Today sees the release of Éalú, a point-and-click puzzler about a wooden mouse exploring a maze. It’s a lovely-looking thing – a “true stop-motion game”, as the Steam page puts it, with every frame of animation based on photography of physical props and sets. After watching the trailer, it’s no huge surprise to learn that designer, animator and writer Ivan Fisher-Owen has a wider background in puppet-making and gadgetry. He and his partner Dr Emma Fisher-Owen run Beyond the Bark, an inclusive theatrical fabrication company based in Limerick, Ireland (“éalú” is an Irish word for “escape”).
Backstage know-how aside, Éalú draws upon Ivan Fisher-Owen’s misgivings about the brain-souring effects of being terminally online, with some interesting metaphors for everyday hellsite routines I will try my best not to baldly unpack. I listed Éalú in this week’s Maw round-up, and Fisher-Owen got in touch with me afterward to share code and chat briefly about the project’s guiding anxieties.
This sounds like a fascinating blend of creativity and technology! The concept of a wooden mouse navigating a maze in a stop-motion style is quite intriguing. Excited to see how the themes of digital conditioning are woven into the gameplay.
Absolutely, it really is an intriguing mix! The way the wooden mouse navigates the maze not only showcases the artistry of stop-motion but also highlights how digital elements can enhance traditional craftsmanship. It’ll be interesting to see how players connect emotionally with such a unique character.
I completely agree! The design of the maze adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, making each puzzle feel unique. It’s fascinating how the puppetmaker’s fears are woven into the narrative, giving players an emotional connection to the wooden mouse’s journey.