn6764

[@todorokiyosukedesu]

Bruh this is an awesome idea! Keep it up! I will wait for this! Don't forget to listen to your audiences.

[@kucingmansuri]

So cool! Amazing! Cant wait to try it

[@chris-cw6pn]

is soo good i cant wait till it comes out

[@mermaidjaffa9135]

When can we playtest? My mermaid friends are eager to dive into the new world you've created.

[@the_only_bunny]

Hey Dude, so I was looking into your latest update and I gotta say I'm pretty impressed, I just have a few suggestions to make if it helps you at all, you're more than free to disregard the following comments: the warpy effect needs to be reduced when you're hitting enemies, you could consider having droplets of water on the player camera when the player goes in and out of water. I suggest turning the lighting down a little bit, seems like the contrast on the level is a bit too high do you have any exponential fog in the level? Cuz sometimes it can actually help balance your directional and atmosphere well enough. 4:06 to 4:11 character moonwalking backwards feels a bit weird are you planning to have a like an ariel moment in the game where the player learns to walk and run for the first time when they grow their legs out? 😅 Kinda like a training level? your transformation from human to mermaid is quite cool and subtle which is a really nice touch and it happens quickly as well so players won't feel irritated to wait for the transformation which is awesome. underwater combat still needs a lot more work imo cuz it feels like you're fighting on land. players need to feel the resistance of the water pushing against their moves. Idk if you have noticed but the model's hair just displaces for a second from her head when she is underwater and you can see the bald head which is quite funny the camera needs a little more polishing as its a bit jarring since the camera is colliding with objects in the world, could there be a way to make more smoother. I think a smoother rotation on the player character is necessary under the water due to it abruptly snapping into position when you are swimming forward and then suddenly stopping. the animations are a bit stiff when you're in combat, maybe blendspaces could and most importantly look into women fighting animations, which could help with the movements not lookiing so stiff.

[@rus2836]

Hey thanks for this, loads of good stuff here for me to look into and will certainly be a big help :)

[@the_only_bunny]

@rus2836 no problem 😊 happy to help

[@valerialinares9747]

The swimming animation has definitely improved. I hope character customization will be in-depth since I personally am not a fan of large breasts tbh, but I'm super excited to see this game get fleshed out. I definitely think that, later on once you've got the movements and story generally figured out, that you get a marine biologist and someone who can build game world maps on board to help you with the environment and the creatures. Many games that include diving like Hungry Shark, Abzu, Beyond Blue, Assassin's Creed Black Flag, and Man Eater would be great examples of how you can decorate your underwater environments. Obviously, since this is a mermaid game which should definitely focus primarily on being underwater, then those underwater environments should be just as fleshed out as the environment above water. It would also be really cool if underwater biomes are implemented into the gameplay, especially since some fish might not be found in certain waters. I can't wait to see how this goes! This is a dream being realized lmao!

[@Riehentar]

The water just looks like it feels nice XD

[@rosalina_Thebestmariocharacter]

It's looking so good!

[@MercenaryX21]

Good proof of concept, I'm hopeful.

[@MacielDiasCoqueiro]

🧜🏻‍♀️🌊Perfect Creations🌊🧜🏻‍♀️

[@katherine2596]

Some monster ideas to replace generic goblins on the beach: 1) Coconut crabs (or any kind of big crab, really) 2) Hermit crabs as both an armored crab and also as a treasure chest mimic 3) Tutles, both regular animal and of the mutant ninja turtle variety. Dress them up in hawaian shirts and sunglasses, give them fishing rods to pull the mermaid into melee range. 4) Starfish that stick to mermaid's body and slow her down until removed by mashing movement/use/attack buttons. 5) Sea horses that shoot bubbles from their snouts 6) Giant parrots that drop coconuts on the mermaid. Could be parrot harpies. 7) Jaguars, possibly bipedal. Dash in for a bite and then run away.

[@shioamin2324]

wow, lo amo, espero que salga ya que se ve hermoso 😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤

[@markwaldonjohnson]

well this looks great and I really hope this does come to consoles because I will definitely buy it.

[@averagealtputkienjoyer]

cant wait to try it

[@Mojo_Jojo9869]

Looks awesome

[@mechanicalbeanstalk]

Looking good! :)

[@CupidFailed24]

I love this game I know the game isn’t fully out yet but you should add a luring ability to lure npcs or players to you

[@rus2836]

im adding magic next, ill see about the siren song lure at the same time :)

[@SkyGuy4991]

I know it's not priority, but it needs some background music. But it's good to see the game isn't so empty now.

[@Celydith]

background sounds overall are important. The underwater song gets a little tiring after a while. Maybe add seagull sounds, wind howling, sounds when stepping on different platforms (wood, sand, grass...), sounds of the pike hitting flesh on combat...

[@WintersFinalstand]

Combat is a bit floaty. As opposed to speed of action, it'd be better if it was slower. Still can be flashy, but it needs to have more weight. Hyper fast attacks are the domain of light weaponry. Larger items are a lot harder to move, and something like the spear or trident is more a weapon designed to force others back.

[@elinaamalik]

also it would be great to see Kraken !!!!♥

[@viscondeasmr]

incredible.

[@th3raven.t]

hope this game really comes out❤️

[@rus2836]

me too, im 2 years in now working on it, i have many backups and no way all my backups will be lost lol ill get there eventually the plan is add magic abilities and a polish run before xmas, then ocean improvements and a few more AI in Jan then start working on the story and world design.

[@user-me3jz4xj7s]

yo siempre eh querido un juego de sirena bajo el mar, nunca eh visto un juego parecido, y si lo lanzas sere una de las primeras en comprarlo definitivamente, yo estoyh emocionada por probar esto, y que graficos me encanta, sigue asi que esto de echo sera un exito

[@user-is5ch3xn9n]

потрясающе красиво!!!!)😍😍😍😍😍

[@rue...whenwasthis]

loving everything I am seeing, I have 1 note though, you're thinking of mermaids like they're people who are half fish, they're not, I think if you switch up the design to be less people-y and some of the movement to be more fluid it'd be perfect, but that's just my personal thoughts on what i'd like to see in a mermaid game

[@misterhatchling3578]

This tail is really better❤‍🔥

[@shalsarifdakamila9817]

is the water errr or yk the sea gonna be the same like in the trailer? its gonna be fun if we can explore way more moreee deeper, its gonna feel amazing. anyway this looking so gawd! ill wait for thiss

[@Colletezzz]

the hair is so pretty omg and are you adding kelp forest?

[@kawaiiiwka8388]

я случайно наткнулась на трейлер этой игры и теперь здесь пишу своё впечатление. НАМЕЧАЕТСЯ ОЧЕНЬ КРУТАЯ ИГРА, когда увидела пегаса то подумала что можно было б сделать подобно игре TERA которую закрыли, в плане ассортимента для персонажа, она была с красивыми животными и одеждой и игроки любили делать фото своих персонажей :3. Режим мультиплеера даст возможность долго не выходить из игры xd, прошу сделайте подводный мир полным секретов и тайн чтобы не только плавать и смотреть на красоту океана но и натыкаться на приключения и опасности :D

[@megazerosaber]

Looking foward to this. I think if you keep putting out more frequent updates you'll get far more attention and might be picked up by a publisher. It's probably not at the top of your list of things but the UI for the dialogue and text really needs to be improved, bland generic boxes with text always give a low quality feeling.

[@Starboy21003]

It would be so cool if the characters looked more like aquatic characters. Like their tail blends into their skin tone, or there were skin tones that match the colors of the tails so they look like fish.

[@mechanicalbeanstalk]

@Rus Is this game related to the mermaid game, Siren thats being worked on by Loreseeker games? Regardless, it looks cool. I'd like to stream it when its ready to be played. Heres hoping for more updates! 😄

[@ninalisareimold841]

When is the game finished? I can‘t wait it looks so beautiful 😍👍

[@AndromedaApokalipsy]

I should make the "early access" version available for playing :)

[@lovemermaids4evermermaids515]

Will u be add some underwater animals like dolphins sharks whales ect

[@inspiringer6418]

Can you sit on the ocean floor and have a sleep position on a rock or something? Like multiple stationary positions for mermaids

[@annyeongzz24]

is there any magic skills included here?? would be great if the mermaid can cast any spells

[@PsychoticCielia]

Is there no demo for people to play? I feel like to get an idea on what your viewers think they need to be able to play it themselves vs watching a video of someone else for after all that is why games have "closed betas" for as well. I actually used to be a "mermaid" so to speak, appearing in public places as a surprise, parties, events or just randomly appear but I lost a lot of weight & owning a realistic silicone tail I sold it since isn't possible to modify it but can't afford another tail sadly lol but I still got the memories!

[@chris-cw6pn]

i hope that we can change the male avatar more tho

[@off4780]

I would like to play this game if I had more powers in my hands, It would be very interesting to have powers related to weather (storm) or water domination, Saludos desde brasil

[@studioghiblianime4009]

hey jsut checking in, when is the game going to be released?? ive been really curious and have been stalking EVERYWHERE lol

[@madisonsearose8521]

Dying for update video or judt any updates❤❤❤

[@rus2836]

Hi Madison, ill post a new video soon, maybe another week. But the next update is huge a lil teaser.. everything is now configurable in character creator so you can set no end of things. about 50 different hairstyles, including roots/tips/main, makeup n colors (including eyes, nails, lips etc) good selection of body art, skin tone and body weight sliders, several different design of tails to choose from and color picker on main tail and fins. everything is on a full color picker too so no more hardcoded color options you can chose any color.

[@lovemermaids4evermermaids515]

Will this only be a serving game or will we be able to just enjoy and play it wothout having to fight?

[@ssururu]

Is there a scheduled release date??? i lovedddddddd

[@M-or3xt]

I would love to play something like this! What other game that isn't for girls or a life sim could you be a mermaid (male and female) and explore the ocean and be the main idea of the game?

[@kamillesmith9433]

Is this gonna be on xbox or is this strictly q computer game? Cause i have an xbox one currently and i wanna play

[@beat91sms]

The loading image is funny. Is the mermaid about to bash into a tree?

[@chancemarie7917]

maybe you could make it so you have a choice to already be a mermaid and then turn into one kinda like an H2O just add water vibe because everyone loves that show

[@darkdiguh]

where will the game be available?

[@lweonaa]

❤❤❤❤ incrível #br

[@melaningoldmine]

Anything we can do to support?

[@RegularAmy2023]

does anyone get to play this or just the creators? also whats the name of this game?

[@darkwaterentertianme]

This looks amazing.. Any words on how much you plan to sale it for?

[@rus2836]

Thanks, current plan is to aim for around a $10 release on steam or epic games store with no ads or pay to win kind of thing.

[@faioula1613]

​@@rus283610$, I am from Greece. Will I be able to buy this game from Steam too?? Whether if I will buy it on pc or consoles.

[@Bottom_1999]

@@rus2836 wait so it's not on console anymore? RIP was excited about this game

[@lovemermaids4evermermaids515]

U might want to add a kingdom under water where the mermaids can go

[@rosalina_Thebestmariocharacter]

Maybe add a purple or lilac tail?

[@meow89022]

Where is the new video??? Don't you dare abandon the game!!! You will succeed!!!

[@rus2836]

hehehee you got used to them every 3 months, Im working really hard on the game and will get a new video out when i can. this piece now is a total refactor of the game so is a big piece. so all previous limitations and early design errors are fixed as its like a start over now i know what works. I think you will like the new look. here's a lil spoiler the customization has had huge update so we have new base characters, over 50 hairstyles, 5+ different tails to pick from(all different fin styles), body art/tattoos, weight, colors for everything can be altered even down to fingernails, lips, eyeshadow, tail, side fins, hair even including different color for roots and tips, beard designs everything :) oh and all on a full color picker too so not limited to a few presets. All new wearable clothing is all in and looking amazing so you can pickup different clothing in game to equip, whole swim system has been totally redesigned for better movement and with many more animations. everything is getting a full overhaul

[@meow89022]

I haven’t looked at all this yet, but I know for sure that it’s the most beautiful game developer.

[@ashleys8730]

Looks great. Although it would be nice if it had voice acting.

[@user-yw7kq1wv8j]

When game will come out?

[@ignaciodeluna2885]

Is this a character creation game? I hope its similar to Witcher 3 that had characters

[@fredrickcloyes6767]

when does the game come out and what is the game name?

[@Riehentar]

if you ever need voice actors hit me up or let us know the website where you are holding auditions. I am a voice actor on the side and I've always wanted to voice in a video game!

[@Celydith]

this would interest me too!

[@ebayaradiay2781]

Love the game design. But the female characters need body armor. Loving it's using merpeople.😘😘😘😘

[@entrapta101]

Will This be single or multiplayer?

[@may.buchanan1993]

Will it be controller friendly?

[@joelroseberry2801]

Can you make it available on iOS when it’s finished pls 😀🙏

[@katuskibakugou3555]

Would you like feedback on this?

[@pinklights9712]

...where do you play this???

[@laelhochberg9497]

Please make the mermaid look like Chelsea from Ruby Gillman in the next update video.

[@avyf5445]

please add more beautiful mermaid tails

[@jesseniatorres4277]

Hello how can I play this game

[@user-nk4dh8fn1d]

What is This a Game ,i want install it

[@kamillesmith9433]

PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS COMING TO XBOX!!!!!

[@tbmadja3558]

not release yet ?

[@carobeccalli5479]

If you need a translator/ localizer for this game, let me know! would love to work on this

[@the_snowman873]

what is this game called?

[@MurenangSirena]

Noting this game. Also suVscribing to get more notice. ❤

[@2004pee]

What is this game called

[@skyrimhuang749]

很棒的游戏，虽然尾巴看起来仍然有点僵硬。我不喜欢通过赞助来支持你。我希望你能上传自己的Steam页面和早期预览，我会付款！

[@JessicaRoblox2014]

Hi💋💋💋

[@ingridblackpinkisgreat5427]

What game is this

[@kenainavarro3747]

it will be a free game?

[@milliebobbybrown9593]

I think you should add other tails like in H2O just add water from Siren from mako mermaids the merman tail. ❤❤

[@milliebobbybrown9593]

Or maybe from the new live action for the little mermaid.

[@rus2836]

I cant wait to show the new update, i think this weekend ill do a new video. I now have several tails to chose from as well as new and way more suitable player character models 50+ female hairstyles and about 40 male and a further 15 facial hair options, multiple body art, everything can be colored how from a full color wheel you chose even as far as roots tips and main hair, nails, inner outer eyeshadow, tail, fins the whole works. all new clothing options to pickup and equip, totally redesigned swim.. Archery while on the Pegasus. It's a full rework :)

[@vwetv1019]

I want I want I want

[@aomimizuchiko366]

I might sounds picky and unreasonably demanding, however i don’t like the way female character’s standing and idle movement at all. The way they bend their body forward, not straighten their back, make them look like stone age half-monkey human. It’s lack of elegantness we should find in mystical race. Unless your concept of mermaid is lending toward barbarian warrior, i think you better imitate female character’s movement to female model’s movements, like the way they standing, the way their walk.

[@aomimizuchiko366]

P.S. still waiting to play your game. Keep doing your best ^^

[@manhtdm2955]

Maybe mermaid form on land pls ? 10:50

[@shamshamwoohoo1]

Is this with loreseeker btw?

[@rus2836]

No, this is a different project, I'm not running any type of funding and know that I have everything I need and can get this to a good state for early access self funded as I'd much rather players have a game they can see and instantly jump into when purchasing and am not a fan of the taking money on promise of delivery in years. I'm just over 2 years in so far, now just finishing up on a full refactor of all the core mechanics. I have a long way to go but im sure the next update video will go down really well :)

[@shamshamwoohoo1]

Hey idk if you have any singers for this but me and my friend would love to send you our vocals if you're interested?@@rus2836