The essence of tabletop gaming often transcends the meticulous planning of a Dungeon Master. While hours of preparation can set the stage for an epic showdown, it is the spontaneous moments—like defeating a formidable foe with an exploding shield, a clay plesiosaur, and a swift incantation—that truly ignite the experience. This sentiment resonates deeply within the realm of Starfinder: Afterlight, a title that seeks to honor the whimsical spirit of its tabletop roots by allowing its cast to embrace the same playful creativity.
Embracing Improvisation
Richard Pillosu and Albert Jane, the co-founders of Epic Entertainment, express their enthusiasm for the improvisational talents of their voice actors, Inel Tomlinson and Fred Tatisciore, who lend their voices to the characters Tycho and Kole, respectively. Tomlinson’s impressive portfolio includes roles in Final Fantasy 16, Dragon Age, and Space Marine 2, while Tatisciore is recognized for his work on Family Guy, Mass Effect, and Overwatch.
Though only two cast members have been unveiled thus far, their backgrounds in the gaming industry are noteworthy. Both actors have received guidance from Neil Newbon, a veteran from Baldur’s Gate 3, who is said to direct with a blend of kindness and intensity. Epic Entertainment understands that to create a standout RPG, compelling performances from a talented cast are essential.
Capturing the Tabletop Spirit
For the developers, the goal is to encapsulate the joyous essence of tabletop gaming. “It’s incredibly fun to witness their creativity,” Pillosu and Jane remark. “Most of the sessions, we are laughing all the time. Actually, part of the lines in the reveal come from improvisation: Fred turned a simple acknowledgment into Kole’s signature words that perfectly capture his personality.”
This approach aims to craft an RPG experience reminiscent of a friendly tabletop campaign. “Afterlight is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” the developers note, drawing inspiration from the lightheartedness of Guardians of the Galaxy.
The Role of Voice Acting
When discussing the significance of voice acting in RPGs, Pillosu and Jane reference titles like Pillars of Eternity and Pathfinder, while also acknowledging the impact of the Divinity series. They view the cultural phenomenon of Baldur’s Gate 3 as a natural progression rather than a standalone study.
In the context of Starfinder: Afterlight, voice acting serves a pivotal role: “Our main goal was to make our companions as alive as possible, and for that, voice acting is a great contributor.” Currently, the companions and key characters will be voiced, with the upcoming Kickstarter campaign potentially expanding the budget to include additional roles.
Looking Ahead
Epic Entertainment places significant emphasis on voice acting, recognizing that “companions are one of [the] cornerstones in the story and the game.” While details about future reveals remain under wraps, the developers hinted at a “very prominent actress” featured in the Kickstarter trailer, whose involvement left some team members in disbelief.
As the anticipation builds around Starfinder: Afterlight, the question remains: will it emerge as one of the premier space games? While it may be premature to draw conclusions, the developers’ understanding of turn-based RPG fundamentals, coupled with the freedom given to their cast of seasoned voice actors to improvise, may well be the key to successfully translating the tabletop experience into a digital format.
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