A man plays a computer game at an internet cafe
IN PHOTO: A man plays a computer game at an internet cafe in Beijing May 9, 2014. As growing numbers of young people in China immerse themselves in the cyber world, spending hours playing games online, worried parents are increasingly turning to boot camps to crush addiction. Military-style boot camps, designed to wean young people off their addiction to the internet, number as many as 250 in China alone. Picture taken May 9, 2014. Reuters

When “Terraria: Otherworld” was announced, developer of the game Re-Logic stated that it wouldn’t be a sequel, but more along the lines of a darker “what if?” version of the original “Terraria.” Now Re-Logic have announced even more key differences that will give “Otherworld” a different tone from the original game, one of which is a brand new tower defense mechanic that wasn’t in the original “Terraria.”

The tower defense in “Terraria: Otherworld” isn’t just a fun side activity for the player, as it will be a big element in the core storyline of the game. Since players will be in a world that is corrupted by darkness, it will be up to them to make purifying towers that will help push back the corruption. An article from Polygon states that these purifying towers will attract enemies, so the player must create Wartowers to protect the purifying ones from enemy destruction.

Forums found in the Terraria website have also confirmed other new gameplay elements in “Otherworld” aside from the previously announced tower defense mechanics. Brand new Skill Trees will now play a role in developing the player’s character in the game, though Re-Logic has assured that it will not limit the player in ways most roleplaying games do.

Basically, if a player is adept at close range combat his or her skill for close combat will improve. The same goes for a player who prefers ranged combat or a player who prefers using magic to fight. The game will essentially develop a particular skill the player is always using, but will still allow for players to mix and experiment with other fighting styles, since “Terraria: Otherworld” won’t have character classes or anything similar to one.

Story will also be a bigger element in “Terraria: Otherworld” than in the original “Terraria” game. Non-playable characters or NPCs will be more fleshed out in “Otherworld” and may even have their own compelling backstories to explore. However, players will not be forced to do important tasks right away as exploration and free roaming will still play a big role in “Otherworld.” The overall story will simply give players a purpose for their actions in “Terraria: Otherworld.”

“Terraria: Otherworld” is currently in development for Windows PC and MAC. Developer Re-Logic is still contemplating on self-publishing versions for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The original “Terraria” managed to get console releases for both current-gen consoles and last-gen consoles.

Contact Writer at: n.parungo@ibtimes.com.au

Terraria: Otherworld - GDC 2015 Trailer (Credit: YouTube/demilogic)

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