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Games Development / Project 1

06.04.2023 - 21.05.2023 (Week 1 - Week 7)
Lulu Luisa Linardi / 0349358 / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Games Development
Project 1: Game Design Document

Fig 1.0: Thumbnail

INSTRUCTIONS

Students are required to design and create their own 2D side-scrolling/platformer game. The game design document serves as a blueprint for their game and will contain all the necessary information and visual references to develop the game. Sample GDD will be provided as a reference, but students are expected to research more on matter to determine the necessary content items for their own GDD.

Project 1: Game Design Document

After looking at the senior past works, I am more enlightened on what we are supposed to create. So, basically, before starting to create the 'real' game, we have to come out with 3 ideas first. Since I don't play games a lot these days, so I looked back to the few games that I played before in my childhood days to get references. And also, since this will be a 2D platformer game, I guess it will be easier to get ideas, thus, I came out with these 3 game ideas.

1. Ocean Odyssey

This idea was inspired by Feeding Frenzy.

In Ocean Odyssey, the player takes control of a small fish on a quest to become the biggest and strongest fish in the ocean. The game is set in a colorful underwater world, with levels taking place in different areas such as coral reefs, deep sea trenches, and shipwrecks.

• Gameplay
– The fish must navigate through each level, eating smaller fish and avoiding larger predators such as sharks, octopuses, and jellyfish. The player must be careful not to get eaten by bigger fish or run out of health, which can be restored by eating smaller fish or collecting power-ups such as health boosters and speed boosts.
– As the fish grows bigger and stronger, it can eat bigger and more powerful fish, unlocking new levels and areas of the ocean. The fish also gains new abilities, such as the ability to swim faster, jump higher, and shoot projectiles at enemies.
– On some levels, the fish can also ride on the backs of other sea creatures like dolphins and turtles to move faster or reach higher areas. The game features boss battles at the end of each level, where the fish must defeat a larger and more powerful enemy such as a giant squid or a killer whale.

– Art style
Vibrant and colorful art style, with underwater backgrounds. Fish will be cute in different sizes and types.


2. Chipmunk Chase
This idea was inspired by Varmintz Deluxe.
In Chipmunk Chase, the player takes control of a nimble chipmunk on a mission to collect nuts and seeds scattered throughout a variety of levels set in a forest. The game features obstacles such as falling leaves, streams, and predators like owls and foxes. The chipmunk can use its ability to climb trees and dig through the ground to navigate each level, as well as perform acrobatic moves like flips and rolls to avoid enemies.

• Gameplay

The player controls the chipmunk with simple left and right movement controls, as well as a jump button. The goal of each level is to collect a set number of nuts and seeds while avoiding obstacles and enemies. The chipmunk can climb trees and dig through the ground to access hidden areas and avoid danger. The player can also use power-ups such as a temporary invincibility shield or a speed boost to help the chipmunk overcome challenges.

• Art Style
Colorful and cartoonish art style, with forest environments and cute and adorable chipmunk. The enemies will be intimidating but still cartoonish. The backgrounds are rich with vibrant and immersive forest worlds.


3. Bunny Bonanza
This idea was inspired by Super Mario Bros & Crossy Road.
In Bunny Bonanza, the player controls a cute and cuddly bunny who must collect carrots while avoiding dangers such as traps set by gardeners. The game features levels set in a colorful garden, a farm, and a park, with different challenges in each level such as avoiding garden tools and dodging obstacles like swings. The bunny can use its powerful hind legs to jump high and run fast.

• Gameplay
The player controls the bunny and must navigate through each level, collecting as much food as possible while avoiding various obstacles and enemies. The bunny can use its jumping ability to reach high platforms and dodge incoming attacks, and its burrowing ability to hide from enemies and bypass certain obstacles. Collecting enough food will unlock new levels and power-ups that can be used to upgrade the bunny's abilities.

• Art Style
Bright and colorful art style. Characters will be cute and cuddly. The environment will have vibrant colors and playful details.

In the end, I decided to go with the third idea, which is Bunny Bonanza because I think it will be simpler and cost less time. The main objectives of this game are to collect all the carrots (3 in total) and avoid the obstacles. Since my game doesn't have an enemy, so I created a more complicated walking path for the character to follow.

So, to begin this project, I started to create the game document. For the game design document, I compiled a few things that I discovered before such as the game environment, the character and item looks, and also the game UI. 

These are the reference for Bunny Bonanza environment.

Fig 2.1.1: Environment Ref #1

Fig 2.1.2: Environment Ref #2

Fig 2.1.3: Environment Ref #3

Fig 2.1.4: Environment Ref #4

These are the reference for my main character.

Fig 2.1.5: Character Ref #1

Fig 2.1.6: Character Ref #2

Fig 2.1.7: Character Ref #3

Fig 2.1.8: Character Ref #4

These are the reference for my game items.

Fig 2.1.9: Game Items Ref #1

Fig 2.1.10: Game Items Ref #2

These are the reference for my game UI, including buttons and menu screen.

Fig 2.1.11: Game UI Ref #1

Fig 2.1.12: Game UI Ref #2

Fig 2.1.13: Game UI Ref #3

Fig 2.1.14: Game UI Ref #4

Fig 2.1.15: Game UI Ref #5

This is the rough sketch for each level of my game.

Fig 2.2.1: Sketch for Level 1

Fig 2.2.2: Sketch for Level 2

Fig 2.2.3: Sketch for Level 3

Furthermore, I also write some important things about my game, how the game works, and the game flowchart. Below here is my full game document proposal for Project 1 with my presentation video.

Fig 2.2: Presentation Video

REFLECTIONS

I was very insecure after seeing those past projects by my seniors. I felt like I had no passion for this module as I don't play games a lot and it made me think that I wouldn't be able to do this. However, I tried to convince myself that I could do this. I kept saying I can do this a lot to ensure my confidence. Finally, I could overcome my insecurity and started to think of ideas for my game and came out with this idea. It might not be that 'WOW', but at least I tried.