Our 2nd dev interview is here! During DOUJIMA 2025, I had the opportunity to give the Singapore-made indie game, 13Z: The Zodiac Trials a go! Big thanks to Aldric for taking the time to answer this interview. Let’s get to know Mixed Realms! and don’t forget to wishlist the game before you read on~!
1. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer this interview! Could we get a quick introduction to you, Mixed Realms’ game titles and founding story?
Hi! I’m Aldric, CEO and co-founder of Mixed Realms. We are an indie studio based in Singapore, best known for crafting high-intensity action games. Our released titles include Sairento VR, a fast-paced cyber-ninja experience for VR; Gordian Quest, a tactical RPG deckbuilder; and Hellsweeper VR, a roguelike action game where you play as an undead immortal punishing misbehaving hell dwellers. We are currently working on 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, our first non-VR title since Gordian Quest – a co-op roguelike action game centered around oriental Zodiac guardians, animal spirits and a trial to become the 13th Zodiac.
Mixed Realms was founded with the launch of our first game – Sairento VR – our first experimental game to test if the market had an appetite for bold, high-agency experiences in virtual reality. The response was better than we expected, and it gave us the confidence and resources to keep making games. We are making our fourth game to date.
2. Two out of four games launched by Mixed Realms: Sairento VR and Hellsweeper VR, were developed for Virtual Reality (VR) headsets—with Gordian Quest launched in between. What determines the platform for each game?
We let the core idea of the game lead the way. If a concept is best experienced physically – like dual-wielding katanas while wall-running – VR makes perfect sense, and we build around that. If the game demands strategic depth and long-term progression, like Gordian Quest, then PC or console is more suitable. With 13Z, the cooperative, fast-paced nature of the game made it ideal for PC, console, mobile and perhaps even VR. The platform always follows the vision.
3. How did the development of 13Z begin? What inspired the team?
The idea for 13Z sparked during a conversation about what the Zodiac would look like if reimagined through the lens of modern storytelling, humor, and action. We were tickled by the idea of animal spirits vying for relevance in today’s world – through a grand, celestial competition. Over time, that evolved into an action roguelike with deep replayability, cooperative chaos, and a ton of personality.
4. What game engine is 13Z developed on and why?
13Z is built in Unity. It’s an engine we’re deeply familiar with across multiple projects. Unity gives us the flexibility we need to prototype quickly, scale across platforms, and customize core systems – especially for a game that blends action, procedural elements, and multiplayer like 13Z does.
5. Were there any particular games or gaming experiences that may have had an influence on 13Z?
Absolutely. We drew inspiration from games like Hades for its roguelike structure and rich character interactions, Risk of Rain 2 for its chaotic co-op energy, and Devil May Cry for its stylish, responsive combat. That said, 13Z has very much taken on a life of its own—we’ve built a world and tone that’s uniquely ours.
6. What kind of research and processes are required for worldbuilding?
We start with mythology, but we don’t stop there. The team spent months exploring Chinese folklore, Taoist traditions, and modern interpretations of the Zodiac – then asked ourselves, what if we rewrote the rules? What if the Pig Zodiac was an aspiring chef with a taste for chaos? What if the Monkey was a kung fu mentor with a mischievous streak? We designed each environment to reflect the spiritual, narrative, and gameplay identity of its Guardian. Every Zodiac has distinct quirks, beliefs, and domains, creating a world that’s rich in lore – but always delivered with a wink and just a bit of irreverence.
7. What are some features to 13Z that may set it apart or be most memorable?
At its core, 13Z is a fast-paced, roguelike action game built around tight combat, meaningful build variety, and dynamic co-op. What sets it apart is how these are layered with systems that are deeply tied to both the world-building and gameplay.
One example is the elemental upgrade system. Elements like fire, water, lightning, earth, and more are inspired by the eight elements in the Chinese Trigram (bagua). These elements are not only used by the players but also represent the eight (out of 12) Zodiac Guardians, who serve as the main bosses. Each element has its own effect, such as fire applying burn or lightning chaining damage across several enemies. But combining more than one element can trigger unique synergies. These synergies are based on their placements on the trigram. For example, fire and water might create steam, while fire and mountain can trigger meteor showers.
Another feature is transformation. Every Challenger can shift into their animal spirit form, unlocking traversal abilities like dashing up walls as a fox or flying over obstacles as a raven. These forms can be used in combat, to reach secret areas, or to gain powerful buffs.
All of this has been designed to work seamlessly in both solo and co-op play, where chaos, coordination, and strategy come together.
8. What challenges had the team come across along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was just how ambitious the game turned out to be. When we first started, we didn’t fully grasp the scale of building a world centered around 12 unique Zodiac Guardians—some with their own biomes, supporting minions, personalities, and narrative arcs. On top of that, we aim to have multiple playable characters, each with their individual sets of moves and custom playstyles.Balancing all of that—while keeping the gameplay tight, the co-op fun, and the world cohesive—has been a constant juggling act. It’s the most ambitious game we’ve ever worked on, and it’s pushed us to grow as a team in every way.
9. What kind of gaming experience are you hoping future 13Z players will have?
We hope players come for the action, banter, and return for the friendships—both in-game and out. We want every session to feel like a memorable story. It’s a game where you’ll laugh, fail, improve, and discover new layers with each run. And maybe learn if you have an animal spirit in you.
10. Where can we subscribe to the progress of 13Z: The Zodiac Trials and future Mixed Realms projects?
Wishlist 13Z on Steam | X/Twitter | Tiktok | Youtube | Discord
We love sharing our progress and getting feedback from the community – it keeps us grounded and inspired.
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Thank you again to Aldric for answering these interview questions, keep a close lookout on their socials for future updates, and don’t forget to support our local developers by wishlisting the game!