Bounty Star Dev Reveals Game-Changing Mech Loadouts, Innovative 'Post-Post-Apocalyptic' Farming, and Exciting Surprises

Annapurna Interactive, the publisher of popular indie games like Stray and Neon White, recently held its annual digital showcase in late June. During the event, they unveiled a lineup of exciting new titles that will be released in the near future. One game that stood out was Bounty Star, developed by DinoGod, which combines mech combat and farming simulation in a unique way. The game follows the story of Clem, a retired veteran, as she attempts to restore a homestead and confront her troubled past in a thrilling post-post-apocalyptic world.

Game Rant had the opportunity to speak with Ben Ruiz about Bounty Star's innovative mix of base-building, farming, and mech combat, in anticipation of its launch in early 2024. The following interview transcript has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.

Hi there! I'm Ben Ruiz, the founder of Dinogod and creative director behind Bounty Star. For those who are unfamiliar with the title, Bounty Star is a unique blend of third-person mech action and the engaging world of business and farm building. After all, even bounty hunters need to grab a bite to eat!

What level of mech customization can players expect in Bounty Star? The Steam listing mentions different weapon types and defense options. Will players have a significant ability to modify the appearance of their mechs?

Bounty Star's customization aims to give players a unique and personal mech experience, without the intricacies found in series like Armored Core or Mechwarrior. In terms of visual customization, we offer a variety of paint jobs for purchase and discovery within the game world.

How do you ensure that the frenetic and challenging mech combat footage seamlessly integrates with the introspective and laid-back gameplay of the rest of the game, instead of conflicting with it?

The two gameplay styles harmoniously blend together. It is essential to strike a balance in an action game that isn't constantly intense. Thus, transitioning from intense bounties to a more tranquil and domestic gameplay environment seems like a natural progression in terms of pacing.

Do you have any favorite builds or fun weapon combinations you would recommend to players who are familiar with farming, but new to the mech combat genre?

Without giving away any spoilers, I cannot reveal my favorite load-out. However, I can mention that I deliberately engineered these systems to be highly functional on their own, ensuring that players who repeatedly utilize the same items or have a particular load-out will always have an enjoyable experience.

Aside from engaging in mech combat, does Bounty Star introduce any unique aspects to the farming mechanics that Clem needs to master?

Bounty Star combines familiar elements from farming games that we all enjoy with unique thematic twists that reflect life in a post-post-apocalyptic American desert.

Is Bounty Star intended to be experienced as a campaign, or does it offer a life-sim experience with potentially endless gameplay?

The content fragment should be rewritten as follows:

The intent of the game is to be experienced as a campaign driven by a narrative that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

During the showcase, it was mentioned that local individuals who have a significant role in Clem's life would pay her visits. Does Bounty Star incorporate a relationship system, or do these interactions unfold in a more linear fashion?

The content is definitely more linear and focused on storytelling. Although I would adore incorporating a complex relationship system, our team consists of only five, sometimes six, members.

The key art for Bounty Star features the subtitle, "the Morose Tale of Graveyard Clem." We are aware that Clem is struggling with her choices as a soldier, but is the game considered a tragedy?

The character embodies a profound sense of tragedy, yet I do not perceive the game or the overarching narrative as tragic.

Bounty Star takes place in the post-apocalyptic American Southwest, offering a glimpse into a distant future where society is striving to rebuild. Could you provide insights into the expansive realm of Bounty Star?

The game's setting draws heavy inspiration from the 4 corners region, specifically Monument Valley, in the United States. Players can uncover the world's backstory if they desire, but picture a scenario where the desert family in the American Southwest was allowed to expand without limitations. Interestingly, this phenomenon is currently occurring in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and China.

Was the theme of healing important for Dinogod? Absolutely. The post-post-apocalyptic setting, Clem's journey in accepting her past, and her efforts to restore her gas station all hint at a narrative centered on healing. And when it comes to Clem, her healing process is intricately intertwined with how she chooses to wield her gun to impact the world.

Which games and other forms of media have had an impact on the visual and sensory experience of Bounty Star?

The primary influences on Bounty Star's aesthetics would be Harvest Moon, the iconic Armored Core, and Devil May Cry. However, to be completely honest, every aspect of my life, even ordinary tasks like eating, talking, and tidying up my house, is infused with inspiration from Devil May Cry, haha!

Is there anything else you would like our readers to be aware of?

What has brought me the most satisfaction with Bounty Star thus far is its ability to transcend traditional gameplay and aesthetic concepts. It encompasses several elements that resonate deeply with our team at Dinogod and represents a fusion of distinct and innovative ideas. I believe players will genuinely value its unique perspective.

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Bounty Star is currently in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S with an expected release in early 2024.