Orange Antarctic: Former Disco Elysium game changes visuals

A Dark Math Games, a studio formed by former developers of the acclaimed Disco Elysium, announced a significant change in their upcoming title, now called Tangerine Antarctic. The project, which had been revealed in 2024 as an isometric investigative RPG (XXX Nightshift), now adopts a third-person perspective, a decision that seeks to create its own identity, but also represents a break from the style that made the team famous.

The transition from an isometric view to third person is a risky move for a studio whose members are known for mastering the isometric genre with Disco Elysium. For many fans, the visual style and perspective were fundamental elements for immersion and narrative experience. This change can be seen as an attempt to distance themselves from direct comparisons, but it may also disappoint those who were expecting a spiritual continuation in the same mold.

Despite the change in perspective, the premise of Tangerine Antarctic remains promising. The game is a single-player investigative experience set in an exclusive hotel in the Antarctica, where the player must solve a crime committed during a storm. The studio ensures that there will be "multiple ways to solve the case," suggesting gameplay depth. The choice of a third-person camera could indeed allow developers to explore "mechanics that benefit a third-person camera," such as more cinematic scenes and a closer connection with the protagonist.

The Dark Math Games is one of several teams formed by former members of the ZA/UM studio, who sought to continue their projects in new environments. The studio received a "significant investment" in its early stage, which allowed for development funding. The decision to change the name and perspective of Tangerine Antarctic may also be an attempt to avoid ambiguity with other projects using elements from the original.

The perspective shift in Tangerine Antarctic is a sign that the developers seek to innovate rather than simply repeat success. Although the decision may generate debate among fans, it demonstrates the ambition of Dark Math Games to create a game with a unique visual and mechanical identity, leveraging the talent of their team for a new creative challenge.