Memórias de Arassay is a pixel art game being developed as an undergraduate thesis project. It is an independent production currently in its testing phase, with an initial release on Steam for scientific and academic purposes. Although it is a prototype focused on research, there is hope that it may one day grow into something bigger, presenting the city of Guarapuava, in the state of Paraná, Brazil, as entertainment within the world of video games.
The core idea is to celebrate regional culture by adapting local legends into a playable narrative. So far, three stories shape the plot: that of Arassay, an Indigenous young woman, inspired by the legend of the Lagoa das Lágrimas (Lagoon of Tears), which tells of her mourning for her betrothed, the chief Guairacá, whose loss brought tears that formed the lagoon; that of the Capela do Degolado (Chapel of the Beheaded), marked by the execution of a soldier who became a legendary, ghostly figure; and that of the serpent beneath the Nossa Senhora de Belém Cathedral, a mythical creature that threatens to awaken should the church ever be destroyed. These stories have been reimagined with a retro video game look, bringing players closer to the epic memory of Guarapuava!
In terms of gameplay, you control Arassay in a 2D platforming environment. She travels through settings inspired by historical and cultural landmarks, facing enemies along the way in close-quarters combat with the help of her traditional weapon, the spear. Progression is simple and straightforward, letting players advance through the three stages while uncovering elements of the legends that shape the story.
The project also embraces accessibility, offering features such as visual and audio settings to welcome a wider range of players. Since the game is still being tested, these features are open to suggestions, especially from anyone with experience in or interest in inclusive design. The goal is to build the game in dialogue with the community, making accessibility an integral part of its cultural purpose!
This project is an initiative that brings together culture, technology and inclusion. It aims to showcase the potential of Brazilian independent games, a growing scene, as cultural tools capable of preserving traditions, celebrating regional identities and offering new forms of entertainment that engage with local history and collective memory!
Welcome! Join the project as a tester and help shape the development of Memórias de Arassay! Thank you so much!
Important: in this first Early Access version, only the Level 1 beta is available to play. New game details, other legends of Guarapuava and more gameplay features will be added in upcoming updates.
