User:Btester2/Sandbox

Soul Axiom is a first-person adventure puzzle video game developed and published by Wales Interactive. The game is set inside a "Digital Soul Provider" called Elysia, and combines exploration with puzzle solving elements to unlock the mystery of your character's digital afterlife. It follows a similar visual style from its predecessor, Master Reboot, and while it's not a direct sequel, it is set in the same world but with new characters, a new story and new set of game mechanics. The game was initially released on Early Access on 17 November 2014 with the full Steam release on 29 February 2016. Following that, PlayStation 4, Wii U and Xbox One ports are planned for release in spring 2016.

Synopsis
"Take your first steps to paradise by uploading your soul to Elysia, named by critics as “the single most important development in the history of the human race” (Era Magazine, 2027). As the latest state of the art Digital Soul Provider, Elysia is a sprawling server where your memories and dreams become reality. Our patented SoulSync system allows you to choose the memories you want to enjoy for eternity; whether you are a living user or you simply wish to leave a lasting testament of your life that the whole family can relive at their leisure. In Elysia, death has no dominion. In Elysia, life has no boundaries. Cast off your mortal shackles and discover the secret to immortality in your digital afterlife. Discover Elysia."

Gameplay
In Soul Axiom the player plays an unknown protagonist, utilizing a first person camera as they wander through strange landscapes of unknown memories. The player will experience traditional adventure/puzzle gameplay, by interacting with physical puzzles, making psychological decisions and exploring the environment to find the right information to unlock the story of your character. The player is slowly granted abilities in the form of a hand power system which enables them manipulate the objects and environments around them, which will allow them to navigate through the world of Elysia. These abilities also further complicate the puzzles that the player is given.

The narrative is told through collectible items which take the form of a small symbol monkey. They are known as a PEMO (Personal Message Object) and act as messages from the outside world, usually in the form of news articles, emails, letters etc. Sometimes they are easy to find and other times you will have to explore the environment to find them. To support the PEMO's, you will unlock memories after each level you complete to piece together the story, these memories come in the form of a 3D animated cutscene.

Development
Soul Axiom was initially released on Steam Early Access on 23 November 2014 which included Chapter 1 and parts of Chapter 2. Since then, the developers have been releasing frequent updates which often contain new content in the form of more levels to play as well as bug fixes and general improvements that the community have suggested. The Early Access development was delayed due to a major engine upgrade from Unity 4 to Unity 5.

Reception
Currently out on Steam Early Access, Soul Axiom has received a 95% positive rating and the developers are claiming to have been recognised for its dedication to communicating with the Early Access community. Soul Axiom has been awarded a Finalist for "Use of Narrative" at the Develop Awards 2015, nominated for "Best Console/PC Hardcore" at Game Connection America 2016 Awards, a Finalist for "Game With A Purpose" at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2015 and a Finalist for "Action/Adventure" at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2015.  Ben Barrett from Rock, Paper, Shotgun wrote: "It really is beautiful, nailing a Tron-like neon cyberspace feel...In the thirty minutes I gave the game this was never exploited to its full potential, but the odd bit of interaction was enough to keep me exploring the environments" Mike Cosimano from Destructoid wrote: Soul Axiom is an unsettling and compelling techno/cyber-thriller, with a killer visual style that matches its high-concept premise...Although most of the puzzles I saw were fairly simple (the first level is a linear tutorial), there were a few clear examples of Portal-esque environmental puzzles.. Julian Aidan from Hardcore Gamer wrote: "Keep an eye on Soul Axiom, as it’s shaping up to be an awe-inspiring and compelling journey with shades of TRON and Bioshock" Konstantinos Dimopoulos from Indie Games wrote: "Its atmospheric soundtrack and those impressively adaptive environments. The overall subtly creepy experience the team responsible for Master Reboot has already crafted and keeps on expanding, improving and polishing" Staff from Attack Of The Fanboy wrote: "I would probably put it up there as one of, if not, the most pretty looking indie games I’ve ever played...While it wasn’t advertised as a horror game, it sure can do plenty to scare you with just the general ambience."