Criminals Within Unleashes Laughter Inspired by How to Train Your Dragon

Criminals Within is an action-adventure co-op game set in a medieval fantasy kingdom, developed by indie studio Space Rock Games using Unreal 5 Engine. The official reveal trailer for Criminals Within introduces the two playable protagonists, Jarel the thief and Helena the royal guard, and showcases their comedic encounter with dragons. The trailer draws comparisons to DreamWorks Animation's How to Train Your Dragon movies, as Jarel amusingly tries to steal treasure from a large purple dragon, capturing the interest of even more dragons.

Comedy is effectively used in many video games, but some may overdo it in their attempt to entertain. Game Rant recently interviewed Zsombor Pirok, the Managing Director of Space Rock Games, to discuss the humorous tone of Criminals Within and the importance of comedy throughout the game. Pirok also delved into the game's inspirations from both video games and movies, providing further context for the presence and significance of comedy in Criminals Within.

Criminals Withins' Inspirations From DreamWorks' Movies

Pirok mentioned that Criminals Within drew inspiration from a mix of video games and movies. Their influences include popular titles like Fable: The Lost Chapters and movies such as How to Train Your Dragon, which is widely regarded as one of DreamWorks' finest animated films. Pirok explained that they aimed to create a gaming experience similar to the beloved DreamWorks movies like How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek, and Road to El Dorado. These movies have a timeless appeal that appeals to the entire family, regardless of age. Pirok also shared their personal experience of watching these movies as a child and discovering hidden jokes that only adults would understand, which continues to make them and their parents laugh even as adults.

How Criminals Within's Comedy And Tone Of Humor Meets How To Train Your Dragon

Judging by the aforementioned kids-friendly movie inspirations, it is evident that Criminals Within is aiming to be a co-operative game suitable for families, incorporating elements of comedy. Jarel and Helena, both possessing distinct combat abilities as well as shared ones, are key characters in the game. Pirok explained how players will have to collaborate and strategize in two-player co-op mode in order to achieve victory. It will be intriguing to witness the comedic moments that this duo, with their contrasting personalities and skill sets, will bring to the game. Additionally, it will be fascinating to see how accessible and enjoyable the adventure game experience will be for players of different age groups. On a positive note, the gameplay footage and images released so far appear to be promising.

Among the captivating and amusing dragon encounters in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, some of the most memorable ones involve the dragons' distinctive personalities. One example is when Hiccup first meets Toothless and they quickly become friends. Initially appearing fierce and intimidating, Toothless reveals his true nature as a playful and endearing creature. Comedy plays a significant role in the appeal of How to Train Your Dragon, and Pirok also highlighted comedy as a vital element in Criminals Within, emphasizing the similarity in the games' humorous tone.

When it comes to the type of humor we're aiming for, it can be best described as the classic style found in DreamWorks movies such as "How to Train Your Dragon" and "The Road to Eldorado." Interestingly, Jarel's original design drew inspiration from Miguel and Tulio.

As for the protagonists and dragons in Criminals Within, the ones revealed so far, like the adorable pug dragon, showcase unique designs. However, we have yet to discover their individual personalities and how they contribute to the game's intended humorous tone and DreamWorks' comedic vibes. It will be captivating to delve further into the game and witness how comedy is seamlessly woven into its fantasy adventure gameplay.

Criminals Within is currently in development.