Spire, Surge, and Sea is a science fantasy epic from Choice of Games, written by Stewart C Baker, lead writer of the Nebula-award winning game A Death in Hyperspace.
Inspired by Miyazaki movies like Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, as well as the Final Fantasy series of games and Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea books, Spire, Surge, and Sea pits you against gods, spirits, and kings to determine the future of humanity itself.
Spire, Surge, and Sea may not have graphics, but I love me some good illustrations of ruined towers, post-apocalyptic cityscapes, and eerie, haunted countryside. Here are a few great images I've found recently.
Music is a big inspiration when I'm writing. Here are some of the soundtracks and mixes that have kept me moving forward on Spire, Surge, and Sea
If you like the demo, you might enjoy these other games, movies, and books.
This classic fantasy novel from Ursula K. LeGuin follows a young wizard, Ged, as he seeks to free himself from a dark power he inadvertently released.
Whether you're playing the original or the remake, this JRPG about a dying planet and the conflicts between those who want to save or profit from it is a classic.
One of my favourite Stuido Ghibli titles, this film by legendary animator Miyazaki Hayao has sky pirates, giant robots, and a floating castle—plus a beautiful score.
This intimate science fantasy manga by Ashinano Hitoshi follows an android named Alpha, who runs a café in a post-industrial Japan. Charming and contemplative.
N.K. Jemisin's mind-blowing novel mixes fantasy, sci-fi, and a bleak setting where humanity is pitched against a living planet—and that's not even the worst of it. Brutal, but a must-read.
Gorgeously designed, this 16-bit JRPG style game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity must hide from a deadly miasma. Full of memorable characters.