Hyper Light Drifter tells a poignant tale about mortality. Yet, it goes beyond that; it weaves in themes of beauty, connection, and a glimmer of hope for the future that the Drifter manages to foster, even in the face of his unavoidable destiny. This narrative draws inspiration from the real-life struggles of an individual living with illness, striking a chord with countless players who have faced similar challenges.
The upcoming game, Hyper Light Breaker, will explore a fresh storyline within the same universe, centering on a tangible external enemy whose ambition for domination poses a threat to the entire world. While the narrative takes a new direction, Hyper Light Breaker will still delve into how illness affects people across the globe.
The Disease May No Longer Be Central, But Its Effects May Linger
Heart Machine has clarified that Hyper Light Breaker is not a sequel or prequel to Drifter; instead, it presents a completely different narrative set in the same universe. Producer Michael Clark mentioned that “the Drifter’s experience occurs significantly later than Hyper Light Breaker.” This indicates that the events involving the Drifter’s destruction of the Perfect Immortal Cell and the defeat of Judgment have yet to happen, meaning the Disease could still be impacting the population. There’s a possibility, though unconfirmed, that players might encounter other characters affected by the Disease in the game’s hub area, the Cursed Outpost.
It’s still unclear whether the Abyss King and his Crowns are linked to the Disease, similar to how Judgment was in Hyper Light Drifter. The development team has confirmed that this game emphasizes social interaction, encouraging players to team up with friends and connect with the diverse residents of the Outpost. If there are characters dealing with a terminal illness like the Drifter, they won’t have to confront it by themselves. While the hope that the Drifter embodies might seem distant, no one in Breaker’s world is facing their struggles alone.
Hyper Light Breaker’s Handling Of The Illness Theme May Be Different From Drifter’s
Hyper Light Drifter holds a special significance for Alx Preston, the founder of Heart Machine, who has candidly shared how his heart condition has influenced his life and inspired the Drifter’s struggles with illness. While the team at Heart Machine hasn’t revealed much about how this theme will be explored in Hyper Light Breaker, lead producer Michael Clark has assured fans that it remains a powerful element of the series.
“I don’t believe we could remove illness as a theme from Hyper Light.”
It will be interesting to observe how Hyper Light Breaker tackles the theme of illness in a way that differs from its predecessor. Since the release of Drifter, perspectives on disease have evolved significantly. Back in 2016, Alx Preston’s experiences were not as widely relatable, but now, players who have faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic can connect with the realities of chronic illness and its profound impact on life.
Recently, there’s been a noticeable trend in popular games that delve into the theme of living with serious, life-threatening illnesses. For instance, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth offers a deeply moving portrayal of Kazuma Kiryu’s journey after his cancer diagnosis. Similarly, in Baldur’s Gate 3, the party’s desperate quest to find a cure for their mind flayer tadpole infection resonates with anyone who has faced a life-altering health condition. It will be interesting to see how Hyper Light Breaker contributes to this conversation, as the developers have emphasized that the theme of illness is vital to the game’s narrative.