Workshop Progress 03 – 2D Side Scroller

I thought it was time for a small update on something. Some minor progress has been made for the workshop project, in which I have designed initial layout of what might be the first levels of the prototype project. Below are some images I can share.

[Above] This is basically a type of timeline which uses traditional narrative to plan and structure the overall prototype. It shows in brown what main things might happen, such as teaching basic movement, aiming fun, advanced movement, introducing obstacles, getting shotgun, fighting mini boss, getting explosive and fighting main boss. As these events occurs the time line shows intensity/drama and its pacing. Pacing being calm versus stress. You may notice that during some sort of hazard puzzle or fight, it takes a higher peak.

In red, it shows what surroundings will be filled with, so for example during aim gun there will be enemies, and during adv movement there will be security, lock, camera and turret to deal with. And during obstacle that are hazard, it will be based on electricity, fire and steam. The mini boss will be armored unit, the grenades are meant to deal with range enemy, and the boss will be armored car which suggest that the recent explosives might assist in defeating the boss.

[Above] The image shows the general level design from a holistic point of view, not details. So it shows how the player learns jumping, meeting enemies, learning to navigate stairs, box and ladders, jumping larger gaps, break through window, run and gun interior and so on. That was ACT 1. For ACT 2 you will see the obstacle in the sewer, showing a water with electricity, fire from broken pipes, a repair station with enemies and elevators, hot steam events and elevator taking the player back up to surface. For ACT 3, you see a car park, run and gun mechanic, grenades, timed event, range enemies and boss fight pattern. On the far right side of the image, you can see what each area introduces.

[Above] Eventually I like to draw some thumbnail sketches showing more visual mechanics that I have introduced in the time line, it helps the brain to think, plan and consider some weaknesses.