Author: Game Infliction

The world of Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure takes place on a sprawling, interconnected gameplay grid, on which characters, objects, puzzles, and exploration all follow the same logic: when player character Jemma moves, the world moves too. And when you step off the edge of the grid in any direction, you “loop” around to the other side. With these mechanics in mind, and being a game without a failstate, we certainly had our work cut out for us when it came to designing our boss fights!

We started by laying down some structural ground rules about the game world, to keep our scope in check and put a rough template in place to design around. Each town has two roughly delineated dungeon areas, which at some point introduces the elements required to solve a larger puzzle at the end of the town, which we frame as our boss fights. Though they may (and should!) feel intimidating, our bosses are ultimately just larger puzzles that have more at stake in the context of the story.

Some early sketches of the second boss by our artist David Hellman. Featuring eyes, monsters, water, and a small identity crisis.

In a more traditional game, you’d have to worry about losing health if you get hit, or even dying and having to restart the fight. That’s not the case in Arranger, but your progress will still be limited until you can find a way to solve the challenge.

The dangers – or rather, the obstacles – that Jemma has to face are always connected to a strange force we call “the static,” which we represent in the game with a glowing purple aura around objects. The static objects aren’t affected by Jemma’s powers, and stay in place when she moves. This is true for all puzzles in Arranger, but it’s expressed in the most explicit way in these boss battles: the raw form of the static becomes a static beast, and Jemma has to find creative ways to defeat them, using all sorts of strategies introduced in earlier puzzles throughout the game.

The final stage of the first boss may look complicated, but you’ll develop all the skills required to defeat that long static boy by the time you get there!

Finding different ways to represent these beasts was a real challenge. We really wanted to express how the scale of the bosses was getting larger and larger as you progressed through the story, to convey that the risks were larger and that you were getting closer to the source of the problem.

Given the nature of the design and our primary goal of keeping the game experience breezy, a lot of these elements are represented not by the difficulty of the puzzle, but instead emphasized through the story context and art. 

One of our comic-style cutscenes that introduces the first boss!

The first boss is something Jemma can work out herself – a worm getting larger and larger, with more static debris appearing after each phase, making the usable grid smaller each time. Whereas the second and the third bosses are actually the opposite: the grid becomes larger, giving more room for movement, but the steps to damage the boss become more complex, so you have to use everything you’ve learned (and Jemma may even have to get some help from other characters!). So it’s always a balance between giving players the right amount of space to maneuver around, depending on how much complexity and constraint we want to introduce.

You’d better use those birds if you want to poke all those eyes at the same time..!

It’s been really interesting for us – and we hope for players as well – to see how these elements evolve throughout the game. It may feel like a natural evolution, but it took a lot of (exhaustive) iteration and (fun!) exploration to get it feeling like we wanted it to. Just like Jemma, we had to go through a lot of chaos and make a big mess, before the dust settled on the other end to reveal the game’s true nature.

Thanks so much for checking out Arranger. We hope it slides right into your heart!

Gran Turismo players! This month’s Update 1.49* for Gran Turismo 7 will be available as of July 24 at 11:00pm PST / July 25 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST.

Let’s dive into what’s new.

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Updated physics simulation model

A major update has been introduced for the car physics simulation model. This update mainly affects the suspension physics model and tire physical calculation model resulting in much more natural weight shifting during cornering. Tire response has also been improved, along with more realistic tire heating and wear. Look forward to more dynamic car movement and a further polished driving feel.

French tire maker Michelin has been added.

6 new cars added this month

BMW M3 ‘97

*Can be purchased from Used Cars

From race car to luxury grand tourer, the 3.2L second generation M3.

The 2nd generation M3 was introduced in 1992, 2 years after the introduction of its base model, the 3rd generation ‘E36’ 3-Series. The original ‘E30’ M3 was a racing homologation model made by heavily modifying the standard 3-Series, in a stark contrast, the E36 M3 took the line in the direction of a grand tourer. It featured a more mature look, with understated aero parts. Performance, however, was still very much at the forefront of the design. The 3L inline-6 engine produced 282.1 BHP with 32.7 kgfm torque. With this engine at its heart, the car was able to accelerate from a standing start to 62 mph in just 6 seconds and could continue to accelerate up to 155 mph before hitting the speed limiter. 

A minor model change in 1995 brought with it a 3.2L engine producing 316.6 BHP and 35.7 kgfm torque, and replaced the 5-speed manual transmission with a 6-speed unit, along with several changes to the chassis to sharpen the overall handling. 1997 saw the introduction of a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia ‘07

*Can be purchased from Brand Central / Used Cars

A road-going racer that greatly improved upon the performance of the F430.

The 430 Scuderia was announced in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, introduced as a high-performance version of Ferrari’s V8 series ‘F430’. It also served as the successor to 360 Challenge Stradale, a road-legal version of the 360 Challenge one-make race car that appeared in the 360 Modena era. 

It is powered by the same 4.3L V8 DOHC engine as the standard F430, further tuned to produce an extra 19.7 BHP / 0.5 kgfm to produce a total 502 BHP / 47.9 kgfm. A streamlining of the interior fittings allowed for a roughly 100 kg weight reduction to 1,350 kg. These improvements resulted in a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.48 kg/BHP. The transmission is a 2-pedal manual ‘F1 Superfast 2’ which allows for gear changes as fast as 0.06 seconds. The running gear itself also has a direct impact on driving and lap times, and a number of F1 derived technologies have been implemented here as well, such as the F1-Trac combined traction and stability control system, and the electronically controlled ‘E-Diff’ differential.

Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept

*Can be purchased from Brand Central

The racing version of the Gran Berlinetta adorned with aerodynamic parts.

The Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept is the most emotional expression of Athletic Elegance in the Genesis portfolio. It is a racing derivative of the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept, with increased downforce achieved by the impressive wings, active aerodynamic flaps, flat floor, front and rear diffusors, canards and gurneys. While the drag coefficient increases according to wing configurations, the increased downforce allows better lap times. 

The X Gran Racer Concept is powered by a front mid-mounted race-spec Lambda II V6 engine, electrically assisted by Genesis E-SC technology. The hybrid race-spec drivetrain delivers a combined 1,540 HP (1,539.4 BHP) and 1,015 ft-lb (140.3 kgfm) of torque. The V6 screams at 10,000 rpm while delivering a maximum output of 870 HP (869.8 BHP) and 790 ft-lb (109.2 kgfm) while the front E motor generates an additional 670 HP (669.6 BHP) and 225 ft-lb (31 kgfm).

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 ‘08

*Can be purchased from Brand Central / Used Cars

No longer the baby Lambo; the Gallardo outgrew its nickname with top-tier performance.

Debuting in 2003, the baby Lambo ‘Gallardo’ underwent many improvements over the course of a five-year span, including several high-performance evolutions. Then, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, a model debuted that would outshine all of its predecessors. On the surface, the new Gallardo, or ‘LP 560-4,’ looked as if it had simply taken stylistic cues from the limited-edition Lamborghini Reventón. But in truth, it had undergone some major modifications. The most prominent of such modifications was the enlargement of its V10 engine displacement, from 4,961 cc to 5,204 cc. With additional intake and exhaust upgrades, and increased compression, the engine produced 552.3 BHP and 55.1 kgfm of torque, which was a 39.4 BHP and 3.1 kgfm improvement from the original Gallardo model. 

The drivetrain employed the same full-time 4WD transmission and viscous coupling as its forebearers. As for the car’s name, the ‘560’ was taken from its maximum engine output, and the ‘4’ stood for its 4WD system. The car also inherited a 6MT, or ‘6-speed, 2-pedal manual transmission,’ the E-gear in particular being greatly upgraded, its shifting speed shortened by 40% in the sporty ‘CORSA’ mode. Many thorough weight-reduction efforts were also made, resulting in the vehicle weighing in 20 kg lighter than previous models, at 1,410 kg.

RUF RGT 4.2 ‘16

*Can be purchased from Brand Central

The ultimate naturally aspirated flat 6. A meticulously crafted machine made by RUF.

RUF is a company that continues to create unique sports cars based on Porsches, infused with their own philosophy and craftsmanship. One of their continuing model lines include the “RGT”, based on various 911 GT3 models. At the very core of the RGT is a concept to polish the performance of the GT3 model even further, while miraculously bestowing it the comfort of a road car. And at the 2015 Geneva show, RUF added a new model to this family tree: The RGT 4.2, based on the type 991, 911 GT3. 

As the name implies it is powered by a 4.2L flat 6, increasing the displacement from the stock 3.8L of the type 991, 911 GT3 by 400 cc. But the increased displacement is not the only point of note. The RGT 4.2 engine is not just a tuned 911 GT3 engine, but uses the “Mezger engine” with the GT1 crankshaft as a base; an engine that has seen many successes in racing since the air cooled days of the flat 6. The car produces 123.3 BHP per litre, for a maximum power output of 517.7 BHP. On the exterior it is equipped with aggressive riveted overfenders, and the interior sports the integrated roll cage that the RGT series is known for. Combining competition blood with the grace of a road car, this is another fine example of a RUF, the ultimate car for a gentleman driver who enjoys both the track and daily use.

Subaru Impreza Rally Car ‘98

*Can be purchased from Legend Cars

Subaru’s triple race winning Impreza World Rally car from the 1998 season.

Subaru’s Impreza had been competing in the World Rally Championship since 1993 and had claimed the Manufacturers championship title in 1995 and 1996 under Group A regulations. Then in 1997, under ‘World Rally Car’ regulations, they were able to win the Manufacturer’s championship title again, making for a stunning 3- consecutive season run. The 1997 ‘World Rally Car’ specification Impreza, dubbed the WRC97, used the 2-door coupe model as a base, tuning the existing engine to produce 295.9 BHP and 48 kgfm torque. 

The suspension geometry was also reconstructed and body widened as far as regulations would allow to 1,770 mm in order to provide maximum handling ability. The WRC98, introduced in 1998, implemented further modifications upon the previous model, adding a computer controlled active differentials in the front, rear and centre couplings. In the 1998 season, Subaru unfortunately missed out on the championship title and a chance to extend their winning streak. However, the car was more than able to prove its worth as a World Rally car as Colin McRae took it to victory in Round 4 Portugal, Round 6 Tour de Corse, and Round 8 Acropolis.

New GT Circuit

The return of Eiger Nordwand

Return to the Kleine Scheidegg, in this revival of a classic GT Original Circuit, situated just below the north face of Eiger, one of the most famous locations in the Swiss Alps. Running past the Jungfrau Railway station at 2,016m above sea level, this technical layout features a series of tight hairpin corners twisting left and right. With very little room to maneuver, and constant elevation changes, running a clean lap will require the utmost concentration and driving technique. A pit area in the tunnel at the end of the course means this track is also set up for full-scale races.

GT Mode Updates

Café / Extra Menus

• The following Menu has been added:
  • Extra Menu No. 40: McLaren (Collector Level 50 and above)

GT Auto

• New Pokal wheel brand added.

World Circuits (Event)

• The following new events have been added to ‘World Circuits’:
  • European Sunday Cup 500 – Eiger Nordwand
  • Jimny Cup – Eiger Nordwand
  • World Rally Challenge Gr.B – Autodromo Nationale Monza
  • World Touring Car 600 – Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

Gran Turismo Sophy

The next-generation racing AI agent, ‘Gran Turismo Sophy’ is now available on the following courses. Look for the Sophy icon in the ‘Quick Race’ menu on each track to test your skills against Sophy.

Nurburgring 24h

Autodrome Lago Maggiore – Full Course

Scapes

The Eiger has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes.

 We hope you enjoy the updates and best of luck on the track.

*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.