Project Darkling

Overview

Project Darkling is a mod that I have been working on since February 2022. In total, it contains approximately 4300 files weighing at over 1. 8GB. The mod focuses on new Darkling-inspired textures for the main characters, custom weapons from various Final Fantasy games, darkness swapped effects, anti voices, and a recolored user interface.

When creating this mod, I was inspired by the Darklings enemy in Kingdom Hearts Union Cross as well as Anti-Aqua. The idea was to corrupt the main cast the same way Aqua was while trapped in the Realm of Darkness. I wanted them to look in the early stages of transforming into an actual Darkling.

To complete the look, I imported many amazing weapons and equipment from Final Fantasy and even swapped the effects of Sora's attacks and movement. The UI was also completely reimagined.

Originally, I created this as a companion mod for Project Infection, now known as Kingdom Hearts III: Light vs. Darkness Edition. I think the two pair quite nicely albeit with a few conflicts. I also recommend Xantohjan Moveset Collection if you want a matching moveset to complete the dark trinity.

I had a lot of fun making this, I hope everyone enjoys it!

Feel free to check out the docs and logs section to view the mod's read me and changelog! Additionally, I've posted all of my notes in the articles section.

Tools Used

• []Custom Unreal Engine 4. 17. 2 (thanks to Narknon)

  []Custom UE Viewer (thanks to BlasterGrim, original by Gildor)

  []SoD2 Asset Editor by Kaihelios

  []UAssetGUI by Atenfyr

  []Adobe Photoshop CC 2021

  []Blender 2. 93

  []Noesis by Rich Whitehouse (thanks to Joschka for their Project G1M plugin)

  []Flagrum by Kizari

  []Cethleann by Yretenai

  []HxD Hex Editor by Maël Hörz

• JPEXS Flash Decompiler by Jindra Petřík

  Characters

  All of the main characters have new textures influenced by Anti-Aqua, complete with hair and eye color changes. I used a black, purple, and red color scheme to give them that "tainted by darkness" feel. Hair color values were taken directly from Anti-Aqua. For their eye color, I replaced the character's default eye materials with Anti-Aqua's. A recurring theme in all of my designs are glowing red hands with a shade of darkness going up their neck and forearms.

  All of Sora, Donald, and Goofy's world forms were edited. Formchange costumes as well. My favorite addition is Sora's Baymax form which features a brand new AR Device from FF7R. Sora's Pirate form was replaced with his Secret Episode form; Pirate Donald a