Mala Petaka is an indie game created by Sanditio “Jitok” Bayu, an Indonesian developer released through publisher Hellforge Studios. The game features a sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS) genre with retro pixel art visuals, but is built on the GZDoom engine, known as a source port of the classic Doom. This combination makes Mala Petaka stand out: a blend of nostalgia with a modern twist.
These distinctive features immediately capture the attention of gamers, both locally and internationally. The emergence of Mala Petaka demonstrates that Indonesian creations can compete in the global market. Despite still being in the demo phase, enthusiasm is already evident within the community of retro game and classic FPS enthusiasts.
The Beginning of Mala Petaka
In this game, players take on the role of Petaka, a mysterious character suffering from amnesia. To regain his memory, he must explore various universes through space portals. This journey is fraught with danger, as in each world he faces a variety of enemies, from one-eyed aliens to futuristic drones.
The game’s atmosphere combines sci-fi and retro elements. Bright pixel art blends with 8-bit chiptune music, creating a visual and audio experience that stands out from most FPS games. This adds to its appeal, especially for those who appreciate classic aesthetics.
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Deadly Weapons and Unique Power-Ups
Mala Petaka offers a variety of weapons such as pistols, shotguns, machine guns, grenade launchers, and even plasma rifles. Interestingly, each weapon has an alternate fire mode that provides a variety of strategies during combat. In addition, there are also power-ups such as Time Freeze, Rampage, and God Mode that make the gameplay more dynamic.
The enemies you face are also numerous. Players face more than 20 enemy types, each with unique characteristics that force them to adapt at every level. This game also features a hub area system, where players can choose levels through portals. Players choose their challenge with multiple difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, or Hard.
Development Journey and Release Plan
The development of Mala Petaka began around 2021. Since then, Sanditio has released several demo versions, including on Itch.io and Steam. These demo versions continue to be updated, for example with weapon balancing, bug fixes, and visual improvements. This shows the developer’s seriousness in listening to community feedback.
However, the full version of the game is still listed as “Coming Soon” on Steam. Players are hopeful that the full version will offer more extensive and satisfying content.
Advantages and Challenges
One of the strengths of Mala Petaka is its identity as a local work with international quality. Retro visuals blend with solid gameplay, making this game stand out from mainstream FPS titles. Local musicians craft the chiptune soundtrack, giving the game a fresh and distinctive feel.
However, there are some challenges to overcome. Since it uses the GZDoom engine, the game has certain technical limitations. Furthermore, the gameplay balancing between weapons, power-ups, and enemies still needs refinement. The duration of the full version’s content is also a question: is it long enough to satisfy gamers?
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Significant Impact and Future Expectations
Mala Petaka has the potential to become a strong representative of Indonesian indie games on the international stage. Unique gameplay, captivating visuals, and distinctive music draw the attention of gamers worldwide. More than just entertainment, this game is proof that local developers are capable of creating highly competitive works.
If the full release is executed well, Mala Petaka could become a significant milestone in the history of Indonesian indie games. Community support and effective promotion will play a crucial role in the game’s success in breaking into the global market.
Evidence of Local Game Creativity
Mala Petaka is an ambitious project that successfully combines retro and modern elements in a sci-fi FPS game. A variety of weapons, diverse enemies, and a unique atmosphere make the game a different and exciting experience.
Although we are still waiting for the full version, the demo version is enough to prove the quality and great potential of this Indonesian creation. Mala Petaka is not just a game, but also a symbol of the creativity and innovative spirit of local developers.
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