Indian mythology inspires new game

21 Comments by John Bardinelli Mar 6th 2007 4:28PM
Filed under: Culture, PC, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Adventure

Canadian-based studio Syncere Arts is working on an action-adventure game based on the Mahabharata, an epic tale in Indian mythology. Mahabharata: The Dawn of Kaliyuga aims to let players feel as powerful as the ancient gods while still providing a good challenge. You play the role of warrior prince Arjuna (try not to think the Prince of Persia) whose destiny is, obviously, to save the world. The game will let players choose between various schools of combat, and nearly 100 weapons and Vedic powers. Syncere hopes to publish Mahabharata in April 2008 and plans to release both PC and Xbox 360 versions.

Greek and Norse mythologies have long been sources for video game material in the west, so it's great to see Syncere stirring some fresh Indian-inspired content into the pot. The non-violent first person Hindu shooter project was another promising effort in the same vein, though unfortunately it never came to fruition. With gaming gaining popularity in India, this certainly won't be the last we'll see of Arjuna.

[Via Good News]

Tags: action, adventure, independent, india, indian, indie, mythology

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(Page 1) Reader Comments

Mr Khan: Mar 6th 2007; 4:37PM

Can anyone say "religious ramifications?"

"You are not Ganesh! Ganesh is graceful!"

(My Shiva can totally pwn your Vishnu, and Kahli fanboys are stupid)

Revolution: Mar 6th 2007; 4:39PM

Lawl @ Mr Khan

hahaha

Revolution: Mar 6th 2007; 4:40PM

Lawl @ Mr Khan

hahaha

Norm: Mar 6th 2007; 4:47PM

Note that this is of the 'american' indian variety.

I'm sure you got that though.

RYAN: Mar 6th 2007; 4:50PM

that's it i'm getting a 360

Neil: Mar 6th 2007; 4:54PM

Oh I thought you meant Indian mythology as in people from India and not native americans.

Spooon69: Mar 6th 2007; 4:54PM

@Norm

"American" Indian as in Native American? Because from the description it sounds like they're describing Hinduism, as in the Indian Subcontinent.

p-diddy: Mar 6th 2007; 4:54PM

No, norm, it's not. As if the description wasn't enough ('Mahabharata' isn't exactly Cherokee or Iroquois), look at some of the screenshots. Elephant-themed cart?

-p-

Jiffylush: Mar 6th 2007; 5:01PM

Name is a little long, but it could be great.

Definitely Indian as in dot, not feather ;)

As far as American Indians go, maybe Jesus brought elephants with him when he visited? (mormon)

navsimpson: Mar 6th 2007; 5:10PM

As the confusion over 'Indian' demonstrates, anytime we can get a little cultural variety in our gaming, that's gotta' be a good thing. As I like to say, February may be Black History Month, but White History Month ususally runs from about April to March...

Phony: Mar 6th 2007; 5:12PM

Mahabharath as written.
I hope they retell how Bhim( a brother of Arjuna)
he give birth to a mace.
and explain how Draupadi can marry 5 brothers

steve17: Mar 6th 2007; 5:23PM

this looks awesome. action adventure involving acient cultures usually turn out pretty good. (jade empire) though it could use some work.

grumpyguava49: Mar 6th 2007; 5:23PM

it's hindu. not american indian. please. the mahabharata was written in sanskrit.

p.s. as a hindu, i approve and can't wait to see if this turns out as good as god of war, prince of persia, and (hopefully) too human.

Norm: Mar 6th 2007; 5:51PM

whoah typo. "not" instead of 'note' although that doesn't even make sense when re-reading my comment.

I am of native american descent, btw. I'm glad they are finally making games about 'indian' indians, cause ganesh knows we sure as hell don't need another 'Gun'.

p-diddy: Mar 6th 2007; 6:47PM

I am also of native american descent (1/64 Cherokee in the Hiz-ou... wait, that doesn't work). I think ethno/cultural games are a great idea. I loved Journey to the West and it encouraged me to learn more about Chinese mythology. We need more of these games (as long as they are done right).

-p-

Nick Huber: Mar 6th 2007; 9:13PM

yeah, this is Dot not Feather. It's actually a pretty good story, I had to read it in college.

joe smith: Mar 6th 2007; 9:17PM

Nice. Hindu myth is incredibly rich and has been overlooked for too long.

mocax: Mar 6th 2007; 10:17PM

Mahabharata described fantastic battles.
Some of the weapons described border on science fiction. Things like anti-gravity Vihmanas, heat-seeking missiles and even nukes.

The ancient indians were believed to have warred with Atlantis.

Raajaa: Mar 6th 2007; 10:40PM

I don't want a white girl.I want a curry and rice girl.

scott: Mar 6th 2007; 11:49PM

Could be good as long as they don't all break into ear-screeching song and divali dance mid-game.

Jin: Mar 7th 2007; 2:30AM

Saving the world? That's more of a Eurocentric religious thing. The Mahabharata was about two warring families that were related. The only victory was spiritual.

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