MDDN 243

Introduction to Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype

After doing a little bit of research, I decided to give pixel art a go and turned a few of my sketches into pixels through photoshop. I firstly had to colour them to the suited child-friendly colours of animals. So down below we have a chubby bunny and an insane looking pug. I've labelled each image below with the image size and pixels of it, just so we get a clear idea on which one works more and what measurements I'll need to use in the future. So far I'm definitely liking and veering towards the ones in the middle because it's not too abstract but can still show some sort of crazy emotion within the character.

MDDN 243

Introduction to Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype


Now that I have a good idea on possible pixel game ideas, I need to research games that I've played which are auto-scrolling. One of the more popular ones that I can remember playing for awhile was Robot Unicorn. Despite the catchy soundtrack incorporated into the game, this game was very addictive and successful. The main mechanic is jump in this game as well along with dash. It involves the player to jump over obstacles and collect points, but has no clear ending. A few things about this game that I had noticed is that it doesn't have a health system, but a life system. So after dying the player gets another chance at redemption. I will consider using this in my game as a concept.

Image Retrieved from http://mobiputing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/robot-unicorn-attack.jpg

MDDN 243

Introduction to Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype


Researching and rummaging through google images trying to find games that caught my attention, I found this one. It is Thor's Bring The Thunder in the style of pixels which are more to my liking. The way the graphics are in this game is the style that I am wanting to go for, as it shows off more detail compared to Mario but at the same time simplifies it completely. 

Image Retrieved from http://digitaltools.node3000.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/thor-pixel-game.png

MDDN 243

Introduction To Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype


Since my game will be all pixel art, I decided to do some research on the past games that thrived in using pixels as the graphics. The first one that sprung to mind straight away was of course, Super Mario. The image below break down the graphics of the game and clearly shows that it is made up of visible blocks of colour, which makes for a really interesting and retro experience. This will be something I can look at when designing my character but the background for me is too plain, mine will consist of actual images that have been pixelated. 

Image Retrieved from http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/268/a/e/pixel_art_mario_by_darilhowell-d4ax05g.png

MDDN 243

Introduction To Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype

I had plenty of ideas in my head about what characters I could use in the game, so I just started out doing random quick sketches. Some of these sketches I thought would help me start to develop further into designing my characters. I can also pixelate them on my computer to see what they would look like and how much detail each one would be giving off.

MDDN 243

Introduction To Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype

After having a talk to a couple of the tutors, they have given me some good and helpful feedback on my ideas. I have thought about all my ideas for the main game concept that I need to have and have come up with a proposal. I chose to go with the idea of having crazy animals and poachers. So this is how it works:

- It will be a 2D style auto-scroller game
- The main mechanic will be "Jump", players can do this by either swiping up (if touch screen) or simply pressing a key for computer
- The player will need to jump over certain obstacles and to dodge over incoming waves of poachers and bad guys
- Instead of having crystal clear graphics, the game will be pixelated for a more retro style game but with a modern gameplay feel to it
- There will be a narrative to the game as well, where the levels are progressed as the run is finished by that animal
- I will not incorporate a health system to the game, if you land or get hit by a bad guy, game over
- I will incorporate power ups into the game however, with every animal having distinctive moves

MDDN 243

Introduction to Computer Game Design

Project Two: Prototype

Process:

- Sketch and iterate multiple game concepts with a simple communicative game mechanics
- Design and paper prototype a simple 2D game with a strong core game mechanic
- Sketch game characters/environments/assets
- Prototype the initial game mechanic using interactive characters/environments

Hand-in Requirements:

- Development sketches of multiple game ideas
- Game design proposal: articulate the game mechanic, aesthetic goals and environmental theme
- Paper prototype concept. Document this appropriately, particularly the early wear-tests that you conduct with your classmates. Digitise appropriately (high resolution photos, scanned drawings and concepts with annotations, and videos of interaction) for documentation purposes
- Digital interactive prototype of character/environment

Ideas:

- Commando style main character with a paint gun that destroys "graffiti spray can" gang
- Slender style game in a top down view. Player must collect light sources to proceed through game to get away from the darkness.
- 2D game that features insane looking animals trying to dodge poachers
- Dragonball style game where "Paintman" distinguishes all the graffiti in the world where he uses his Kamehameha-paint blast