Hello Xbox Wire readers! I’m Jared from Whitethorn Games and I’m here to share a little information about our latest release, Forest cathedralwhich launched today on Xbox Series S|X!
Although you may know us by many of the cosy, heartwarming titles we’ve published, e.g Elderberry and lake, Forest cathedral takes a slightly darker direction. While the game adheres to a laid-back, low-stress gameplay, it has a more unsettling, eerie feel that approaches the realm of horror. Players will be treated to a mysterious, atmospheric psychological thriller based on real-life environmental disasters caused by the pesticide DDT, or, as developer Brian Wilson more accurately describes the genre: an environmental thriller. The game is played from the point of view of environmental scientist Rachel Carson, although the real star of the show is the haunting setting itself.
Research methods
Forest cathedral a fully voiced, rich narrative is told through a combination of two playstyles. One is a 3D first-person exploration where the player moves around Science Island, exploring its wildlife. Taking notes and using a special scanner, the player explores the remote island in search of answers to the mystery.
Along the way, you can interact with computer terminals Forest cathedral the second style of play comes in the form of 2D puzzle platformers. In these terminals, the player controls the 2D character “Little Man” by going through puzzles to control mechanisms in 3D space. Both 2D and 3D worlds interact with each other, opening up new areas or advancing the story.
Art imitates life
Forest cathedral the story is a dramatic reimagining of environmental scientist Rachel Carson’s book, Quiet spring, which documented her discovery of the harmful effects of DDT. Developer Brian Wilson drew inspiration from Carson’s attempts to silence her and her findings to create his own artistic interpretation of the events.
As Wilson explains, “Rachel Carson’s story is a David vs. Goliath story.” Throughout the game, you will be immersed in situations that give you the feeling of fighting against insurmountable resistance. In this way, Wilson echoes what he believes Carson felt when she fought to share information that ultimately saved lives that the giant chemical companies didn’t want the public to know. Forest cathedral instills the same uncertainty, fear, and closure, leaving the player eager to find out how the sinister plot unfolds.
The environment that players will explore Forest cathedral is based on Cook Forest State Park’s very own Cathedral Forest, located in western Pennsylvania – near where Wilson and Carson grew up. Vivid rendering of the environment combined with an atmospheric soundtrack, including several of Wilson’s original compositions, create a calm yet eerie setting for the story to unfold. From the impressive height of the towering native trees to the tranquil lake that hugs the shores of the island, intrigue surrounds you as you comb the island and unravel its mysteries. Despite its local inspiration, the game’s themes of social consciousness and our responsibility to the environment apply worldwide.
Ease of access
Whitethorn Games wants to make sure as many players as possible get the chance to enjoy our titles Forest cathedral implements many accessibility features for this purpose. Some of the options that can be adjusted include:
- Full support for keyboard and mouse controller or gamepad
- Rebinding input for most actions
- High-contrast sans-serif text/subtitles and Open Dyslexic font options
- Switching visual effects
- Frequent roadblocks
- “Disable Spikes” switch, which eliminates hazards for the platform section
- Swim Mode switch, which reduces the falling speed of the platform section
- Even more options, all available in the settings menu at any time
With these settings, players can tailor their experience to suit their playstyle and abilities at any point in the playthrough.
We hope you enjoy uncovering the secrets of Science Island Forest cathedral, now available on the Xbox Store!
Forest cathedral
Whitethorn Games, Inc.
$14.99 USD
Forest Cathedral is a first-person environmental thriller set on a remote island. Playing as scientist Rachel Carson, players will find out why the island does not allow her to leave. The game tells the reimagined story of the attempt to silence Rachel Carson, which led to her discovery of the harmful pesticide known as DDT. Slowly unravel the effects of DDT in this dramatic retelling of Rachel Carson’s story. Use advanced environmental technology to solve connected 2D/3D puzzles.