Game developer Punch Punk Games and publisher Klabater have launched a 30-day Kickstarter campaign designed to expand the community and scale of its extremely ambitious project. This is the Zodiac Speaking will be available on September 24, 2020 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms.
Visit the Kickstarter page!
This is the Zodiac Speaking is a fact-based single-player noir/psychological thriller based on the story of Zodiac, one of the most famous never-caught serial killers. It mixes vintage ’70s California visuals and an original epic cinematic soundtrack with gameplay elements that include classic horror, investigation, stealth mechanics, and multiple endings to discover. It offers two unique gameplay modes, one that blends storytelling with stealth action gameplay and the other (Detective Mode) that emphasizes immersive investigative storytelling.
Play as San Francisco journalist Robert Hartnell. Robert receives a mysterious phone call from the serial killer Zodiac who greets him with the infamous “Hello, this is the Zodiac speaking.” This single event kicks off a series of events that will take Robert down a spiraling path toward confronting one of America’s most notorious killers and…his own past.
“This is the Zodiac Speaking is a true American crime story. The Zodiac killer is ingrained in American pop culture. And though this game is by no means a homage to serial killers, it’s a story about their victims and the people who survived,” said Krzysztof Grudziński, director and narrative designer in Punch Punk Games. “The selection of Zodiac is the backdrop we are using to tell a unique story about a troubled protagonist, a San Francisco based journalist Robert Hartnell, who one day receives an ominous phone call. We look forward to sharing Robert’s story with you on September 24, regardless of the level of campaign’s success.”
The co-author of the script to This is the Zodiac Speaking is Lukasz Orbitowski, one of Poland’s most important horror authors. Together with Krzysztof Grudziński, head of Punch Punk Games, they plunged into the dark and dangerous’70s to produce an immersive and mature story.
Music for the game was created by AGIM of the Polish electronic music scene. The official soundtrack from the game will be published in Europe (digital distribution and vinyl edition) by electronic music label, Pias Recordings. The soundtrack was prepared by A_GIM, an acclaimed DJ, instantly sparked the interest among the Pias team. Pias will work with Klabater, the publisher of the game.
“It rarely happens you gather so many talented people behind one game. And it is even more impressive when you consider the fact that This is the zodiac Speaking is an ambitious narrative game,” said Michal Gembicki, Joint-CEO in Klabater. “Acclaimed musicians, awarded writers, and of course very talented Punch Punk development team lead by Krzysztof Grudziński, they are all on board. I’m really excited about this joint cooperation. Narrative games at their best!”
Game Features:
- Discover the facts and evidence-based story of America’s most famous never-caught serial killer.
- Experience the story from the perspective of a person who survived the attack of the serial killer, face your trauma, and run an investigation that will lead you to the truth about Zodiac.
- Unravel the details behind the murders, visit locations inspired by the original crime scenes, experience real psychological sessions that will help you to manage your traumas.
- Reveal 3 alternative endings, all based upon your investigation decisions.
- Enjoy the atmospheric film music and original retro-inspired art style.
- Travel to the vintage ’70s and feel the old-school vibe while visiting faithfully depicted California’s hallmark spots from the past.
Visit the This is the Zodiac Speaking Steam page for more details. The game is scheduled to release on September 24, 2020, for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
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