When it comes to video games, death is often a temporary state. Did you get gunned down in Call of Duty? Just wait a few seconds to respawn again. One of your party members die while traversing a dungeon? Just give him a revive potion and continue on. You get the picture.
There are some games that try to give dying a bit more consequence such as Diablo's hardcore mode or Fire Emblem's 'permanent death' system, but for the most part, games treat the afterlife more as a minor inconvenience then anything.
Enter Upsilon Circuit. This small indie title from developer Robot Loves Kitty wants to change the way death is seen in games. On the surface, it looks like any other top down action-RPG. The game's website describes the gameplay as:
Each Contestant explores the overworld and generated dungeons in search of the Dream Tech Crystals. They fight monsters, avoid traps, and compete with the opposing team.
When the Contestant fights monsters or gets treasure, the EXP and other rewards go to the Audience. EXP is used collectively by the Audience to level up the Contestant's Skill Tree. Simply put, the Audience is part dungeon master, part strategist, and part judge & jury.
What sets it apart is its radical approach to in-game death. Once your character meets his/her end, you can never play the game again.
We're not talking about having your saved game locked out or anything like that. Once you die in Upsilon Circuit, your only option is to participate as a spectator. If you meet your end a minute after firing up the game, well that's pretty much going to be your entire experience playing it.
The game does not have a concrete release date yet but it's certainly something to look out for.
