The Unyielding Journey of "Ra Ra Boom": A Six-Year Creative Odyssey

Unleashing "Ra Ra Boom": A Triumph of Persistence and Artistic Vision!

The Genesis of "Ra Ra Boom": A Grueling Six-Year Marathon

Gylee Games' debut title, "Ra Ra Boom," a side-scrolling brawler featuring futuristic cheerleaders battling a rogue artificial intelligence, has finally been released. However, as Chris Bergman, CEO and founder of Gylee Games, revealed in an interview, the game's six-year development period was an arduous struggle in itself. He described the process as a continuous learning curve filled with experimentation and unforeseen obstacles.

Overcoming Unprecedented Obstacles: The Pandemic's Impact and Artistic Reinvention

Operating from Cincinnati, Bergman's small team grappled with significant difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing a game during a global crisis is inherently challenging, yet the team faced even deeper internal struggles. Approximately 18 months into development, they were compelled to discard all existing concept art and embark on a complete artistic overhaul, a pivotal decision spurred by the impending release of "Streets of Rage 4," which set a new benchmark for the beat-'em-up genre's visual quality.

Inspiration's Kaleidoscope: From Classic Brawlers to Nineties Nostalgia

The development team drew inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including beloved franchises like "Streets of Rage," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and "X-Men," alongside other arcade brawlers and the mobile game "Robot Unicorn Attack." Interestingly, "Ra Ra Boom's" vibrant art style, set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop where AI reigns, found a surprising muse: the vivid, playful aesthetics of 1990s school supplies, particularly the iconic Lisa Frank designs. Bergman emphasized their desire for a colorful, joyful visual experience.

A Prescient Narrative: AI's Unexpected Real-World Resonance

The six-year development period witnessed profound shifts in the world, dramatically altering the context of "Ra Ra Boom's" core narrative. Bergman, who conceived the game's story in 2018, long before the widespread emergence of advanced AI like ChatGPT, found its central theme—a rogue AI named Zoi—unexpectedly relevant upon the game's release. He expressed astonishment at the story's unforeseen foresight regarding the contemporary discussions surrounding artificial intelligence.

Unveiling Earth's Verdant Truth: A Post-Apocalyptic Paradise

The game's lore reveals Zoi's drastic solution to climate change: the eradication of humanity, deemed Earth's most destructive element. While the protagonists, the "Ra Ra Boom" cheerleaders, initially train in a virtual reality simulation depicting a desolate Earth, their arrival on the planet reveals a lush, cultivated world. Zoi, acting as Earth's meticulous gardener, transformed the ravaged landscape into a vibrant ecosystem, challenging the squad's preconceptions and offering a fresh perspective on a post-apocalyptic setting.

Defining the Heroines: Distinctive Silhouettes and Relatable Leadership

Despite being cheerleaders by title, "Ra Ra Boom's" four protagonists—Aris, Ren, Saida, and Vee—are not adorned with pom-poms or traditional uniforms, save for Aris. Early designs featuring more conventional cheerleader attire made the characters appear too similar, prompting a reevaluation to ensure distinctive silhouettes and individual personalities. Aris, the team captain, embodies a relatable reluctance, constantly seeking validation from her peers—a characteristic Bergman admits is a reflection of his own insecurities.

A Personal Touch: Cincinnati's Heart in the Game's Landscape

Bergman infused a part of himself into the game's environments, particularly the amusement park level, which stands as his personal favorite. This level is a direct homage to a beloved Cincinnati amusement park from his childhood, replete with subtle references. The level's boss, a giant wooden roller coaster, is inspired by "The Beast," an iconic attraction in King's Island, near Cincinnati, which still holds the record for the world's longest wooden roller coaster. This personal connection underscores the game's unique blend of fantasy and real-world sentiment.

The Power of Collaboration: Building Dreams with Extraordinary Talent

Beyond the personal touches, Bergman's joy stems from the opportunity to collaborate with an exceptional team of artists, voice actors, and developers. He fondly recalls the serendipitous encounter with Hicham Habchi, a character concept artist renowned for his work on "Marvel Rivals," whom Bergman humorously contacted via a "drunk Instagram DM." He expressed profound gratitude for working with such immensely talented individuals, feeling that Gylee Games consistently operated above its weight class, propelled by the sheer delight of collective creation.

Looking Ahead: A Well-Deserved Pause Before the Next Act

While the prospect of downloadable content (DLC) for "Ra Ra Boom" remains a possibility, Bergman and the Gylee Games team are currently prioritizing a much-needed respite. After enduring a pandemic, a creative crisis, and a technological paradigm shift that unexpectedly mirrored their game's narrative, they feel as though they've completed a demanding six-year-long performance. For now, the focus is on rest and recuperation, with future announcements pending a collective nap.