Pseudoregalia

• Title — Pseudoregalia • Developer — rittzler • Publisher — rittzler • Designer — * rittzler • matt • Composer — * potatoteto • pluswplus • still crisp • Engine — Unreal Engine 5 • Platforms — Microsoft Windows • Released — 28 July 2023 • Genre — 3D platformer, Metroidvania • Modes — Single-player

Pseudoregalia is a 3D platform game/Metroidvania hybrid, where the player character, Sybil, is tasked with making her way through the Castle Sansa. The game's environment is structured in an open-ended manner, with many alternate movement paths that can be made available to the player by upgrading certain abilities. The character movement emphasizes fluidity and responsiveness, with a focus on running and jumping. The game is relatively short, and is possible to complete within a few hours.

Sybil, upon arriving in a mysterious castle's dungeon through the use of a golden mirror, expresses vague concern about her punctuality and an unknown goal. As she travels through the labyrinthine structure, various NPCs and Signposts point to a far off tower with a princess in need of saving. After obtaining all 5 Major Keys, and the upgrades required to reach them, Sybil is able to open the door at the top of said tower where the princess awaits. However, upon reaching her chamber, the Princess attacks Sybil and is soon after defeated. Afterwards, the castle collapses and it is revealed that the events previous were only a dream being had by someone who seems to know the Princess, who thanks Sybil for waking him up and wishes her luck on her next adventure.

The initial version of Pseudoregalia was developed in around three weeks as a submission for the Metroidvania Month 19 Game Jam, which took place between February and March 2023. The original version, which won first place in the game jam, was released for free via itch.io. An extended, "full" version of the game was made available to purchase via Steam on 28 July 2023. According to the developer, the production of the extended version took four months, and since then, there has been an update adding an in-game map. The developer plans to release future updates for the title as well.