A 2D Metroidvania where you must solve the mystery behind a memory loss catastrophe.

COMING TO STEAM for WINDOWS AND MAC

Character art by Smore (Smearg/Kristi)

FEATURES:

  • A riveting and interactive storyline.

  • An art style that explores the practice of Chiaroscuro.

  • Over a dozen environments to traverse through non-linear exploration.

  • Challenging combat and platforming.

  • Tight and satisfying gameplay.

  • Two dozen engaging boss battles.

  • A plethora of unique characters.

  • A variety of gameplay mechanics through the use of elemental casting.

  • Uncover the mysterious history of Chiaroscuro through optional side-quests.

INVESTIGATE A MEMORY LOSS CATASTROPHE

In a world where 95% of the population has suddenly forgotten pieces of their past, take the role of Rose, a mysterious amnesiac and go on an adventure to seek out the Lights: magical objects that have been rumored to restore the memories of those who find them.

CHALLENGE DANGEROUS THREATS

Rose is not the only one seeking out these powerful Lights. Using quick and responsive combat, battle your way through dangerous situations by swinging your trusty thorn and casting a plethora of elemental spells.

EXPLORE AN INTERCONNECTED WORLD

Throughout your adventure in search of the Lights, you will gain a wide range of abilities that will assist you in furthering your quest through over a dozen unique environments, in addition to backtracking through locations you’ve already explored using tight and satisfying platforming.

CONTAINS CHARMING PIXEL ART AND AN ATMOSPHERIC STYLE

The game’s pixel art and title are inspired by the art term, “Chiaroscuro”, meaning “the effect of contrasted light and shadow.” Considering the game relies on silhouettes and outlines, each pixel is carefully crafted and every character is consistent with the rest of the game’s art style.

Cast Elemental Abilities

Take control of the elements, and conjure a variety of unique spells to aid you in combat and platforming challenges. There are a total of 10 obtainable elements within the game, each offering its own special attributes for different situations.

THE WORLD of CHIAROSCURO

Characters

  • The Doctor

    Throughout your adventure, you will stumble upon a character known as the Doctor. He introduces himself as a scientist attempting to help those who have lost their memory by finding the Lights. Lights are an incredibly powerful element that have been rumored to restore memories, something that is incredibly valuable to our protagonist.

  • Rose

    The amnesiac protagonist of Chiaroscuro, Rose. She wields a Thorn and can harness a variety of elemental abilities.

    When she first awakens in the Lost Mines little is known about her—but as Rose’s abilities grow and the Light scattered throughout the world becomes accessible to her, that forgotten history will begin to resurface.

  • Bandit

    As the name suggests, Bandit is introduced as an outlaw who has been attempting to steal the Lights for self-benefit. However, it turns out he may have entirely different intentions…

LOCATIONS

  • Lush Courtyard

    The Lush Courtyard may appear to be a peaceful and welcoming grassland, but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. More than a few creatures are hiding in the undergrowth, just waiting for you to drop your guard.

  • Duskhaven

    The town of Duskhaven is one of the most notable areas in Chiaroscuro. Duskhaven was once a bustling mining town—but the miners vanished without a trace. This tragic situation forced the surrounding areas to close off the mines and lean on their ports as their only means of survival.

  • Ominous Grove

    The Ominous Grove is a woodland area filled with an ethereal aura. Many spirit creatures have made this their home, as the Pumpkin King once protected the grove. Unfortunately, the King passed away after the Lights faded, and this long-standing power vacuum has now attracted the attention of the King’s would-be heir…

  • Lost Mines

    The Lost Mines became inaccessible after the disappearance of the town's miners; Duskhaven could not afford anyone else to go missing. The Lost Mines are also home to monstrous beasts rumored to eat those who draw too close.

  • Arctic Cliffs

    The Arctic Cliffs are considered the highest point of elevation in Chiaroscuro. However, despite the mountain's visibly icy peaks, the region is on a dormant volcano. This combination of ice and steam has resulted in the collapse of the mountain's pass, making ascending its cliffs much more dangerous.

  • Irradiated Caverns

    This underground world was once home to an ancient civilization that believed in total isolation from outside influences. However, over time this cave system, and its inhabitants, became exposed to untraced ruby radiation. The impact wildly altered the environment and ultimately made the Irradiated Caverns nearly uninhabitable for an age.

  • Storm Island

    Introducing Storm Island, a remote region consistently bombarded with inclement weather. Yet, despite its harsh conditions, this out-of-the-way isle holds an industrial city where residents have taken advantage of the storms. These individuals have mechanized the Static element to design magnetic elevators, platforms, and other electrical systems across the island.

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What has changed since the demo?

Check out these extended devlogs, which cover everything that has been added to Chiaroscuro since the demo’s initial inception. Listed below is an overview of the topics covered in the videos (November 2020 - July 2023)

  • New Combat System - Knockback, Faster Swinging, Momentum, and an 8-Directional Bow

  • Updated Healing & Item Mechanics - Added Health, Lumen, and Strength Jars

  • Reworked Menus and UI - Custom Keyboard Controls, Brightness Slider, Scaling Support, Multiple Save Files

  • Character Dialogue - Choice-based Dialogue

  • Elemental Abilities - Double Jump, Flight, Radiant, Various Elemental Spells

  • World Building & Boss Design - Completely redesigned five boss fights and finished writing the majority of the game’s story

  • Map System - A new map system with markers that can be bought and placed wherever you explore.

  • New Towns - Over a Dozen New Characters

  • Additional Items - A plethora of new items, including consumables with unique effects.

  • Updated User Interface - Multiple Saves, Accessibility Menu, Brightness Slider, Custom Difficulties, Assist Mode

  • Late-Game Locations - Storm Island & Future Planning

  • Level Polish - Reworked 80% of the alpha’s initial levels in favor of more enjoyable gameplay

November 2020 - January 2022

January 2022 - July 2023

JOIN THE COMMUNITY DISCORD FOR ACCESS TO BEHIND-THE-SCENES CONTENT

Support blackberry studio on kofi

Donating to the Blackberry Studio Kofi will give you early access to behind the scenes screenshots and gameplay that I have yet to show off!

VISIT Chiaroscuro’s Press Kit

If you’d like to showcase Chiaroscuro somewhere, here is a Press Kit containing gameplay, screenshots, promotional art, and more. Thank you for spreading the word!

Have questions about chiaroscuro? send an email!

CHIARoscuro is being developed in GameMaker

Project Collaborators

  • BlackberryKin

    You can call me Joey. I’m a 23-year-old game developer/teacher, and I’m the director, pixel artist, programmer, sound designer, and animator for Blackberry Studio.

    I grew up playing many adventure and story-driven games, and those have had a massive influence on the way I develop Chiaroscuro. Games like Cave Story, Hollow Knight, and Pokemon have initiated my creative curiosity as a game developer and storyteller.

    I’ve built this project from the ground up, in addition to managing world-building, level design, to marketing.

    Visit my Portfolio on ArtStation

  • Weezlack

    Weezlack is composing the entirety of the Chiaroscuro soundtrack, where it will eventually be released on all of his streaming platforms once the game releases.

    “Hey all, I’m Weezlack. I’ve been writing and recording music for years but recently have been involved in writing music for a few video game projects. I try to focus mainly in synth, ambient and modern cinematic sounds. Chiaroscuro in particular has been a fantastic blend of my love for video games and writing music.”

    Subscribe to Weezlack on YouTube

  • Alex Kirrage

    Alex Kirrage is designing some of Chiaroscuro’s more complicated sound effects.

    “Hey guys, I’m Alex, 29 years old! I’m a music producer and sound designer. I’m also a session musician! I’m very excited to be working on some sound design for this project!”

    Follow Alex on Instagram

Special Thanks

  • Jaya Ply

    Jaya Ply has designed a majority of Chiaroscuro’s promotional art.

    Visit his Portfolio!

  • Louvee

    Louvee provided endless support throughout the Kickstarter campaign, volunteering to assist with some of the fundraiser’s striking illustrations.

  • Chiaroscuro Community

    Thanks to the members of the Chiaroscuro community, the project was successfully funded on Kickstarter in October 2020!