Game Idea Research

Image of Super Mario Bros.
Source: Pixabay

Based upon feedback I was given from last weeks game ideation phase, my lecturer was able to help me in the right direction in terms of choosing a solid game idea. In-turn, I believe my first game idea is the right idea to focus on and further my research into a solid project. My idea I have chosen is the adventure survival game. I believe, based on my feedback, that this would be a great game to create in 3D. It could become a 3D plat-former or endless runner game, having 1 level and limited hazards. A simple yet effective game that many can play and enjoy. 

My initial concept for this game was as follows : Based on an island, the player represents a stranded sailor who's boat washed up on the other side of the island, so the sailor must travel to the other side of the island, not before enduring many tasks along the way. These tasks include but are not limited too, dodging fallen rocks from the islands mountains, jumping on floating rocks and pieces of debris to survive lava, swimming through deep water without drowning, using ropes to get across mountains. The player must survive all these adventure challenges to make it to their boat.

Reflecting on my initial concept I believe there is some things can that be changed and tweaked to iron out any problems. Making the game simpler in its story line, and being easier to make if I decide on an endless runner game, the player will represent a simple islander who wishes to leave the island. The islander will endure multiple but not a lot of tasks to make it to the other side of the island, where they will be met with a simple wooden raft that represents winning the game. This game is inspired by the games "Temple Run" and "Super Mario Bros". Although my game is simple, I believe it can be well executed into a fun playing game!

State / Action - 

In terms of game mechanics, 1 mechanic that I will implement into the game surrounding action is, the player will be able to control the islanders moves and actions, moving left to right, jumping, crouching and swimming. Using arrow keys or letters, the player will be able to control the islander and be able to dodge the objects that may kill the islander. 

"3D endless runner in Unity"

"Create a 3D Endless Runner for Mobile"

Spatial - 

Another mechanic I wish to implement into my game is surrounding the tasks and objects. I will choose three tasks for the islander to endure that will get harder as the game progresses. Each task will be repeated in threes and become harder to endure for the player, either by speeding up the objects or having more objects involved per task. These tasks can be: dodging falling rocks from the islands mountains, jumping on floating rocks and pieces of debris to survive lava, and swimming through deep water whilst dodging pieces of debris and rocks. 

"Spawning objects in Unity"

Quantity -

The third mechanic for my game will be surrounding the health of the islander. I don't wish for the islander to instantly die after being hit with an object or failing to swim or jump, to create tension, I wish for the player to have some sort of health bar, whether it pops up during the game if a health bar is lost or having it on screen at all times. The health bar can consist of 3-4 bars, and the colours will change from green to red as each bar is lost, once all bars are lost the player dies and must redo the game as there will only be one level. 

"Health Bar Creation in Unity"