Krautscape
Press Kit
Basic Info
Developer: Playables
Publisher: Midnight City
Release Date: 24. February 2016
Website: http://www.krautscape.net
Available on
Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux
Stores: Steam, Humble Store
Price: $7.99
Social Media
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/krautscapeTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/krautscape
Press Contact
Mario von Rickenbach
Email: press@krautscape.net
About the game
Description
Krautscape is an action-packed racing game with bird-like flying cars and procedurally built racetracks. The leading player builds the racetrack while the chasing players can take shortcuts by flying off the track to overcome obstacles. But the track is needed to score and to get speed – the gliding cars don't have any thrusters to accelerate while in the air.
Krautscape features three unique multiplayer gamemodes that are designed to support nonlinear gameplay and intelligent movement instead of forcing you to drive perfectly. Three singleplayer game modes introduce you to the basic mechanics of driving, flying and track building.
Features
- Flying cars: Glide through the air like a bird
- Build a racing track while driving – each race creates a new track
- 3 multiplayer game modes with completely different goals & gameplay: Snake, Ping Pong and Collector
- 3 singleplayer game modes, focused on driving, flying and track building
- Multiplayer game modes are playable online, on LAN or in splitscreen mode (up to 8 players)
- Free play sandbox mode
- Original adaptive soundtrack
- Steam leaderboards and achievements
- Keyboard and gamepad support for XInput compatible devices on Windows, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 gamepads on Mac/Linux
Story
Why is it called Krautscape?
You may ask: Why the hell is this game called 'Krautscape'? To answer this question, we have to tell the story of Konrad von Krautkopf.
Konrad von Krautkopf's vision
Around 1880, the world renowned german inventor Dr. Konrad von Krautkopf developed a machine, which could not only drive at enormous speeds, it could also fly. As he couldn‘t find a way to keep these machines working within our known laws of physics, he attempted to create a system which gave them a opportunity to operate outside of the usual cobble-stoned roads being used back in the 19th century. He called this system the „Krautscape“. Due to his obstinate character, he never told anyone, apart from his best friend Carl Benz. In the „Krautscape“, with simple control-mechanisms, the vehicles can control the street by directing the way it is built, in order to help them reach their goal in the quickest time possible. To affect the curve of the street, it simply would have to drive on the edge of it whilst driving through the street-building gate. Dr. von Krautkopf imagined this system as a flexible alternative for common modes of transport and also for special events like races, where it would create a racetrack.
Konrad von Krautkopf died unexpectedly towards the end of 1881 of food poisoning, after a prolonged effort to re-invent the wheel. During this time he forgot to eat and when he eventually rewarded his efforts with dinner, he unluckily consumed rotten meat. Nobody knew what exactly happened, but very soon after this sad event, his old „friend“ Carl Benz invented a suspiciously similar vehicle, but without wings. Carl Benz, who of course claimed that he invented everything by himself, couldn‘t make out all the detailed plans properly and therefore only managed a half assed attempt at building one of these flying cars – he was so confused by the complexity of the ingenious arrangements, so that he was completely unable to understand the mechanics of the wings. Upon failing to build a prototype, he eventually drew up plans for a so called „Automobil“, which operated with dirty gasoline instead of wind energy, as Konrad for Krautkopf suggested in his plans. To further cover up the truth about Dr. von Krautkopf's great invention, his „friend“ even started to discredit his name to make sure nobody even starts to think about how it really happened.
Although his physical body died many years ago, Dr. von Krautkopf recently reappeared on Facebook, where he explained us the whole story and his plans, and we thought we could help him by making a game based on his idea. He's just such a nice guy.
Awards & Recognition
Best in Play Winner
International Competition Nominee
Best Audio Nominee
Swiss Arts Selection & Development Grant
Press
Quotes
“A gem of absolutely gleaming promise”
“Krautscape is one of the most artistically accomplished racers I’ve ever seen”
Team
Mario von Rickenbach
Mario von Rickenbach is a swiss game designer and developer. He studied game design at the Zurich University of the Arts, where he received a bachelors degree in 2010. His award-winning works include the games Plug & Play, Mirage, Dreii and Rakete.
Other Collaborators
Michael Burgdorfer – game design & programming
Flurin Jenal – game design & programming
Roel Bartstra – programming
Nadezda Suvorova – graphic design
Phil McCammon
Phil McCammon is a composer and sound designer based in Switzerland. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston and many years of performing, he has recently shifted his focus towards music and sound design for animated film and games.
Company
Playables
Playables is a production company for interactive and audiovisual media.
Midnight City
Midnight City is an indie publishing label, focused on supporting independent development teams with customized publishing services.
Videos
Trailer
Vimeo Link: http://www.vimeo.com/52419083
Images
Screenshots
Artwork
If you need more or different images, contact us.
Logo & Icon
