Rome, Italy, July 21, 2020 — VLG, a dynamic, forward-thinking Italian publisher dedicated to offering deep and authentic narrative-driven entertainment, and Studio V, the groundbreaking developer behind last year’s well-received psychological thriller Dry Drowning, have unveiled today their latest visual novel epic, DARK RENAISSANCE.
Penned by acclaimed international bestselling author Matteo Strukul – the Italian Master of Historical Fiction – and scored by award-winning composer David Logan, the title blends RPGs, period pieces and graphic novels together to depict the adventures of a Venetian mercenary who must uncover the shocking secrets hidden behind the scientific, artistic and cultural achievements of the 15th century Renaissance. The game is set to release in 2021.
Take a glimpse at Studio V and VLG’s twisted DARK RENAISSANCE below:
“Studio V is hard at work weaving an intricate web of political conspiracies and moral dilemmas for visual novel fans to sink their teeth into next year,” says Daniele Falcone, General Manager at VLG. “From what we’ve seen so far, DARK RENAISSANCE is set to reshape our definition of interactive storytelling through its unique portrayal of historically accurate events, many of which continue to inspire dark fantasy authors around the world today.”
DARK RENAISSANCE is set in a world where traces of the Middle Ages can still be found in an age of beauty and enlightenment. As protagonist Marco Badoer, a legendary warmonger whose life was shaped by the bloody battlefields of Transylvania, players must protect the economic interests of Lorenzo de’ Medici as his reign is threatened by the mystical Orphic Hymns in iconic cities like Venice and Florence.
Through deep lore, dynamic quick time events, strategic duels, skill and upgrade systems, side quests, historically accurate mini-games and encounters with illustrious figures like Marsilio Ficino and Leonardo da Vinci, players will learn a lot more about the grittier side of the Italian Renaissance. That’s not to mention that the game will include multiple endings for visual novel fans to explore.
Game Features:
- The darkest and grittiest Renaissance epic ever built in a game
- A massive historical tale set across the war-torn landscapes of Italy
- Explore world-famous landmarks such as Venice, Florence and the mysterious swamps of Northern Italy
- Meet the rockstars of the Renaissance: Leonardo, the Medici’s Family and many other icons of European history
- Hundreds of opportunities for character development, romance and social linking
- Unique staged combat sequences blending opera and brutal RPG action
- A deep housing system to enjoy luxury, drugs, gambling and the notorious Italian lifestyle
- An original symphonic score mixing and matching ancient and modern styles
DARK RENAISSANCE is set to launch next year for PC and consoles including Nintendo Switch. More information can be found on the official website: http://dark-renaissance.com/.
Supporting Links
Studio V:
VLG:
About Matteo Strukul
As one of the greatest historical fiction writers in the world, Matteo Strukul’s work has been translated into over twenty languages and awarded with the Premio Bancarella – won in the past by Ernest Hemingway, Ken Follett and Umberto Eco, among others – and the Premio Salgari, two of the most prestigious literary prizes in Italy. His Medici Family tetralogy is an international bestseller saga with millions of copies sold around the world. The series brought the world’s attention to the twisted stories surrounding the unscrupulous captains of venture, deadly seductresses and wealth-obsessed rulers.
About VLG Publishing
Publishing service company set up with the goal of working with games that tell strong stories and cast an eye on culture, while bringing truly memorable entertainment to gamers across the spectrum, whether on PC, console, or mobile, and wherever in the world they may be playing. VLG provides developers with a structured network of advisors and experts, fostering new talents, trends, and ideas to drive the next revolution of interactive storytelling.
http://vlgpublishing.com/
About Studio V
Delicate moral themes and profound social commentary are the DNA of Studio V, the same team behind Dry Drowning, a morally nuanced drama that depicted the state of police and corruption back in 2019. Now tasked with bringing in a game the complexity behind Renaissance’s political and cultural background, Studio V is on a mission to challenge your worldview and shatter dogmas in the process.
