/Wick-s-End

Entry to Jame Gam 36

Primary LanguageGDScriptMIT LicenseMIT

Game Design Document for "Wick's End"

Entry for Jame Gam 36
Theme: "Another World"
Special Object: "Candle"
URL: https://itch.io/jam/jame-gam-36

Game Overview

Title: Wick's End
Genre: Atmospheric Puzzle-Adventure
Target Audience: Fans of atmospheric, story-driven, and puzzle-solving games.
Platform: Windows, Web (if possible)
Game Engine: Godot 4

Story and Setting

Narrative: A young child wakes up in the middle of the night to find a small flame hovering over their bed seeking help. The flame attaches itself to the candle on the child's bedside table, and together they embark on a journey through a mysterious world.

Setting: The game alternates between the familiar setting of the child’s room and surreal, otherworldly landscapes they explore. Each level could be one night.

Characters

  • Main Character: A young, curious, and brave child.
  • The Flame: A lost spirit from the other world, guiding and enhancing the candle's abilities.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

  • Candle Mechanics: The candle serves as the primary light source, revealing paths, solving puzzles, and protecting against creatures.
  • Movement and Light: The candle burns faster when the player moves quickly, balancing speed with resource management.
  • Matches as Lives: The player has a limited number of matches to relight the candle if it goes out.
  • Goal: The player needs to find and free other spirits by solving puzzles

Level Design

  • Dynamic Environments: Levels feature a mix of open spaces, narrow corridors, and environmental puzzles.
  • Monster Interaction: Various creatures react differently to the candle’s light.
  • Resource Management: Players must find partially burnt candles and matches for survival.

Puzzles and Challenges

  • Puzzles that require manipulation of light and environment.
  • Challenges that involve strategic movement and resource conservation.

Art and Audio

Visual Style

  • Perspective: Top-down, reminiscent of classic Zelda games.
  • Artistic Direction:
    • Atmospheric 2D sprites and environments.
    • Dynamic lighting effects to emphasize the candle's influence.
    • Shadows and limited light to enhance the atmosphere and mystery.
  • Environment Design:
    • Varied themes, from the child’s room to surreal otherworldly landscapes.
    • Interactive elements responding to the candle’s light.

Audio

  • Eerie soundtrack enhancing the game's otherworldly theme.

Technical Details

  • Game Engine: Godot 4

    • Utilize Godot's 2D engine for detailed top-down levels.
    • Implement dynamic lighting and shadow systems.

  • Performance Considerations:

    • Lighting and shadow effects might affect performance.
    • Maintain performance without compromising visual quality.

  • Accessibility Options:

    • Adjustable brightness and contrast settings.
    • Subtitle options for narrative and auditory elements.
    • Control customization options.