Bounty Star, the upcoming mech combat game from Dinogod and publisher Annapurna Interactive, captures a setting that feels fresh and intimately familiar with its post-post-apocalyptic vision of the American Southwest. I spoke with Ben Ruiz, the founder of Dinogod, about the inspirations behind this unique world and the story of its protagonist, Clem.
Credit: DINOGOD
“I was born and raised in the American Southwest, and I simply find it beautiful and compelling,” Ben shares. This deeply personal connection is evident in the game’s landscapes, inspired by real-life locations such as Monument Valley, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. While it is inspired by classic and contemporary Westerns, it’s Ben’s genuine appreciation for the Southwest’s beauty that shines through in Bounty Star.
Credit: DINOGOD
At the heart of Bounty Star is Clem, a character haunted by a tragic decision from her past. “Without revealing too much, Clem is a character that made a decision in her past that resulted in a tragedy,” Ben explains. The game starts with players experiencing this important event, setting the stage for Clem’s journey. Isolated and struggling with guilt and depression, Clem’s story is one of potential redemption and self-discovery, as players guide her through a new, unfamiliar territory.
Credit: DINOGOD
One of Bounty Star’s standout features is its intriguing mix of farming, base building, and mech combat. “I’ve been in love with mechs since I was a child,” Ben reveals. This lifelong fascination spurred the question of what a mech pilot’s day-to-day might look like. Through integrating elements of desert life, Bounty Star provides a grounded yet fantastical glimpse into the life of a mech pilot. Players will engage in activities such as farming and maintaining their base, providing a deeper connection to the game’s world and protagonist.
Credit: DINOGOD
The mech controls and combat in Bounty Star presented a learning curve for some players, like myself. Ben acknowledges this but remains confident in the game’ design. “Bounty Star is a fairly technical game that is doing some other things other action games don’t do,” he notes. While the initial demo at Summer Game Fest proved challenging for me, Ben says the full game includes educational content to help players become proficient. With enough time and practice, players will typically find their rhythm with the combat system.
Credit: DINOGOD
For Ben, the game’s temperature management system adds an exciting layer of strategy to mech customization. “There are ways to play a high-risk, high-reward game with your mech’s thermal state, and I enjoy that the most,” he says. His personal preference leans towards explosive weaponry, such as grenades and missile launchers, paired with tools to keep the mech cool. This balance of firepower and thermal management offers an engaging and satisfying gameplay experience.
Credit: DINOGOD
Bounty Star stands out for its mech combat game mechanics and visuals, but also for the authenticity and passion that Ben Ruiz and his team poured into it. In drawing from his personal experiences and love for the American Southwest, Ben has created a game that feels both colorful and real. As players embark on Clem’s journey of redemption, they will find themselves immersed in the world of Bounty Star.
It’s clear that Bounty Star is more than just a game for Ben Ruiz – it’s a heartfelt tribute to a region he loves and the power of storytelling in video games.
Bounty Star is aiming for a 2025 release and will launch on Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam.
