Project area
Game Design
Year
2021
Platform Game: A Twist of the Myth
Project overview
This platform game is inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with an intriguing plot twist. In our version, Orpheus steps between the serpent and Eurydice, sacrificing himself for her. This twist leads to the creation of two separate gameplay environments with unique characters and dynamics, aiming to reunite Orpheus and Eurydice at the portal connecting the world of the living and the dead.
Project Phases
Defining Game Dynamics
Storyboarding:
Creation of the storyline with the plot twist.Game Design:
Defining the game mechanics for both characters.
Production of Graphic Assets
2D Graphics:
Creation of assets using Adobe Illustrator.
3D Modeling:
Rendering background images and key elements using Autodesk 3DS Max with Arnold rendering engine.
Development and Coding
Platform:
Phaser, an HTML5 framework for game development.
Implementation:
Integration of graphic assets and development of game dynamics.
Game Objectives
Orpheus in the Underworld:
Overcome obstacles and skill challenges in a hard-to-die style, with 5 lives available.
Eurydice in the Swampy Forest:
Solve puzzles to help Orpheus on his journey when he encounters obstacles he can't overcome
Conjunction Portal:
Reunite Orpheus and Eurydice by overcoming challenges in their respective worlds.
Team
Collaboration and Synergy
Despite the division into areas of expertise, the team worked synergistically, supporting each other to optimize workflow. The main areas of expertise included:
Coding: Implementing the game and integrating graphic assets.
2D Graphics: Creating sprites and graphic elements.
3D Modeling: Creating renders for the narrative sections of the game.
Personal Contribution
In the project, I primarily focused on:
Ideation of Game Dynamics: Collaborated on defining the game mechanics and storyline with the plot twist.
Creation of 3D Renders: Created renders using Autodesk 3DS Max and Arnold, contributing to the visual atmosphere of the game.
Results and Feedback
Final Product Success:
The final product was a big hit, thanks to its clear and well-crafted game dynamics. Players got helpful tips at the right moments, making it easy to learn and use new features. The gradual introduction of powers and increasing difficulty kept things exciting and well-balanced. Plus, being able to play with different characters in various settings and modes added a lot of depth and variety to the game.
Major Challenges:
Balancing Game Dynamics:
Creating game dynamics that were complex yet intuitive was a major challenge. The goal was to make the game fun and challenging. This required a lot of testing and tweaking to ensure puzzles and obstacles were tough but doable, keeping players engaged and satisfied.Team Management:
Leading a team of 12 came with its own difficulties. Keeping everyone efficient, collaborative, and on the same page was key. Regular communication and clear roles helped, but it was a constant effort to ensure everyone’s work aligned with the game's overall design and vision.
Feedback and Iteration:
User Testing:
Throughout the development process, we conducted multiple rounds of user testing to gather feedback on the gameplay experience. This feedback was invaluable in refining the game mechanics and ensuring that the difficulty curve was well-calibrated.
Positive Reception:
Players appreciated the thoughtful integration of new powers and the incremental increase in challenge. The dual-character gameplay and the transition between different game environments were highlighted as unique and enjoyable features.