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Koi - Journey of Purity aims to inject environmental protection into the public consciousness [Sponsored]

Out now on Google Play and the App Store

Koi - Journey of Purity aims to inject environmental protection into the public consciousness [Sponsored]
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Koi - Journey of Purity may give you the impression that it's a minimalistic adventure game - which it is - but it's also much more than that.

It tells the story of a group of carp who are traversing a variety of different challenging environments to purify the lake and get back in touch with who they are.

It's a spiritual journey which offers a deep and meaningful message to the players about environmental awareness and protection.

Zhou Quan, Creative Director at Dotoyou, aims to inject the idea of environmental protection into the public consciousness with Koi - Journey of Purity.

Quan: "You play as a carp who starts its journey in a lotus pond then travels through a variety of different environments like a rock brook, river, drainage pool, sewer, and upstream in an adverse current.

"By overcoming various difficulties and challenges, you'll discover the true meaning of the journey which is to purify all pollutants, retrieve the lost memory of the carp, and return to the wilderness.

"In addition, a plot extension in the form of element collection will tell a story of the carp’s past and how the carp as river god lost its power of purification and memory.

"This game is a reflex on the current "problem of environment deterioration". We want to bring wild animals, which are now out of your sight, back to your attention.

"By telling a great story from such a small perspective, we hope to inject the theme of environmental protection into Koi - Journey of Purity so that it will bring freshness, quietness, and a purified mind to every gamer."

The story behind the development of the game is almost as interesting as that of the game itself. Quan was inspired while taking a walk on a beautiful summer's day, when something remarkable happened.

Quan: "The story was conceived during summer. At the time my work shift was flexible, so I would like to stroll the streets and alleys, watching, listening, and meditating on the rules governing lives in the city, fast but quiet.

"At this point, I began to think, what kind of emotional experience do people need in their lives?

"Looking tired and confused I found nothing after a period of searching. Purposelessly I wandered to the edge of the city, and stood by a river, gazing at a viaduct swallowed by mist.

"A bolt of lightning struck followed by a sudden heavy rain pour, so I had to take shelter under a big tree, meditating while looking at the river ripples.

"As rocks and plants were dancing with rain drops, memories of smelling soil, hearing the wind, and touching rain drops came flooding back from my childhood.

"At that very night, I finished the visual design of the Carp."

With so much going on, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact genre that Koi - Journey of Purity is.

Quan: "It's an RPG in which you take on the role of a carp but it also features action, puzzle solving, item collection, and more."

You might be surprised to learn what inspired Koi - Journey of Purity.

Quan: "Shadow of the Colossus taught me how to tell a great story from a small perspective while Super Mario inspired me to perfect each detail with the heart of a craftsman so as to maximize gaming experience."

If Quan could start over from scratch he believes that multiplayer would be a bigger priority the second time around.

"We would add multiplayer to the game to bring together you and your partners.

"We hope that the same inspiration can be passed on to every gamer."

Koi - Journey of Purity is out now in the App Store [download] and Google Play [download].