Preface
The Vessel is my first "most developed" attempt at a game using Unity. (Despite perennial suggestions of what NOT to do, of course my first game project was a rather in-depth but "small" RPG.) I began with early rough attempts in early 2017 and returned in late 2018 with a much more fleshed out narrative and concept. However, after several months of solid development I lost the entire project in a serialization error with Unity and had no recent backups. Another year later I returned to it again and recreated the entire thing from scratch, this time with a much better aesthetic.
Currently, it's at a standstill since I feel the narrative needs more development and the game play, abilities, magic system, etc. need to be discussed more thoroughly.
I'd like to partner with some writer(s) or narrative designers and maybe level designers to further develop the game.
Game Analysis
- Genre - Adventure (point & click)
- Game Elements - Puzzle solving, spell combat
- Game Content - Horror
- Theme - Neo-Apocalyptic/Alternate Reality
- Style - Realistic
- Game Sequence - Hyper
- Player - Single
Game Reference
- Game Taxonomy - Fictional/Narrative
- Immersion - Narrative/Emotional/Mental
- Reference - 80s cosmic horror/schlock flicks, Choose Your Own Adventure books, John Carpenter films, H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Lucio Fulci, Clive Barker, surrealism, et al.
Game Atmosphere
The Vessel begins in a secret bunker with the player locked in a safe room. Vintage electronic props combined with a synthwave soundtrack and a VHS post processing effect set the mood for what should feel like a playable 80s horror film of sorts. A sense of dread and confusion should be built progressively through exposition of documents, abandoned equipment/excavations and extra-dimensional disturbances which intensify throughout the game.
Story Overview
The Vessel involves an individual seemingly abducted by a cult (80s Satanic Panic,) scientist or perhaps both. The story revolves around their escape from an underground bunker and their discoveries along the way. They journey through sewers and subways to reach the surface only to find the world above and reality itself is no longer as it was. As the player's memories return, powers and abilities are gained and the mythology of the game world and the player's role within it unfold.
Notable Features
- Tuning Magic - "Spell" system based on frequencies. Utilizes various tuning forks found throughout the game to alter reality, summon, damage, etc. (Ref From Beyond)
- Meat Shield/Companion - Player re-animates an NPC as companion and can use them to enhance tuning magic or absorb damage. (Ref Planescape's Ignus)
- Void Bending - Using Tuning, player can shift between reality to access areas or affect change (Ref Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver)
(More content to be added to this document.)