Synopsis
The game is set in a fictional world where an island holds mystical powers.
- The kingdom is shrouded in dark clouds of grey and red hues.
- The forest has been protected and hence safe.
- The dream realm is a mix atmosphere with one hue dominating the environment.
- The story is full of symbols that Iris meets in the dream realm but find their counter parts in the real world. The biggest example is the pack of wolves that guide her in the dream realm but exist in the real world as the wolf guild.
Gameplay
- Core Game loop: The core loop revolves around the following key activities and progression elements that players engage in repeatedly throughout the game:
- Story Narration: Players are introduced into the game with a cutscene which provides the end goal of the game. Every level after will end with a cutscene that will reveal part of the narrative relating to the past, present and near future.
- Missions: Each mission consists of one puzzle and one battle sequence. The order may vary, and one level may contain more than one puzzle depending on the realm transition. Completing missions’ rewards players with experience, new powers, and Ather-stones.
- Dream Realm: The narration relies on the dream realm to narrate the story. To access the dream realms the player needs to solve a puzzle which opens a portal to the realm. The realm belongs to no other than Gaia and it’s through this realm of dreams that she is communicating with Iris. The dream realm works as a safe sanctuary for the spirits and history that needs preservation.
- Interesting feature: Each dream realm is filled with different dream symbols that can be seen in the real world as objects, part of the environment or creatures that the player can interact with.
- Interaction: The player can interact with the guardians, and elemental spirits to trigger an event or drive the narrative forward. Characters introduced in cutscenes have an auto-mated interaction where they talk to the player. This allows the players to receive information on where to go and what to do.
- Weapon: Iris primary weapon is her baton and combat primarily revolve around close-quarters attacks.
- Boss Battles: The game features unique boss battles, each with its own set of attack patterns and weaknesses. Bosses often require players to change their selected element combo mid fight depending on the requirement
Themes & Influences
Dream symbology and nature fantasy are the main themes of this project.
A fantasy take on the endangerment of the environment, where nature is being misused and is leading kingdom’s doom.
The balance of nature has been thrown of balance and must be restored in order to save the kingdom and the magical land.
The story was inspired by an anime show called One piece.
The art Style was inspired by Kena: Bridge of spirits.
Emphasis was placed on quality rather than quantity (branching narratives and open world)
Analysis
The hardest part was to explain how and why each dream realm was different and, in the end, it was achieved by connecting the dream realm to Gaia. Gaia who has fallen into a dream state. The map has location points that allow the player to enter the dream realm of Gaia. So, the entire land divides into two realms.
Using the dream realm to tell the past, present, and future as well as a safe space from the outside world.
The dream signifier’s purpose would be explained in the dream world and their physical representation would then be found in the real world. For example, the raven is the information guide in the dream realm and once we return to the real world, we find a leather journal with a raven symbol on it which provides information on enchanted items and special locations.
Outcomes
- At the start, it took multiple tries to reach a balance with the narrative, dream realm, and gameplay. This was done by compiling the first 3 levels and then having people go through it. Taking notes of where they struggled, what they found boring or too much, and adjusting until the majority was satisfied.
- The game successfully allows different dream realms into the real world, each serving another purpose and providing symbolism that connects to the real world.
- The game incorporates narrative, action-adventure gameplay with puzzles, battles, and power systems with the main challenge of the project of using different dream realms and dream signifiers with the story successfully.
Game Design Document
This game was created as part of my university Final MA project. Currently it is under working