Publisher Three Friends, in collaboration with developer Bloom & Gloom, has unveiled their latest project, Into the Wind. This cozy adventure game, inspired by the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli, invites players to embark on a whimsical journey across the picturesque Adriatic islands of Santa Rosa. The game is set to launch in Early Access for PC on Steam, although a specific release date has yet to be disclosed.
Albert Safstrom, co-founder and producer at Three Friends, expressed his enthusiasm for the game, stating, “Into the Wind is about the joy of the journey. There’s a wonderful, tactile satisfaction to just driving around on the bike, whether you’re on the ground or in the air. You get into this rhythm where you make a delivery, grab an upgrade, and then immediately head back out just to see how the new parts feel. It creates a deceptively addicting ‘one more delivery’ loop that makes it very hard to put the controller down.”
Robin Hjelte, co-founder and game director at Bloom & Gloom, shared his inspiration, noting, “It’s no secret that we are fans of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Especially Porco Rosso struck me deeply, and I wanted to make a game about flying among freedom-loving individuals in a romantic setting in the Adriatic Sea. Into the Wind is our love letter to all that, and more that has been truly meaningful to us: anime, games, movies, summer evenings in the setting sun. It’s a game about momentum, flight, and great game feel, but also about just immersing yourself in the small moments of this world and its stories. We can’t wait for you to take to the skies of Santa Rosa!”
Game Overview
About
Players will take on the role of a delivery driver alongside their sentient motorcycle-plane, Ermes. The game offers a rich tapestry of experiences, including making friends, battling rowdy air pirates, upgrading your bike, decorating your home, and exploring the enchanting islands of Santa Rosa. A central mystery unfolds as players seek to uncover the truth behind their uncle’s disappearance.
Key Features
- Drive, Fly, Deliver – The game is designed to be accessible yet deep in skill expression, with a focus on the physicality of driving and flying. Players must navigate various challenges, including cargo weight, fuel management, and environmental factors like weather and wind.
- Earn Money, Upgrade Your Bike, Expand Your Business – Completing deliveries across the islands allows players to earn resources for upgrading Ermes, enabling them to tackle more complex tasks and adventures.
- Make the World Your Own – Between deliveries, players can customize their character and Ermes, as well as decorate their home base. Each decoration must be earned through gameplay, and strategic placement can yield bonuses that aid progression.
- Friendships and a Mystery to Solve – The quest to uncover what happened to uncle Umberto, who vanished while investigating a mysterious cloud, drives the narrative forward. Players will build relationships with crew members and learn about the vibrant inhabitants of Santa Rosa.
- Welcome to Santa Rosa – The game world presents a nostalgic, idyllic vision of an Adriatic archipelago, reminiscent of a vintage postcard. Players will encounter charming villages, scenic routes, and an abundance of quirky characters, all set against a backdrop of flying pirates.
Announce Trailer
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