Broken Shell: A Heartfelt Underwater Adventure – Exclusive Interview
Story-driven games have a unique ability to immerse players in emotional, meaningful experiences. Broken Shell is one such adventure—a cozy, hand-drawn underwater journey filled with themes of love, resilience, and environmental awareness.
In this interview, we speak with the Broken Shell team about the inspiration behind the game, its beautiful animation and engaging puzzles. We also talk about the powerful message it delivers about protecting the natural world.
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The Inspiration Behind Broken Shell
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Broken Shell tells a heartfelt story about love, resilience, and environmental awareness. What inspired you to create this wholesome underwater adventure, and how does it reflect your personal storytelling vision?
Broken Shell Team: Broken Shell was born from a deep love for storytelling that blends warmth, emotion, and meaningful themes. At its core, it’s a story about protecting what you love, which is something that resonates with all of us.
The inspiration came from many places—nostalgic animated films, classic adventure games, and personal experiences of love and loss. I wanted to create a world that feels both cozy and immersive, where every little detail helps tell a bigger story. The underwater setting allows us to explore themes of resilience and environmental awareness in a natural, heartfelt way, while keeping the experience fun and accessible.
Hand-Drawn Art & Animation
Michael: The game features beautifully hand-drawn animations and vibrant visuals. How did you approach the art style and animation process to bring Mr. and Mrs. Hermit’s journey to life?
Broken Shell Team: The art style of Broken Shell is inspired by classic 2D animation, with a touch of hand-crafted charm. We wanted the world to feel alive, expressive, and full of personality.
Each scene is carefully illustrated, with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds to capture the cozy yet adventurous tone of the game. Animation plays a key role in storytelling—whether it’s the way Mr. Hermit sighs when he’s tired or the little creature sneezing after a drop of water lands on its head. These small moments add depth and warmth to the experience.
Our goal was to make the underwater world feel dynamic, almost like an animated movie that players can interact with.
Gameplay Mechanics & Puzzle Design
Michael: Broken Shell blends point-and-click adventure, engaging puzzles, and emotional storytelling. How did you design the gameplay to be both accessible and rewarding for players of all ages?
Broken Shell Team: We wanted the gameplay to feel intuitive and meaningful, striking a balance between storytelling and interactive problem-solving. The puzzles are designed to be engaging without feeling frustrating, focusing on simple yet clever mechanics that fit naturally into the world.
Each challenge is integrated into the story, whether it’s fixing a broken bridge, helping a small creature, or navigating obstacles with teamwork. Every action has an emotional weight behind it.
We also made sure the game is accessible to all players. We keep the controls simple while allowing room for exploration and discovery. It’s all about creating a sense of connection between the player, the characters, and the world around them.
Environmental Themes & Message
Michael: The story highlights ocean conservation and the impact of human expansion. What message do you hope players take away from helping Mr. and Mrs. Hermit find a new home?
Broken Shell Team: At its heart, Broken Shell is about love and resilience, but it also subtly touches on themes of nature and preservation.
Without using direct dialogue, we wanted to convey the idea that every small creature has a home worth protecting. The ocean is a beautiful, fragile place. Through Mr. and Mrs. Hermit’s journey, we hope players feel a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
It’s not a heavy-handed message, but rather something that unfolds organically through their experiences—whether it’s rescuing animals, seeing the impact of environmental changes, or simply feeling the weight of losing a home.
If players walk away with a sense of empathy and care for the world around them, then we’ve achieved something special.
The Future of Broken Shell & Foggy Studio
Michael: With over 8,000 demo downloads and a growing community, what’s next for Broken Shell? Are there plans for console releases, expansions, or future projects with similar cozy storytelling?
Broken Shell Team: We’re incredibly grateful for the support Broken Shell has received so far, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Right now, our focus is on completing the game and delivering the best experience possible. Thanks to our amazing backers. We’ve already reached our initial funding goal on Kickstarter. We’re now working towards stretch goals, including a Nintendo Switch release, which would be a dream come true.
Beyond that, we’d love to explore new ways to expand the world of Broken Shell—whether through extra content, additional platforms, or even future projects that carry the same heartwarming storytelling.
Our goal has always been to create experiences that leave a lasting emotional impact. And we can’t wait to share what’s next.
Michael: Thank you to the Broken Shell team for sharing how this heartfelt underwater adventure is bringing meaningful storytelling to players. Wishing you success as you continue to expand this cozy and immersive world!
Broken Shell – A Cute & Cozy Hand-Drawn Puzzle Adventure – a Kickstarter campaign by Broken Shell
Broken Shell is a beautifully crafted adventure that combines hand-drawn animation, interactive storytelling, and emotional depth. By blending cozy exploration with engaging puzzles, it creates a unique experience that resonates with players of all ages.
With exciting stretch goals and plans for expansion, Broken Shell is shaping up to be a must-play indie game for fans of heartfelt storytelling and immersive adventures. If you’re looking for a game that delivers warmth, nostalgia, and meaningful moments, this is one to watch!
About Broken Shell
At Foggy Studio, we’re a small but passionate team making cozy adventure games with heart. Our stories are all about warmth, wonder, and meaningful connections.
