The Vandal - DevLog #1: Overview

In this post, I’m diving into my third project, The Vandal, a mobile visual novel that weaves historical accuracy with a touch of fantasy. Set during the 6th century, the game follows the journey of a Vandal warrior from Carthage, where players’ choices shape the story and unlock multiple endings.

🏺 The Story of The Vandal

The Vandals, originally a Germanic tribe, had made their way to North Africa after crossing through Spain and defeating the Roman forces. Under their king, Genseric, they seized the city of Carthage in 439 CE and established a powerful kingdom that lasted for a century, known for its naval strength and clashes with the Roman Empire.

In the game, an archaeologist in the present day discovers an ancient artifact that triggers visions of a Vandal warrior’s epic quest. This journey carries the weight of a kingdom in its twilight, struggling against an existential threat that looms over its very survival, and it challenges players to make choices that test their courage and honor. Will you fight for glory or seek redemption?

As the story unfolds, players navigate through detailed historical settings, encountering figures and events inspired by the real Vandal Kingdom. Players are encouraged to think strategically, making decisions that impact their path and the fates of those around them.

🎨 Bringing Carthage to Life

One of my favorite aspects of this project was recreating 6th-century Africa region, nowadays Tunisia. I drew on my background in history and love for ancient civilizations to build an immersive world using AI-generated art for both the backgrounds and characters, ensuring the visuals matched the tone of the historical period. From the bustling cities to the grim battlefields, every detail was crafted to pull players deeper into the story.

🛠️ Development Challenge: Choice Systems

Designing a branching narrative with multiple endings was both exciting and complex. Implementing the choice system required careful planning to ensure each decision felt impactful and led to meaningful outcomes. Managing these branches in Unity, while keeping the narrative coherent, was a rewarding challenge that deepened my understanding of story-driven game mechanics.

🚀 Looking Ahead

The Vandal taught me so much about narrative design, player agency, and managing branching storylines. I’m excited to apply these lessons to future projects and would love to expand this game, adding even more endings to enrich the player experience.

Stay tuned for more insights into the development of The Vandal and my other projects. I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s connect and share our passion for game development!