1. The early years of Lince Works
In year 2014, Lince Works was conceived by a handful of developers who sought to create stealth action games with compelling stories as their main focus. Located in Barcelona, the studio was established with the purpose of developing games that would honor the stealth genre and the likes of Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, Metal Gear Solid, Thief and other similar titles. That said, instead of just following the proven methodologies, as formulated by many companies in the market, Lince Works has always been keen on putting artistic elements and gameplays that are utterly different from the games they create.
Their first project was a student project titled Path of Shadows at the University of Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, which would act as the base for how Aragami would look like in the future. The game was appreciated in the indie circuit and gave the team confidence to go about making a proper title, and with crowd funding sites such as Kickstarter, they were able to kick start development on their first commercial title, Aragami.
After the launch of Aragami in the year 2016, the indie game development studio Lince Works became known for making captivating, high quality games. From there, the company has grown in both its niche and size, and eventually, Aragami 2 was released in 2021. The games catalog of Lince Works is still relatively small but their approach towards gaming has brought them recognition as an innovative studio where the quality of the products prevails over the quantity produced, and mostly centered on gameplay and mechanics.
2. Aragami: The Flagship Franchise
a) Aragami (2016)
Aragami is a third-person stealth/action game in which the player assumes the role of the titular character, Aragami, a spirit summoned by a girl named Yamiko to take revenge and rescue her from an unknown captive. The key gameplay element consists in the player’s ability to spawn and control shadows for stealth, navigation and illumination weaponry. This shadow manipulation system provides the player with a set of strategies for avoiding detection or eliminating target enemies with surgical accuracy.
Gameplay Mechanics
Aragami is primarily intended to be a stealth game. However, it includes a variety of tools and abilities that allow it to drift away from the traditional titles of this genre. This game focuses on two main mechanics, which are the creation of the shadow and the teleportation of the shadow. In order to hide from the enemies, Aragami is able to create shadows, or cover up with shadows and move in those distances. This allows for a fast paced and versatile way of movement that encourages constructive ways of overcoming challenges.
Incursions and the ability to complete the game either by going for the killing spree or completing the game without killing adds to the feeling of power and control to the players. The powers of shadow that Aragami possesses are sandwiched in the environment. Therefore, the player has to conserve such power, using the darkness both to attack and to shield them. Therefore, there is strategy that is involved in this game since the players have to control the extent to which they use their powers while avoiding detection.
Art Style and Aesthetic
It is no doubt that visual design is one of the attention-seeking elements in Aragami. The game, for instance, features a cel-shaded art style that is very typical of anime with intense colors and sharp contrast between the light and the dark parts. Such an art style in the context of the game does not only fit the purpose of the game play (by helping to easily tell which places are lit and which ones are dark) but also helps to make the game different from many others stealth games. There are many things presenting the old Japanese art including samurai armors and shrines which support the idea that the game is based on the Japanese culture.
iii) Narration and Setting
Though the gameplay is one of the major attractions in the game titled ‘Aragami’, the narrative is also impressive. The plot centers around revenge, honor, and the complexities of justice in power. As the player continues to play the game, he/she learns the history of both Aragami and Yamiko, esteeming their relationship with the plot additions and interludes that draw emotion to the so-called stealth projection.
The mood is further complemented by an exquisite score, which is also the work of Two Feathers, who mixes traditional Japanese sounds with modern day orchestral sounds, enhancing the atmosphere. Therefore, in this instance, together with the game’s effective minimalistic approach to narration, it becomes possible to evoke empathy in the players during the course of gameplay and maintain it up to the end.
iv) Response and Influence
When it was first launched, Aragami was appreciated to a large extent with its graphics and imaginary combat. It was ever anticipated that a few opposing reviews noticed samurai’s presence in scenes based on enclosing and spatial movement (level design) and self-regulation (artificial intelligence). Lince Works’ conquering of this genre was possible because there were benefits from the game. Important neharus statement is that it allows Lince Works to develop as a studio and prepare for other activities, including Aragami 2.
b) Aragami: Nightfall (2018)
Thus, in line with the increase in popularity of the core title, Lince Works presents Aragami: Nightfall which is both a prequel and a separate campaign in the form of an add-on. Newly Added Content in Nightfall includes new characters, more abilities and even more missions as well as adding depth to the existing narrative of Aragami.
i) New Developments
In Nightfall, new mechanics are added that include the power to control the pace of time and advanced options for fighting thus giving players numerous ways to complete every level. Despite being an expansion, there are two additional playable characters introduced: Hyo and Shinobu, both bringing distinct dynamics to the game. This also enhances the gameplay and introduces new aspects to the narrative.
ii) Critique
Nightfall, though not as revolutionary as the original title, was enjoyed by users and reviewers. Evaluations noted that the expansion offered a lot useful content and polished gameplay, though some voiced that it did not upgrade the gameplay level of netherworld game – Aragami much. Still, Nightfall managed to keep the active userbase entertained successfully and acted as a great connecting piece of content between the first game and the Netflix animation.
c) Aragami 2 (2021)
Two years after the first game, the gamers released a full-fledged sequel and named it Aragami 2. Released in 2021, Aragami 2 is a well-done action game that retains most of the previous games’ ideas and adds several new ones. The events unfold in the same world as the previous game. However, for the purposes of this story, a different band of Aragami warriors waging on their territory against an encroaching army is introduced.
i) Play Style Transformation
One of the most noticeable insights on playing Aragami 2 is that this is not simply a stealth game anymore. It has now mutated into a combat game. While stealth continues to be an important aspect of the game, players are now supplied with some form of a fighting mechanism and take on enemies should one wish. That level of flexibility has been introduced, addressing various playstyles while still rewarding the players who want to keep off the radar.
Furthermore, the game comes with a new feature – a multiplayer mode that allows up to three players to play missions together. This is an interesting addition to the gameplay, as players will have to work and coordinate with each other to complete certain objectives.
ii) Advanced Mechanics
Aragami 2 also boasts of an upgraded engine and movement system with better animation and better handling of characters. The shadow play aspects of the first title have also been enhanced, offering even more tools for players to explore and engage their foes. The title also adopts a more freeform level settings unlike the previous title which is more basic designed with plenty of spaces and intricacy that allows players to explore and play around.
iii) Plot and Setting
Narratively salient, Aragami 2 satys on the subject of power, allegiance, and self that the first part had already paid attention to. The plot is etablished on a bigger scale, featuring fresh new found factions and issues to tackle in the Aragami universe. Yet other reviewers enjoyed the game for its grammar of design, but thought the aesthetic core of the narrative had been orphaned in favor of the ‘geeky’ histories and geography elaborated in the game.
iv) Evaluation
Aragami 2 was met with a rather favourable controversy and reviews upon its release. Though a lot of gamers commended the game for its rich gameplay mechanics and cooperative game play, there were those who felt that the embracing of action spoilt the essence of stealth which was so much pronounced in the first game. Still for the series’ followers, Aragami 2 was quite pleasant, as it provided a good segue to the events from the previous installment and improvement to the general mechanics of gameplay.
3. The Development Philosophy of Lince Works
Lince Works has always focused on player agency and creativity within their games. This translates into a game design strategy that allows for problem-solving and goal completion through various means. Be it through stealth or outright combat, or some exploration in between, the games by Lince Works are designed in such a way that players are encouraged to try new methods of play and be rewarded for it.
Equally important for Lince Works is the idea of creating different, yet believable worlds and stylistically sound. From cel shading approach in Guerre des Ombres to the detailed level construction in Aragami 2, the company has always possessed a visual vision and the ability to create beautiful, at the same time, meaningful environments.
Nevertheless, being a modest development team, Lince Works proved ready to venture and explore new ideas in the face of their budget. By that, they mean that they often recruited backers to help them through the final stages, but even so, the studio succeeded in keeping most of their imaginative input intact and even produced stylized and proper video games.
4. Issues Encountered and Expected Growth
Unfortunately, like most independent game makers, Lince Works has encountered its own set of difficulties, most specifically, overextending the ambition of a small studio. With the initial team size being fairly modest, the like of Aragami 2, which had multiplayer gaming, vast open worlds as well as advanced fighting systems, became a formidable development challenge. Still, Lince Works succeeded to some extent in making an enjoyable game in Aragami 2, although some aspects of its realization came under criticism.
a) Technical Challenges and Gamers’ Perspective
One of the most persistent issues, linceworks faced more keenly towards the release of Arigami 2 is the issue with the increasing ways players expect them to perform. The sophistication of small development studios in providing AAA-like services has also raised the bar for expectational standards of gameplay and graphics. In as much as Aragami 2 was positively received for its broadening mechanics and social gameplay, it was also received rather negatively with regards to the performance and the graphics with a display of bugs, erratic AIs and drops in frame rates. The multiplayer mode-which was a most anticipated feature, had connection problems upon launch unfortunately affecting players that are always ready for team up adventures.
Another source of contention was the transition to more action-focussed gameplay in Aragami 2. Some players rejoiced that flexibility, whereas others were of the opinion that it took the game away from its core of stealth. Operating with the diversity within the players considering that some wanted total stealth while other enjoyed the mix of action and stealth was not easy for the studio.
b) The Economics of Indie Games Development
It is always a difficult task for such small organizations as Lince Works to think of financing issues for their games. Creating such games as Aragami and the sequel to it, Aragami 2, had its own distinct share of costs both time and financial. Independent game designers frequently turned to crowdfunding, grants from governmental and private organizations, or collaborated with more significant publishers like Lince Works did. The first Kickstarter campaigns and subsequent publishers completed in due course the problems met by the young studio, however salaries and other concerns associated with game building were always present.
In addition, the indie game industry has an inherent pressure which makes it difficult for even good games to relax. Lince Works had to actively promote their games, stay in contact with their audience, and look for opportunities to keep their products fresh even after the first wave of interest was over. This included coming up with extras such as Aragami: Nightfall, as well as new content or updates for the community.
c) Staying Independent and Inventive
As a studio, Lince Works encountered another difficulty as it was growing and this was preserving its creative freedom while growing the business. There are many independent game developers who want to go big with their projects which need extra hands, more people and more tools but still want to protect the mission of the studio. In the case of Lince Works, the issue was how to keep the recognize ability of the franchise without losing the essence of the artistry and the stealth visuals that geographies this artistic game.
On that point however, Lince Works is most appropriately right. Their games grow larger and more complex in scope than before; they are still the same games that LAs’ developed: beautiful, fun to play and immersive. Keeping their eyes on their preocupations, Lince Works has steered clear of the dangers associated with expansion, such as the risk of forgetting the reason their games were great before.
5. Involvement of the Community and Fanbase
The sustained success of Lince Works can be attributed to their close knit community. Even back in the days when Path of Shadows was in its foundation stages, the company had made an effort to consider players’ views and bring the society to the development. This was more so between the Siege Development of Lince Works, its player built betas, forums, and social media engagements.
The trust that the fans have in the studio and the associated processes is also as a result of the studio’s willingness to divulge a lot of information about the development process and clear the playing field even after the game has been launched. This built-up community has played some key roles for the studio in good economic terms (like promoting them through sparing positive voices on reviews) and most importantly, in easing the course of development of their products in accordance to player experiences and feedback.
As they have won the audience over, Lince Works has nurtured a culture of sense and trust among its players. Levels of loyalty such as this are sometimes very important for indie developers and most of the time help them earn a good reputation and a loyal following in between or even after the completion of different projects that require development in completely different styles.
6. Looking Into the Cause of Lince Works and the Continuation of the Aragami Series
As of 2024, Lince Works and the ground-breaking video game series that is the Aragami franchise is in an optimistic but somewhat hazy scenario. After gearing up many expectations and letting out several trailers for the release of Aragami 2, the studio has not come forth or provided information on any other major projects since. Nevertheless, the development studio is still active thanks to audience discourse that continuously speculates on the next project of Lince Works. Is there a chance they will expand the worlds they have already created, for instance, making the third or the working on spin-off games from mission-oriented areas? Or will they be bold enough to risk new genre or new IPs and starting from the lessons provided by Aragami build something from scratch?
a) Potential for an Aragami 3
As indicated by the reception of both Aragami and its sequel, Lince Works may have plans for the release of another game in the series, more so, the third one. Additionally, although the gameplay and the universe covered in this sequel were elaborate, there is still hope for better improvement and even further development of the series. It is possible that in an Aragami 3, the issue of balancing action and stealth will be better tackled with the use of even more advanced options for character customization and even more expansive and engaging storylines.
One aspect in which Aragami 3 could be different from its predecessors is in multiplayer and co-op modes. For example, while team play was also available in Aragami 2, a third game could enhance this aspect even more, incorporating more advanced team work missions, matchmaking, and even a hybrid single-player multiplayer mode. Also, Lince Works may apply more advanced AIs and environment interaction, thus making the world more alive and sensitive to the player’s choices and actions.
b) Exploring New IPs
On the other hand, Lince Works may also elect to step back from the world of Aragami altogether (at least for now) in favor of pursuing other new franchises. Having proven their worth as a developing team with great creative ambitions, the crew may turn to other genres and subgenres of gaming. Whether it’s that or another stealth-based game, Lince Works possesses the ability to astound the gaming sphere once again.
New IPs would also mean that the studio would be able to play around with various narrative arcs, game settings and game play mechanics. It would open up the horizon for the team since they would not be limited to the Aragami franchise and would try out different aspects, different visuals, and even different genres such as horror, adventure or RPGs.
c) Teamwork and Extension
Another possible course for Lince Works is brainstorming ideas and composing games together with other indie studios or, for example, bigger publishers. The same way as they keep on developing, the potential for creating game titles in a co – development manner or involving a bigger support team, will allow them to pursue bigger projects. Such partnerships might offer new capabilities for their games — whether it means improving a technical level, enhancing the story, or perfecting the gameplay.
Moreover, if Lince Works grows in terms of both its size as well as its coverage, they may look to increase their studio size and handle more than one project at a time, hence gearing up for the production of new games alongside the Aragami sequels.
Conclusion
Lince Works has undoubtedly made a considerable impression on the world of indie games, primarily consisting of their passion to create original and bold, aesthetically, and mechanically speaking, games. Within the scope of the Aragami IP, they have shown that even small studios with such clear concept vision are capable of creating highly immersive and captivating experiences for gamers. From the first Aragami to the second part featuring more complex mechanics in Aragami 2, the studio has always focused on progress and story development, regardless of the restraints of indie production.
In the future, Lince Works sees itself at a turning point: grow more the world of the Aragami or explore other new directions. Whichever route they decide to take, one way or another, it is visibly evident that the studio possesses the creativity, drive, and the audience to make it work. Kicking the obvious barriers they’ll either sharpen the existing formula or delve into different genres and narratives, Lince Works shall remain a prominent force in the world of indie gaming.