Welcome to Azthengar

Happy Sunday, fellow bloggers,

Today is Sunday, a time for rest, a time to slow down and enjoy doing what you love most. For me, that means working on Azthengar and dreaming up new ideas to make the experience truly come alive.

Lately, I’ve been fixated on the idea of adding a shimmering wave effect to the fog of war. There’s something about that subtle movement, that sense of life in the darkness, that excites me. It transforms the world from something static into something breathing. Something real.

Even earlier today, while sitting in the laundromat waiting for my clothes to dry, my mind drifted back into the game. I found myself asking a simple but important question: What is this game really about? What do I want it to become in the end?

Part of me wants to expand everything right now, to push the world outward in all directions. But another part of me knows this is something that benefits from patience. A slow-cooked vision. The kind of game that grows carefully, layer by layer, until it becomes something unforgettable.

What I do love, without question, is how Azthengar captures that mid-1980s CRPG feeling. There’s a certain magic in that era. Last night, I finally released the game on itch for the world to see. For now, anyone can jump in and experience the latest build. It’s a journey through a chaotic, magical world where you, a lone knight, fight to restore peace and hope to a broken kingdom.

And then there’s magic.

I’ve been thinking a lot about introducing it into the game. Even though you play as a knight, magic feels like a natural fit. A few carefully designed spells could add depth, strategy, and identity. After all, what is a fantasy world without magic, monsters, and steel clashing in the dark?

If I’m being honest, if this project didn’t exist, I probably would have made a simple knight-themed arcade game. But what’s unfolding here feels like something far greater. A perfect blend. A true CRPG experience.

So, what does magic look like in Azthengar right now?

At the moment, I’ve introduced three spells, each tied to a cost that forces the player to think carefully.

The first is BLOOD RITE, activated with the G key. This spell restores your health, but at the cost of your hunger. It’s powerful, but dangerous if used carelessly. Ignore your hunger meter, and it will catch up to you quickly.

The second is LANTERN WHISPER, triggered with the V key. This one reveals what lies hidden in the nearby darkness. It’s perfect for planning your route and avoiding unnecessary risks, but once again, it consumes hunger.

The third is SHADOW MARK, activated with the B key. This spell enhances your attacks for a limited time, giving you an edge in combat. Like the others, it comes at the cost of hunger.

Hunger, in many ways, becomes the backbone of the system. It’s not just a survival mechanic. It’s a resource. It fuels your magic, but if neglected, it will slowly drain your life. It forces balance. It forces decision-making. And honestly, I love that tension.

So here I am, on a quiet Sunday evening, sitting back after a great dinner with the family, reflecting on everything. The game is growing. The ideas are flowing. And the world of Azthengar is slowly becoming something special.

I wish you all a wonderful night.

And if you find yourself stepping into the depths of Azthengar, remember one thing:

Keep an eye on your hunger meter.