Level 5

My idea for a game based off of our time as GFS students was chosen for our final semester project. Called 'Level 5', the game will be a comedic meta RPG with various mini-games representing the classes. Done from the perspective of a fictional student entering the course, and featuring the surviving members of the Game Design course as NPCs, the story will be a massive caricature of student life.

At the moment the game is still in the design phase, but everyone is really getting into creating the story. If things go well, we'll have a really interesting game to display. Full of Uni-life jokes and game references.

For now I'll be working on the design aspect of the game. Helping to nail down the story, decide on game mechanics, and generally get the thing to make sense. This week I'll try and write down a bio for my in-game character.

Game idea #6 GFS platformer

A game based on our time as GFS students.

Either a platformer or fighting game, using members of the class as characters. The story (levels) would be based on the various trials and tribulations of going through the Game Design course in its first year



The art style would be using a very comedic 2d layout where all the characters are cardboard puppets (taken from photographs of the students). Played for laughs, I think the tale of the numerous times the course structure screwed us.

Game idea #5a: Langauge game redux

A simple asteroids/shooter game using the first syllabary of Japanese, Hiragana. What happens is a symbol appears and to destroy it you have to type the correct sequence of letters (あ = a). This style should be simple enough for even those who haven't studied the language to keep up. A display at the beginning level will demonstrate which letters are in use, and each level will focus on a limited number of symbols.

Game idea #5: Langauge game

In trying to learn another language (Japanese), I have noticed a stunning lack of language games that are actually fun. I think it would be an interesting experiment to try and make a fun one.


Awhile ago I came a cross a game with an interesting mechanic behind it, here. Essentially what happens is a steady stream of enemies march down the screen and are taken out by typing words, attempting to incorporate letters being provided.


A mechanic similar to this would be a big help in improving vocabulary skills when learning a foreign language. Even, if the end result is a Space Invaders type game with funny looking words in, it should still be an interesting game to play. Add a bit of fun to an otherwise difficult activity.

At the very least, I'd like to know how to import different character sets in to flash or unity.

Game idea #4: GPS racing.

The GPS.

One of the most evil devices on the planet, it claims to lead you where you want to go yet takes every opportunity to get you lost. Applied to a desperate race across town this becomes a serious issue.


A test of how well the player follows orders by having the GPS flash directions that will lead the wrong way, prompting a hasty U-turn (just like a real GPS). Not every direction is wrong though, so being clever is crucial.


At the start of the game a path through the city will be highlighted, so the player to see where they need to be. Hints like street signs and graffiti will help the player decide when the GPS is lying and when it can be trusted.


Most probably suited for a top-down puzzle/racer, whether objective based (like pizza delivery) or just straightforward racing. For a unique twist the game style could be set on the inside of a GPS screen (see above).

Resumption

4+ weeks of vacation have taken a toll. A steady cycle of cold-catching, sleep deprivation, and general apathy have resulted in total brain meltdown. I was hoping to have accomplished more during the break but there's not a whole lot you can do without a functional brain.


Now that Uni has gone back, it means I have to wake up all the old machinery and get back to work. Hopefully at the end of this semester I'll have something worthwhile to show from it. The first task of the week is to draw up some game pitches for tomorrow.
Luckily, I still have a few ideas kicking around in the old cranium. Just need to organise them enough to be presentable.

Well, here goes nothing...