Maybe you’ve noticed it too: always pressing the “W” key to move forward in RPGs is way too boring. My index finger hurts just thinking about it (better not talk about my completely unstimulated gray matter).


In HYPERFANTASY Mimesis, we wanted to make movement feel really comfortable and simultaneously give players the space to use their skills to get where they want quickly. So, jump on the Glider — a steel disc normally attached to the protagonist’s back, looking a bit like a metallic shield. But it serves a completely different purpose: you can fly on it like it’s a big frisbee (or maybe a small UFO disc?). Unconventional and goofy indeed.


But the gliding experience is like playing with a fidget spinner. Somehow you never get enough - and you don’t even know why.


The Glider flies automatically forward, so you don’t need to hold “W” (or the gamepad stick, if you prefer). Since the glider is affected by uneven terrain, you need to correct its direction by pressing the “A”/”D” buttons (or moving the stick sideways). Your attention is constantly required—otherwise, you could hit a wall or tree and fall, getting a minor injury.


In case you want to get somewhere really fast, you can accelerate into a dash by hitting the spacebar. This can help you fly across a moat or some other hole in the ground as well.


And for those who like to walk on their feet, you can walk, jog, or sprint as well. So you can always choose the appropriate speed to get where you need to be fast enough not to get bored, but not too quickly so you don’t miss interesting things around you.


Next time, we’ll delve deeper into the circular level design rule we use for creating an engaging space to explore. If you don’t want to miss it, you can subscribe here.