How Stories From Sol: The Gun-Dog Tackles Trauma and Romance
Every so often, a game catches our attention with such force that it becomes love at first sight. Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is undoubtedly one of those captivating gems. Set to release in February 2025 on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch, this sci-fi adventure game promises an enthralling narrative interwoven with thrilling action, intricate relationships, and deep psychological themes. But what makes this game truly stand out is its deft handling of trauma and romance, critical themes that enrich the gameplay experience.
Yooo, I wrote the music for this cool sci-fi visual novel! The little chorus lead-in at 0.29 is something I'm quite proud of 😎🎧🤘 https://t.co/JFlacKZUD1
— daniel — video game composer 🎮🎶 (comms clsd) (@flumbeedumbee) August 3, 2022
Exploring Trauma in Deep Space
In Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog, you step into the shoes of a newly hired security officer onboard a spaceship under mysterious attack. Intriguingly, your character harbors a traumatic past that influences their actions and interactions throughout the game. According to Jonathan Durham, the creative director, the narrative is designed to explore how different characters cope with various forms of trauma.
“The concept of trauma and how it’s handled is a huge part of Gun-Dog’s narrative. Every character is written around different kinds of trauma and their reactions to it,” Durham explains. “The decisions you make in the game are deeply rooted in each character’s personal history and how they have dealt—or not dealt—with their trauma.”
This deep dive into emotional struggles transforms the game from a mere adventure into a profound exploration of the human psyche. Instead of glossing over mental health issues, Stories from Sol invites players to engage with them directly, making personal growth and healing an integral part of the plot.
A New Take on Romance
In most games, romance often serves as a side quest or a reward—a goal to be achieved. However, Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog takes a refreshingly different approach. Rather than working towards a romantic relationship, you find yourself already in one, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.
Durham elaborates, “Most media and games deal with romance as an objective or reward that ends when it’s obtained. We wanted to explore a different kind of romance—one where you’re already in an established relationship and have to navigate the challenges that come with it.”
This feature is particularly embodied in the relationship between your character and their childhood sweetheart, Lt Cmdr Cassandra Quinn. The romantic subplot offers players not just a measure of emotional depth but also a chance to experience the nuanced dynamics of a mature relationship. The development team has certainly taken a brave step by turning the spotlight on the highs and lows of long-term relationships, instead of presenting a glossy, idealized version of love.
The Inspirations Behind the Aesthetic
The game draws heavy inspiration from classic Japanese adventure games (ADVs) and ‘80s and ‘90s anime. Durham specifically mentions influences like Blade Runner, Alien, and Terminator—a mix that fuels both the artistic and narrative sensibilities of the game. By blending elements from both Eastern and Western sci-fi, the game creates a unique environment that feels deeply nostalgic yet strikingly original.
One of the standout features is its pixel-art aesthetic, which Durham states was inspired by the PC-98, a computer series legendary for its visual storytelling capabilities. The development team aimed to emulate the visually rich style that characterized these vintage games, thus melding old-world charm with modern gameplay mechanics. The use of a green monochrome palette further enhances this retro-futuristic feel.
Deft Use of Music to Enhance the Narrative
The chiptune soundtrack has been carefully crafted to mirror the emotional resonance of the story. With influences from legendary composers like Yuzo Koshiro and Koji Kondo, the music serves not as a backdrop but as an active participant in the storytelling. Composer Daniel secures the game’s atmosphere by creating tunes that evoke the nostalgic yet poignant tone that the game seeks to achieve.
International Collaboration Bringing The Vision to Life
This ambitious project is the labor of an international team. Space Colony Studios comprises members from Wales, England, and the USA, and contributions from across the globe, including China and Europe. “The game is a real international collaboration,” Durham notes. The diversity within the team brings multiple perspectives to the table, enriching the narrative and gameplay.
Future Prospects
With its innovative approach to storytelling, Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog is set to make waves in the gaming world. Its focus on trauma and romance offers a fresh take on sci-fi adventure games, making it a title worth watching. For those eager to experience a snippet of this emotional and thrilling adventure, a demo is currently available on Steam.
February 2025 can’t come soon enough for those who are eagerly awaiting to dive into this intricate tale of love, loss, and survival in the depths of space.
Mehek