MIKO - The Lost Heir

"MIKO- The Lost Heir" is a Japanese inspired post-apocalyptic story about the travels of a mercenary and a holy automaton in the desert wastelands. This is part of my personal IP project developed at Syn Studio!

Environment | The Orphanage

The land of divinity was once a vibrant tapestry of prosperity and opulence. However, Rasputin’s siege triggered a cataclysmic disaster, resulting in corrupting all that is divine and transformed the land into a desolate wasteland. Those who resist Rasputin's rule are condemned to a nomadic existence in the wastelands, far from his tyrannical grasp at the palace.

Located in the outskirts, it is the perfect location for outcasts and free-spirited folk to escape from Rasputin's control. It all started as an orphanage where Daikichi grew up; However over the years, it has evolved into a refuge for exiles and mercenaries. 

The goal of this piece of architecture was to create a building with a blend of resilience and simplicity while drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture. The rounded form fashioned from salvaged metal was aimed to harmonize with the rugged landscape while offering sanctuary to those seeking refuge from chaos. 

Environment | Grandma Isa's Tea Room

For thousands of years, the vengeful spirit Isa has been sealed and confined in the abandoned temple by the ancient beings of this world. As time passes, her turbulent soul found tranquility through the meditative practice of tea brewing. Since then, she started aiding lost travelers who ventured into her domain. This sanctum serves as a pivotal safe zone for players, where level-ups and upgrades are made available after unlocking.

At the heart of the sanctuary lies Isa's shrine, where she patiently awaits her visitors. Inspired by the grandeur of Noh theatre stages that echoes the history of the once vengeful spirit, infused with -elements, it is bound by the solemn presence of the "shimenawa rope" draped atop, marking it as a sacred and ritually pure space. 

Environment | The Settlement

At the heart of the canyon city rests The Brothel and Rasputin’s lair, from which he exerts dominion over all within his grasp. Despite its lively streets adorned with bustling shops and stalls, the settlement harbors an undercurrent of desolation. Amidst the rugged canyon landscape, residents navigate their daily lives, clinging to remnants of hope in the face of pervasive poverty and despair imposed by Rasputin's oppressive reign. This area stands as the final destination of the two hero's journey.

At the centre of the canyon city, the brothel serves as a nexus of indulgence and intrigue, as well as a hub for social interaction, commerce and clandestine dealings. At the top lies Rasputin's lair, a symbol of his iron grip over the city, exerting his influence over the city and orchestrating everything within his reach. This area serves as the final destination of the game. 

Adjacent to the brothel, the settlement thrives with bustling streets lined with shops and stalls. Residents navigate daily life amidst the rugged canyon landscape. However, under the oppressive reign of Rasputin, the people endure poverty and despair, struggling to find hope in their bleak existence. 

Characters | MIKO

In a world taken over by the malevolent god Rasputin, Daikichi is hired to escort AYAE, a mysterior automaton on a journey to the Settlement where Rasputin resides for a huge amount of money and resources. Throughout their journey, they found themselves entangled in combat and riddles, all while unravelling AYAE's true identity as the rightful heir to the throne, who is destined to restore the desolated wasteland back to its former glory. 

Character | Daikichi

Daikichi is a mercenary hired to escort AYAE, a holy automaton across the desolate wastelands that was once the divine civilization to Rasputin’s palace for a huge amount of money and resources. Despite his arrogant and solitary nature, he seems to have grown fond of AYAE’s company through the journey as she reminds him of his deceased younger sister.

Daikichi's design draws inspiration from Japanese streetwear infused with subtle nods to traditional Japanese patterns. Crafted to endure the unforgiving elements of their world, his attire was aimed to blend style with practicality. 

Prop | Daikichi's Axe

Daikichi's trusted axe, forged with the divine metal found on the giant arches scattered across the world and put together with materials gathered on his mercenary travels. This weapon allows him to cleave through corrupted spirits and monstrous foes that plague the ravaged lands. 

Character | AYAE

"Automatons were created by divine beings to trap the spirits of higher beings within and were left alone, discarded"

AYAE is a holy automaton, a descendant of the divine civilization that has now perished during the siege by Rasputin. She is later revealed to be the prophesized heir to the throne who is destined to take over and purify the lands and restoring it to its former glory.

AYAE's design is influenced by that of a shrine maiden from Japanese culture embodying the symbol of purification. Initially portrayed with a formidable stature to emphasize her role as a strong female protagonist. However, a subsequent redesign opting for a portrayal of innocence and childlike grace to contrast with Daikichi's design is made, creating a stronger dynamic between the two. 

Prop | The Chime

AYAE's sacred chime, in which she yields to perform purification rituals and healing capabilities. As AYAE wields this instrument of benevolence, its harmonious melodies serve as a beacon of hope, guiding her on her quest to fulfill her prophetic destiny.

Illustration | MIKO

I wanted to showcase a solemn moment with Daikichi and AYAE despite the devastating state of how the world has become. AYAE praying for the lost souls, to purify them so they could move on to the afterlife. 

THE END

MIKO- The Lost Heir was a huge learning experience for me as an artist, from the technical aspects of creating art to implementing storytelling and narrative elements into design, everything was a challenge and I'm happy with what I ended up with. I am insanely grateful for my friends and tutors that helped me along the way. 

Thank you, and have a great one y'all! Cheers!