The highly anticipated interactive cinema game Nazar has officially launched on Steam, combining the rich tapestry of ancient Turkish history with an exciting science fiction narrative. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Cappadocia—a region famed for its surreal landscapes and hot-air balloon tourism—this 2D platformer offers a unique blend of full-motion video and immersive gameplay that promises players a captivating experience.

Eray Dinç and Simay Dinç, the sibling duo behind Nazar, spoke to GamesBeat about their ambitious project. “This game is for a global audience, primarily in English, but we have localized it into ten languages,” Eray explained. “We reimagine ancient rituals, fusing them with the themes of science fiction. The game's essence is rooted in Middle Eastern and North African cultures, yet it holds universal appeal.”

With a rich background in mobile game development, having produced the acclaimed Recontact trilogy, the Dinç siblings spent over two and a half years collaborating with musician Inon Zur and a small team to craft this groundbreaking title. The action-adventure platformer showcases a storyline driven by cinematic sequences, blending interactive cinema with traditional gaming that targets PC players on Steam, with plans for console release soon.

In Nazar, players assume the role of a fortune teller with parapsychological abilities, navigating through the game’s mechanics using foresight. The narrative is structured within a 2D platform filmic experience, allowing players to engage with the environment through “xenon navigation” while exploring prophetic dreams. It’s a race against time to find the correct pathway and avert impending doom.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Future

The game intricately weaves elements of astrology, fortune telling, and dream interpretation as players encounter rituals aimed at staving off adverse outcomes. Unique to the gameplay are Zener cards—developed in the 1930s by Carl Zener to scientifically test paranormal abilities—which provide a metric for players’ foresight skills. Mastering these abilities grants substantial advantages in the game, with extrasensory perception being integral to scoring.

Confronting Evil Forces

Our protagonist, Nazar, begins his journey as a young fortune teller but soon joins the Misal Initiation, an ancient order in Anatolia. Under the guidance of his mentor Mergen, he hones his powers and directly confronts the malicious Fatum cult, which exploits foresight for sinister intentions. The narrative escalates as Mergen reaches out to Nazar for assistance when the leaders of the Fatum cult congregate in Cappadocia. Alongside a new ally, Tela, Nazar must delve deeper into future realities to thwart their evil schemes.

A Creative Masterpiece Rooted in Culture

The visionary behind the project, Eray Dinç, draws inspiration from Turkish shadow plays and the cinematic techniques of legendary filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky. Not only is the game aesthetically captivating, but it also serves as a tribute to the rich cultural lore of Anatolia. Dinç, who has garnered numerous international accolades for his artistic endeavors, emphasizes the innovative merging of cinema and gaming that Nazar represents.

Beyond its innovative gameplay, Dinç has taken the initiative to involve his students from the Digital Game Design Department at Istanbul Beykent University, providing them with hands-on experience in the industry. This approach not only fosters new talent but also ensures that Nazar embodies educational principles—preparing students for real-world challenges in game development.

With approximately 60 talented individuals contributing to the project, including quality assurance specialists and artists, Nazar stands as a testament to collaborative creativity. The attention to detail and commitment to crafting a high-quality gaming experience establishes Nazar as a pioneering title in merging interactive storytelling with engaging platform mechanics.

As excitement builds within the gaming community, Nazar has the potential to reach millions, following in the footsteps of the successful Recontact trilogy that has already captivated players in 153 countries. Prepare yourself to embark on a mesmerizing adventure steeped in Turkish history and cosmic intrigue!