Lil’ Guardsman: The Ultimate Gate Guard Adventure!

Co-founders of Lil' Guardsman discuss the game's time-travel mechanics, cartoon influence, and more in an interview with Game Rant

In the ‘Lil’ Guardsman Interview’, co-founders spill the beans on time-travel mechanics, cartoon inspirations, and more!

Are you ready to step into the charming and chaotic world of Lil’ Guardsman? This upcoming indie game for Steam and consoles is set in the cozy fantasy kingdom of the Sprawl, where players take on the role of 12-year-old Lil and command her dad’s gate guard duties. Get ready for a wild ride as you make decisions that determine the fate of characters and shape the story. But hold on tight, because this game has a lot more to offer than meets the eye!

A Journey Through Time

In a recent interview with Hilltop Studios’ co-founders, Artiom Komarov and Scott Christian, we dived into Lil’ Guardsman’s captivating gameplay mechanics. One of the standout features is Lil’s ability to rewind time, introducing a unique time-travel element to the game. Dive headfirst into comedic scenarios and explore multiple choices, outcomes, and even the power of time manipulation.

🕒⏪ Time travel and decision-making collide in this hilarious adventure!

Behind the Gate: Insights from the Developers

We had the opportunity to chat with Komarov and Christian about the inspiration behind Lil’ Guardsman and the creative process behind its nostalgic art style and comedy narrative.

Q: What inspired you to create a gate guard sim set in the Sprawl?

💬 Christian: We wanted to explore the human stories that unfold in the background of epic fantasy worlds. The idea of a kid manning the castle gates allowed players to directly shape the story through their decisions, blurring the lines between chaos and heroism.

Q: How were Papers, Please, and Night in the Woods an influence on the game?

💬 Komarov: Night in the Woods inspired us with its emotional storytelling and vibrant quirkiness. We wanted to infuse Lil’ Guardsman with humor and heart, making players truly care about Lil, her family, and friends. As for Papers, Please, it kick-started a new genre of indie gaming, and we wanted to explore that genre with a funny, cozy, fantasy twist.

Q: What were the comedy inspirations for Lil’ Guardsman?

💬 Christian: We took a page from classic adventure games like Day of the Tentacle, Sam & Max, and Monkey Island. We enlisted comedy writers to create a dynamic writing process, even conducting “table reads” to craft the perfect blend of humor and drama. Comedy buffs will find plenty to enjoy in Lil’ Guardsman’s hilarious dialogue and outrageous characters.

Q: How does the game’s time-travel mechanic work, and how does it fit into the story?

💬 Komarov: Lil’ Guardsman has a cozy feel, so we wanted to give players room for experimentation. The Chronometer3000, a device incorporated into the plot and narrative, allows players to rewind time and try different approaches. We wanted failing to be fun, and the rewind mechanic encourages players to explore diverse options without feeling limited.

Q: Can you give us a taste of the possible outcomes if players rewind time too much?

💬 Komarov: While the rewind mechanic is generous, it does have its limits. However, even if you exhaust your allotted rewinds, you can freely go back to the beginning of the guard shift level, minimizing backtracking. As for the story outcomes of rewinding too much, well, you’ll have to play the game and find out for yourself!

Explore, Laugh, and Replay

Lil’ Guardsman offers a deep and replayable experience, providing players with a maze of choices and a whopping word count to uncover. Whether you sprint to the finish line or take your time to savor every detail, the game promises to keep you entertained.

🔍🔂 Dive into Lil’ Guardsman’s massive word count and uncover hidden surprises with each playthrough!

Q: How many story endings are there, and how many playthroughs are needed to see everything?

💬 Komarov: Balancing player choice and a compelling story was a big challenge for the team. There are key choices that influence major plot variables and numerous smaller choices that subtly shape the story, world, and characters. Discovering all the alternate versions of events will undoubtedly keep players coming back for more.

Q: Were there any specific challenges in crafting a comedy narrative within a fantasy setting?

💬 Christian: Finding the balance between comedy and emotional impact was crucial. Lil’ Guardsman is a funny and cute game, but it’s not afraid to tackle intense moments and adult subject matter. The generous rewind mechanic ensures that even choices with life-or-death consequences can be explored without too much pressure. So whether you’re looking for a cozy laugh or a thrilling adventure, Lil’ Guardsman has got you covered.

Q: What can players expect from night levels compared to day shifts?

💬 Komarov: While the majority of the levels are set during the day, the nights in Lil’ Guardsman offer a refreshing change of pace. With hints of horror tropes, the writing team had a blast playing with different flavors and creating some of the most memorable moments in the game.

A Nostalgic Delight: The Art of Lil’ Guardsman

The nostalgic 90s cartoon art style of Lil’ Guardsman sets the stage for an immersive and visually striking experience. Adventure Time and Gravity Falls were major inspirations for the team, leading with their cartoony aesthetics while delivering impactful stories.

🎨🎭 Experience the whimsical art style of Lil’ Guardsman inspired by Adventure Time and Gravity Falls!

Q: What are some of your favorite or most memorable characters in the game?

💬 Christian: One of my all-time favorites is Stabitha Grieves, a character from the Level 10 night shift. She embodies various 80s slasher horror tropes, creating a perfect blend of comedy and creepiness.

💬 Komarov: I’m a big fan of ‘Magnus the Magnificent,’ a character we’ve had since the playable prototype. Spoiler alert: Magnus isn’t the powerful wizard he claims to be; he’s actually two stacked goblins in a wizard’s robe. You never know what surprises Lil’ Guardsman has in store!

Release Date and Platforms

Lil’ Guardsman is set to launch on January 23, 2024, and will be available for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.

📅🎮 Mark your calendars and prepare for an epic adventure with Lil’ Guardsman!

Conclusion

Lil’ Guardsman is a one-of-a-kind game that combines humor, storytelling, and decision-making in a cozy fantasy world. With its time-travel mechanics, engaging characters, and nostalgic art style, it promises hours of entertainment and endless replayability. So, grab your Chronometer3000, put on your gate guard hat, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

What are you most excited about in Lil’ Guardsman? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation started!

🔗 Reference Links:

📢 Share this article on social media and let your friends experience the whimsical world of Lil’ Guardsman! 🎉