Currently in development by Mayhem Studios, Shadow Vault is an upcoming RPG-strategy hybrid that allows the player to use role-playing elements like character development and buying resources. We got a chance to chat with the game's CEO and Mayhem Studios co-owner Tomas Bencik who provided both extensive information and four new artworks.

GGMania: Could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell them a little bit about what you do on Shadow Vault?

Tomas Bencik: My name is Tomas Bencik and I am the CEO and co-owner of Mayhem Studios. Concerning Shadow Vault I participate as game director and author of the game concept.

GGMania: How would you summarize Shadow Vault, and where does it stand in terms of strategy and RPG elements?

Tomas Bencik: Shadow Vault stands in between RPG and strategy games genre. It is a strategy game that allows the player to use RPG elements like character development, buying resources or a catching story that moves the action forward without forcing the player to read long texts. He’s got the possibility of taking on optional quests that yield bonuses. Quests can also tell the player a bit more about the game-world of Shadow Vault.

GGMania: What can you tell us about the storyline for the game?

Tomas Bencik: The sky is blackened by dark clouds and planet Earth is nearing its sad end. Human, a creature so inventive, has already tried all the possibilities to avoid his doom. Unsuccessfully. Only one way still remains - a time tunnel leading back to the year 1958. Contingent, the new world's government, didn't hesitate and jumps into the tunnel with a great army to fight against their own ancestors. Gain the planet at any cost. The primacy of the contingent's modern units is extensive but the situation changes rapidly and the red sun rises above the planet. Nuclear war is in the air, a war that no-one expected. There is no way back and both sides are forced to continue fighting.

GGMania: Why the choice of Nuclear War scenario? Are you going to make a sequel to Shadow Vault set in post-apocalyptic Earth? :P

Tomas Bencik: We just liked the idea of a dark, devastated world. Sequel to Shadow Vault is not planned but everything is possible.

GGMania: How many missions will there be, and how varied will they be?

Tomas Bencik: The game consists of 20 missions and you will soon have the opportunity to convince yourself about their miscellaneousness. Variation was one of the main focuses when designing Shadow Vault.

GGMania: How is combat handled in Shadow Vault?

Tomas Bencik: Combat is divided into two parts. First and most important one is the usage of unit’s ability (for example shooting, grenade throwing, spy-glassing, launching combat gas, etc.)
Second part is close combat. The physical endurance of the unit is important here but even more important are auxiliary units. A unit can have two auxiliary units in its group, for example dogs or mutant rats.

GGMania: How difficult will it be for someone new to this genre to get into the game?

Tomas Bencik: The game is made on the intuitive basis. The simplicity of controls guarantees quick acquaintance with them, even without former experience with this type of games.

GGMania: Could you describe some units in the game. What is your favourite one? :)

Tomas Bencik: The player mostly plays for the alliance (people from the past) that tries to tear the Earth out of the invader’s hands. In some phases of the game though, the player will have the opportunity to check out the game from the opposite point of view. Responsibility lies upon 6 to 15 units, depending on the scenario. It is up to the player to choose which units he will use and thereby influencing what special abilities he will have at disposal. For example – a medic able to heal wounds, a sniper working on long distances, or a technician able to operate mechanical units. Except for standard units there are also heroes in the game. My most favorite is the powerful and mysterious doctor Black, 9-year old boy with a cynic point of view and paranormal abilities. Major Zuzka is also worth mentioning because he can be trained to become the most powerful unit in the game

GGMania: Which engine is used in Shadow Vault?

Tomas Bencik: The game uses a new, modernized version of our engine used in Empire Of Magic. Graphics is izo3D and we use Direct 3D for effects.

GGMania: Will the game include multiplayer over a LAN and/or Internet?

Tomas Bencik: We are preparing 10 multiplayer levels for LAN.

GGMania: What are some of your favorite aspects of Shadow Vault?

Tomas Bencik: Variety of tasks, interesting storyline… Concerning RPG elements it is mainly character development in the course of the game – learning new abilities, improving their attributes. Individual characters get quests and from their accomplishment or neglecting can the storyline be affected.

GGMania: Currently what is the status of the current progress of the game and when can we expect to see it in stores?

Tomas Bencik: Almost finished... We just need to conclude the testing and it should hit the shops at fall this year.

GGMania: Will a demo be made available before the official release of the game?

Tomas Bencik: Yes.

GGMania: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions. Finally, is there anything else you wish to say about Shadow Vault?

Tomas Bencik: I hope you will like the game and it will take you to a world of joyless human future and refined strategic RPG fun.