First Comments

Link to the team blog: https://sites.google.com/s/1zO7gt_w0HDHotDpTszkVA5ISpLIBHgh5/p/1CKwCqBJfppClBaaaIvFPyQaQRaH56t1M/edit

WebGL

Initial comments that should be changed/implemented on the basic build before we even have the actual brief

• Faster movement
• More responsive movement
• Animations when walking towards and away from the screen
• Basic UI
• Interactions with the in-game environment
• Keybind to interact with levers and item pick-ups

Redesigning the brief

Key points

• Main character: Sam
• Darkness mechanic - deals damage
• Enemies: Bullies and Teachers
• Simple ability to fend off enemies: Laser pointer, Slingshot, Pencil, Torch,
• Stealth mechanics: Hide under and behind stuff
• Goal: Defeat phobia - This is done by using collectable torches
• Keys: Used to open new areas
• Alternatively to collecting more torches you have one torch in the start and must collect more batteries to use it
• Nice Teacher: Different kind of enemy that steals collectables by resetting them in their original location - maybe a janitor
• Detention: Failure condition or other penalty
• CHAOS ROOM: Final level
• Alternate self: Sammy - Final boss

Other design points

• Mood: dark, moody, shadowy (Limbo, Inside)
• Stealth game - avoid enemies' line of sight which is displayed as a cone in front of them
• Different stages with different challenges
• Art style: stylised, cartoony
• Teleportation points?
• Objects: Lockers, classroom stuff, wall clocks

Major Elements

• Dark and gloomy atmosphere, cartoony art style (see Hollow Knight)
• Use a torch to navigate through very dark areas - collectable batteries
• Hide behind furniture to hide from enemies
• Defeat your evil alternate self to return to your home world

Team Workshop:

Teaching the player the mechanics - Info prompts display on the screen during the start of the game which tell the player how to move, pick up items, use the torch and hide.

Keeping a relevant pace in relation to the genre - Stealth based game - there is not much combat other than running away form aggressive enemies. The player is free to move around and search the areas within the game.

Making sure the player isn't lost or frustrated - Levels have to be designed to that they are straightforward and linear. There would still be optional side rooms, but the main route remains obvious at all times.

Is the game fun? - The suspense and challenge that comes with stealth within video games is generally enjoyed by players.

Using fungus to create an opening cutscene

Character portraits for the bullies. I started with the silhouettes but changed them into a more colourful option using the kind of artsyle we agreed on for the game.

Full opening cutscene