Hello, Generals!
It’s Friday, and you know what that means? It’s Genesis Devlog Time. And today, it’s also Hammer Time!
With the recent addition of Malik in Kingdom Rush Battles, we think it is the perfect time to reveal that he’s also joining the fight in Kingdom Rush Genesis. Yes, the legendary wielder of the Hammer of the Ages, is returning as a playable hero, and we have a lot to share about the process!
Let’s start with a recap. Malik was first introduced in the original Kingdom Rush, and quickly became one of the most iconic heroes of the saga for his unmatched strength, powerful hammer smashes, and witty catchphrases. And yet, the legendary hero of Hammerhold wasn’t always the mighty hero we know and love today, having had much humbler beginnings…
Back in Kingdom Rush Origins, we meet him as a slave under the cruel Ogre warlocks. Since he was a kid, he was forced to endlessly mine bloodsydian gems in the Blood Quarry under the watchful eye of the Gnoll sentinels. When he was finally freed, he called upon his mighty hammer from the skies and joined the fight for the Kingdom. And that’s the start of our hero’s journey!
By the time of Kingdom Rush Frontiers, Malik had risen high to his rightful place, from slave to King of Hammerhold, leading his people in the unforgiving desert. Alongside the sand warrior Alric and the elite Desert Forces, Malik’s kingdom stood strong against the threat of Nomadic tribes, ensuring that anyone who dared threaten the Hammerhold’s citizens felt the crushing weight of his hammer.
In fact, Hammerhold under his command held so bravely that, even after the main events of Kingdom Rush Vengeance, when Vez'nan had conquered most of Linirea and The Citadel had fallen, Hammerhood remained the Kingdom’s last bastion. Despite having his own forces being scattered by the Linirean War and Vez’nan’s dirty tricks, Malik’s stronghold stood firm. For a while…
However there was a dark turn of events for Malik during the Hammerhold Campaign. Vez’nan finally turned his eye, and the full force of his Dark Arm,towards the last remaining resistance. One by one, Hammerhold’s heroes fell during the advance: the assassin Mirage, Alric and his sand warriors...
But Malik waited upon his throne, ready for the final showdown. Trusting in his powerful soul-bound weapon: the Hammer of the Ages. A legendary dwarven hammer forged with such devotion that the master forger infused his very soul into it, receiving the blessings of the dwarven gods. Defiant, Malik challenged Vez'nan to a duel in the arena to decide once and for all who is the King of Hammerhold!
Despite fighting bravely, Malik fell. He lost everything that day. His freedom, as he was held captive by the Dark Lord. The precious Hammer of the Ages, taken from him and tossed like garbage among the Dark Lord’s treasure. And his beloved city of Hammerhold, which he had vowed to protect with his life.
But what if history could be rewritten? After the events of Kingdom Rush Alliance, Gerald Lightseeker uses the mighty Sword of Elynie to travel back in time, on a desperate quest to stop Vez’nan’s corruption before it ever takes place. But no hero, however powerful, can face this darkness alone. To succeed, Gerald must scout the lands of Linirea to recruit mighty allies.
In Kingdom Rush Genesis, we meet a version of Malik that bridges his past and future. He resembles his younger self from Origins, complete with his iconic afro, but he is now more battle-hardened and powerful. Having left his slave days behind, he proudly wears his signature golden hoops and bracelets. And of course, he wields a massive hammer (though not yet the mythic Hammer of the Ages).
Following his liberation, Malik chose to stay and offer his hammer to Prince Denas, becoming an essential part of the Kingdom’s defense. This period marks a crucial chapter in his journey, as he hones the skills that will one day make him a legend, all before departing to find his true destiny at Hammerhold!
In the next Devlog, we’ll continue to talk about returning heroes. This one appears as a secondary hero, and is as Swift as the Wind…
weekly q&a
Q by KT: Thanks for doing these devlogs, they’re awesome and I definitely feel more hyped as they release. Question: I noticed there’s more body fights in the main game than usual. This is definitely welcomed by me! What was your design philosophy or insight for adding more boss fights? One every 3 levels there will be one! that is a pretty major upgrade from the previous games.
A: Thanks for reading them! Regarding your question: due to the game's story, we felt that adding more boss fights was a great way to create fun dynamics within the stages while also enhancing the narrative. It even gave us the chance to bring back some familiar faces!
Q by Rigital: Hello , Will SHA’TRA come back ? Thx!
A: No plans for him at the moment! We’ll leave his whereabouts at the time as a bit of a mystery for now.
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