A New Narrative Experience in Sky of Tides
Indie game publisher ESDigital Games and developer Lofty Sky Entertainment have recently unveiled the full voice cast for their highly anticipated game, Sky of Tides. Rather than following the trend of video announcements, the team opted for a detailed written introduction, offering fans an in-depth look at the game’s story and characters. With Sky of Tides set to be featured at Gamescom 2024 later this month, excitement is building for this unique narrative experience.
Explore the Fractured World of Numen
Sky of Tides is a story-driven sci-fi adventure with RPG elements, set in a technologically advanced universe teetering on the brink of war. The game takes place on Numen, a planet shattered by a great calamity that has caused the oceans to float above and divided the land into nine separate planetoids. In this fractured world, players will embark on an epic journey as Rin, voiced by Ginger Sue, known for her roles in Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, Dragonheir: Silent Gods, and My Time at Sandrock.
As Rin, players will search for her missing father, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and work to heal the broken planet of Numen. Along the way, players will encounter a diverse cast of characters, each presenting choices that will shape both Rin’s destiny and the future of Numen.
A Unique Transmedia Experience
Adding to the allure of Sky of Tides is its innovative approach to storytelling through transmedia. The game will feature an original five-episode animated series titled Sky of Tides: Atla, which will be available exclusively as a reward for players who unlock the true ending of the game. This series will provide a different perspective on the world of Numen through the eyes of another protagonist, Atla Gildeon, voiced by Angela Tran, who is known for her work in Genshin Impact, The Titan’s Bride, and Joey & Ella.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
The voice cast for Sky of Tides is impressive, featuring renowned actors from various popular television shows, anime, and video games. Todd Haberkorn, an American voice actor and director known for his roles in Dragon Ball Z and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, voices Lu D’Lorah, Rin’s father, and Commander Ox in the animated series. Damien Hass, recognized from Smosh Games and the Damien & Shayne Show, lends his voice to Reef in the game, bringing his experience from roles in Grand Theft Auto V, Halo Wars 2, and Fortnite.
Ex-USAF officer-turned voice actor Joe Zieja, known for his work in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Just Cause 4, voices Streak. Additionally, popular variety streamer Briana “Storymodebae” Williams joins the cast as Drifty No-Hive, appearing in both the game and animated series.
Meet the Rest of the Cast
In addition to the leading voices, Sky of Tides features a talented ensemble cast, including:
- Zoleka Vundla as Nikki
- Caleb Yen as Kryll
- Tricia Brioux as Chairman
- Chelly Li as Yana
- Conrad Haynes as Thrace
- David Shatraw as Loaj
- Mark Graue as Kenneth Sohan, Rin’s grandfather
- B Marks as Sage Sid and Dr. Ugane
- Brent Mukai as Sage Opaldeen
Immersive World and Character Development
Sky of Tides is not just about exploring a visually stunning world but also about deep character interaction and development. The game’s setting, Numen, is rich with lore and history, fractured into nine floating planetoids each with its own unique environment and challenges. Players will journey from Rin’s family’s Rytail farm on Yantar to the harsh wasteland of the Bleached Relics, discovering ancient landscapes and uncovering the mysteries of this broken world.
One of the standout features of Sky of Tides is its focus on player choice and character customization. Players will need to carefully consider their decisions, as dialogue choices and actions influence Rin’s Character Stats. These stats—intelligence, humor, courage, compassion, and luck—affect the storyline and unlock unique dialogue options and customization items. This dynamic system ensures that each player’s experience can be uniquely tailored, reflecting their personal style and decisions.
Audio Diaries and Novellas
To enrich the player’s experience and provide deeper context, Lofty Sky Entertainment will release nine audio diaries or novellas that offer backstories for each of the main characters. These novellas will be available outside of the game, giving players an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Numen even before starting their journey. By signing up on the new Sky of Tides website, players can gain access to these additional materials and better understand the intricate world and its inhabitants.
“We wanted to introduce players to our characters and the unique world of Numen before they play the game,” said Jason Loftus, CEO and executive producer at Lofty Sky Entertainment. “So we worked with the actors to create this series of audio novellas as something that can live outside the game but bring players in.”
Gamescom 2024 and Future Release Details
Sky of Tides will be prominently featured at Gamescom 2024, where attendees can experience new gameplay demos at the Indie Arena booth. The game is set to launch on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and X/S consoles, and Nintendo Switch. The publisher is expected to announce the game’s official release date during the event, along with a new demo.
Additionally, the animated series Sky of Tides: Atla will be included in special retail box sets of the game, providing an exclusive bonus to physical purchases. More details on additional platforms where the series will be available will be announced at a later date, expanding the reach of this unique transmedia project.
Lofty Sky Entertainment’s Vision
Lofty Sky Entertainment, the studio behind Sky of Tides, is an independent media company focused on creating engaging stories across various digital mediums, including games, film, animation, and VR. Founded in 2017 by Masha Yujiao Loftus and Jason Loftus, the company is known for its innovative storytelling and cross-platform content. Their previous projects include the narrative game Shuyan Saga and the feature film Eternal Spring.
With its talented cast, immersive world, and unique storytelling approach, Sky of Tides aims to redefine how stories are told and experienced in the gaming industry. Fans of narrative-driven games and animated series alike should keep an eye out for this groundbreaking project as it approaches its highly anticipated release.
Voice Cast Highlights
The voice cast for Sky of Tides is a veritable who’s who of talented actors from the world of anime, gaming, and beyond. The game and its animated series feature a diverse array of voices that bring the world of Numen to life.
Todd Haberkorn
American voice actor and director Todd Haberkorn is one of the standout names in the cast. Known for his roles in popular anime and video games such as Dragon Ball Z and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3, Haberkorn voices Lu D’Lorah, the father of the game’s protagonist, Rin. Additionally, he voices Commander Ox in the animated series Sky of Tides: Atla. His extensive experience and distinctive voice are sure to add depth and gravitas to the characters he portrays.
Damien Hass
Damien Hass, recognized for his work with Smosh Games and roles in games like Grand Theft Auto V and Halo Wars 2, voices Reef in the game. His involvement brings a familiar voice to the project, adding another layer of familiarity for fans of his previous work.
Joe Zieja
Ex-USAF officer-turned voice actor Joe Zieja, known for his roles in Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Just Cause 4, voices Streak in Sky of Tides. Zieja’s background and versatility as a voice actor contribute significantly to the game’s rich character roster.
Briana “Storymodebae” Williams
Popular variety streamer Briana “Storymodebae” Williams joins the cast as Drifty No-Hive in both the game and the animated series. Her unique presence and energetic style will undoubtedly enhance the character’s appeal and add to the overall dynamic of the game and series.
Unique Transmedia Experience
Sky of Tides is pioneering a new approach to storytelling by integrating its animated series, Sky of Tides: Atla, directly into the game. Players who achieve the true ending of the game will unlock the series as a reward, allowing them to experience the story from another perspective and further immerse themselves in the world of Numen.
This innovative transmedia strategy is designed to create a cohesive and engaging experience for players, seamlessly blending the game and series into one expansive universe. By offering the series as a reward, Lofty Sky Entertainment encourages players to fully explore and engage with the game’s narrative.
Looking Ahead
With its combination of captivating voice performances, immersive world-building, and groundbreaking storytelling methods, Sky of Tides is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry. The game’s presence at Gamescom 2024 and its anticipated release on multiple platforms will undoubtedly draw attention from both gamers and industry professionals alike.
As Lofty Sky Entertainment continues to push the boundaries of how stories are told across different mediums, Sky of Tides stands as a testament to their commitment to innovative and engaging content. Fans eagerly awaiting the release of this ambitious project can look forward to an experience that promises to be both deeply personal and universally compelling.