Welcome to our very first developer blog for Blades of Mirage. We are excited to talk about our project. Our goal with these updates is to let you see the heart and soul we’re pouring into this project, so you can fall in love with Mira’s world just as much as we have. 

Every great journey needs a compelling hero. Meet Mira, a young woman driven by an abundant curiosity and a restless spirit. In designing her, we focused heavily on her expressions and hairstyle to reflect her "eager-to-explore" personality. 

Her attire is inspired by the Hindu-Buddhist influences across Southeast Asia. We combined these historical elements into a unique, original aesthetic. From the intricate patterns of her clothing to the accessories she wears, every detail represents the rich heritage that defines her world. 

Mira’s story begins during her preparation for her Coming-of-Age ritual in her village. What should have been a celebration of her adulthood becomes a nightmare as a mysterious force raids her village and abducts her loved one, forcing her into a desperate quest for rescue. 

Outside the safety of her village, Mira finds a realm infected by a corrupting Fire Deity, turning peaceful inhabitants into mindless aggressors. Now she must face corrupted humanoids and wild animals that have been unnaturally armed and armored. 

The corruption runs even deeper. Mira must also confront and ‘cure’ powerful guardians inspired by Southeast Asian mythologies and creatures, such as Utan, Barong, or the giant Kelabang (Centipede). To save her world, Mira must find a way to vanquish these fallen protectors. 

As an Action-Adventure title, choosing the right perspective was crucial. We feel that the Isometric POV provides a clear birds-eye view to dodge incoming threats and outmaneuver the hordes attacking from all sides while ensuring you don't miss a single detail of our hand-crafted world. This wider visibility is especially crucial when navigating the environment, helping you spot the clues needed to crack the game’s various puzzles. 

When designing Mira’s weapons, we drew inspiration from the classic mechanics of RPGs like D&D. We started by classifying damage types: slashing, piercing, and blunt. We chose to group bows and ranged weapons within the piercing category to ensure the combat remains fast and fluid without overwhelming the player with too many separate systems. 

While most weapons are staples of the action genre, we’ve infused them with Southeast Asian flair, most notably the Keris, which serves as a centerpiece of our cultural inspiration. 

This isometric foundation also enables us to craft truly unique boss encounters. We design each battle around a specific “player experience,” such as a massive guardian that demands constant mobility, or a stationary boss that transforms the arena into a puzzle of survival. 

We have crafted a diverse array of biomes for you to explore, from ancient overgrown temples and dense jungles to the savannahs inspired by the unique landscapes of Eastern Indonesia. Your journey will even take you through a place that draws visual inspiration from the industrial mining zones, as well as snowy mountains, and the classic RPG volcanic lands. 

We want the world to feel alive. Whether it’s grass reacting to Mira’s movement and weapons or water rippling at her feet, these interactive details bring a layer of realism to every step you take. 

After the battle settles, Mira returns to the Mandala. In this lively hub, you’ll interact with rescued NPCs, manage your upgrades through shops and side quests, and explore the narrative depths of the world's history. 

We are striving to make Blades of Mirage a truly packed experience, one where the story, RPG depth, and fluid combat all work in harmony. This is only the first chapter of our development journey, and we are excited to have you along for the ride. We can't wait to share more with you soon. 

Stay Connected: 

• https://bladesofmirage.agate.id/

• https://x.com/bladesofmirage

Until next time!