SKYHIGH NOTION

SKYHIGH NOTION is an action RPG video game on the [insert latest Playstation hardware here] currently in development. First conceived in 2012, the game saw many revisions since, including the addition of mechas at some point in the game. The gameplay of SKYHIGH NOTION infuses versus fighting game command inputs with a hack-and-slash style of action that allows for a deep, customized experience. The story follows ZIC MULTI as his peaceful homeworld of RENOWN is attacked by creatures known as the GROOL, who seem to be attracted to a mysterious visitor. He witnesses the horror of these creatures and, by a strange twist, goes on a journey with the girl witch the red to discover their origin.

Gameplay
SKYHIGH's gameplay is a hybrid of action hack and slash and RPG elements with a slight influence from fighting game mechanics. There are a total of 19 playable characters, each with their own unique movesets and side quests.

On the Field
As an open-world game, the player can move about freely in a seamless and expansive world; the player can jump, unsheath weapons, and fight enemies without loading a new screen. Towns are also seamless as well as dungeons and buildings. Many of the locations the player visits are interactive, including objects, structures and NPCs. Environments and objects/NPCs to interact with change depending on the time of day and weather conditions.

As the story progresses, ZIC unlocks the ability to traverse separate worlds by connecting with witch the red from each one. The more party members introduced, the more places ZIC can travel. Using he Dream-Pulling option allows the player to switch to a character from their respective world and play as them, fulfilling tasks and story elements pertaining to them.

Battle
Battles are executed in real time. Depending on the world, different systems are utilized. RENOWN uses AIRO, a stamina-based system that allows for command-driven combos (similar to a 2P fighting game). This system uses 2 gauges, one based on combo leverage (FORECAST) or FC and another based on mood/terrain/weather/time of day (AFTERCAST or AC). Combos vary from simple to complicated based on strength. Combos are unlimited however, some can only be executed while in a certain stance or when certain gauge qualifications are met (also having a certain amount of space between the player and the enemy, being airborne and even certain terrain can change the attacks being used). New movesets and combos are obtained naturally as the player levels up, yet some can only be acquired by using specific weapons often and by completing certain quests/fulfilling certain relationship arcs. For those who need it, an option to display the equipped movelist is given on screen and can be taken off in the menu.

Party members
Up to two other characters can join ZIC’s team at once. ZIC will always be available to play with; others will join through out the story. All three will fully traverse the map alongside ZIC and can be switched to playable on the map and during battles. Once the player has enough party members, they can be switched in and out of battle through the menu.

Relationship-building
There are many characters within and outside of the party members that ZIC can bond with. He can also pair up other characters to bond with one another. Doing so would allow the specified characters to learn exclusive moves during battle as well as special scenes and backstory for each. ZIC can also "hook-up" or create a special relationship with some characters that unlock even more content.

Encyclopedia
Players can keep track of how much a world’s story is completed and the relationship between characters here. It also details stats and mini achievements for certain abilities to unlock new ones, making it easier to choose between which moves to focus on to level up.

The Worlds option will highlight whenever there is a critical moment happening in a certain world while the player is in another world to allow an easy switch between characters.

Setting and World
See: Places of SKYHIGH NOTION

The universe of SKYHIGH NOTION spans multiple worlds each with their own characteristics and cultures. The "worlds" (as they are called) are planet-like spheres that orbit around a space occupied by a bright nova-like vapor known as the VARIANT. The space surrounding each world changes color from the bright red of the VARIANT to cooler colors the further away from its center.

The story begins in the small town of Naten on RENOWN and spans to other places within the same world and others. Examples of the wide variety of environments would be ZACHS Bridge's illuminated electric highways and GENESIS's archaic moss-covered structures.

Characters
See: Characters of SKYHIGH NOTION

Trivia

 * The graphical style and artistic direction of SKYHIGH NOTION are heavily influenced by Suda51's artistic sense, particularly for video games killer7 and No More Heroes.
 * The world-travel was influenced by Kingdom Hearts.
 * The cinematic battle-style was influenced by the Devil May Cry series.