Side-Scrolling Platformer “Ayo: A Rain Tale” Seeks votes on Steam Greenlight

Ayo: A Rain Tale is seeking votes on Steam Greenlight. Developed by Inkline, the side-scrolling platformer addresses the plight of millions of people in Sub-Saharan communities.

Players will be able to control Aya, a young girl who leaves home for the first time to gather water. Ayo: A Rain Tale will follow the little girl as she faces tough environmental conditions and the fears in her mind.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Ayo: A Rain Tale explores the psychological impact of trekking across the desert – revealing the struggles of millions of young African children. Players take on the role of Ayo, a young girl who is about to leave home for the first time to gather water for her family. To do this, Ayo must face the harsh conditions of the Sahelian droughts and overcome her fears without falling victim to her own mind …

After encountering a sudden sandstorm, Ayo loses her path and is lost in the desert. Fortunately, she meets the Asili Twins – who join Ayo on her search for water and provide help along the way. However, as she continues to travel, the world around Ayo begins to look mysterious and magical – as if she’s been transported to a new land.

The desert is a dangerous place, and you will face many hardships. Crawl, climb, and jump your way through the Sub-Saharan lands as you solve puzzles, avoid dangerous hazards, and discover hidden paths during the scorching days and chaotic nights. Escape from crashing boulders, time your jumps perfectly with moving platforms, and challenge ruthless enemies – all culminating in a climactic encounter with Ja Thunderstorm, a large bull who wants to keep all the water for himself!

If you survive, the trek back home is grounded in reality – a harsh reminder of the world we live in.

Do watch the trailer!

While the game looks gorgeous, it does talk about a very serious issue that affects numerous people around the world.

“We want Ayo: A Rain Tale to help raise awareness about the daily hardships faced by those who live in the Sub-Saharan region. Ayo represents every child who courageously takes on the job of fetching water for their family. It’s a story that must be told, and we’re confident that games – the preeminent interactive media of our time – are the perfect way to do so,” said Ghaith Fleifel (Founder & Lead Designer, Inkline).

The Key features include:
*   Explore Sub-Saharan lands by crawling, climbing, and double-jumping.
*   Experience day and night cycles on your journey.
*   Solve puzzles and push through boulders to advance.
*   Withstand the harsh desert heat and fight for strength and emotional balance.
*   Face challenging enemies and confront Ja Thunderstorm!
*   Discover hidden paths and avoid natural hazards such as thorns, lightning – and even lava geysers.

Ayo: A Rain Tale is currently seeking votes on Steam Greenlight. If greenlit, the game will be available on Steam (Windows/Mac) as soon as the third quarter of 2017.

Some statistics (backed by WHO/UNICEF JMP for Water Supply & Sanitation and WHO) about the Sub-Saharan water crisis were also included in the press release:
*   783 million people don’t have access to clean and safe water worldwide.
*   319 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are without access to improved, reliable, drinking water sources
*   1 in 9 people worldwide don’t have access to safe and clean drinking water.
*   Women and girls are responsible for water collection in seven out of ten households in 45 developing countries.

Feel free to check out the Inkline’s offical website. Also, go ahead and vote for Ayo: A Rain Tale, a game that has a message behind it.

What are your thoughts about Ayo: A Rain Tale? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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