It used to be that saying a new game looks like a PS2 game, or any platform several generations past, was derogatory. Yet when it came to developing Duskfade's visual style, the most important reference was Kingdom Hearts, Square Enix's action RPG crossover with Disney characters. You can see that very clearly with protagonist Zirian, who wields a large sword much like a Keyblade from that series. "After two or three years working on a very grim dark game, we really just wanted a change," says Gonzales. It gave me more artistic possibilities and tools, including analytic tools and visual shaders, which were very helpful."