VEXAR
ROLE
Sole GAME DESIGNER / Developer
DESCRIPTION
a STYLIZED ACTION PLATFORMER WITH A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON SPEEDRUNNING. player's WILL PLAY THROUGH A BEAUTIFUL CYBERPUNK WORLD PLATFORMING THROUGH OBSTACLES WHILE GAINING NEW ABILITIES TO FIGHT AGAINST ENEMIES. SPEEDRUNNING AND GETTING THROUGH LEVELS AS FAST YOU CAN TO COMPETE WITH THE WORLDS BEST GLOBAL TIMES ON THE LEADERBOARD. community MADE MAPS AND CHARACTER CUSTOMIZATION ALSO GIVE THE PLAYER ENDLESS CREATIVITY AND HAVE A HUGE EMPHASIS ON THE EXPERIENCE.
YEAR
2023
GENRE
Action PLatformer
PLATFORM
Pc / Console
PROGRESS
IN dEVELOPMENT
VISION
ORGIN
The genesis of my game idea emerged from a profound appreciation for the exhilarating world of speedrunning games. Titles like Mario 64, Neon White, and Ghostrunner have served as monumental inspirations for my project, igniting a passion for the intense and dynamic gameplay inherent in speedrunning-focused games. Originally conceived as a roguelike with gameplay akin to Risk of Rain 2, my vision swiftly evolved as I delved deeper into refining the mechanics of movement and platforming. Recognizing the potential for an immersive speedrunning experience, I made a deliberate shift, abandoning the initial roguelike concept to concentrate wholeheartedly on crafting a game that captures the essence and thrill of speedrunning.
BEHIND THE LENS
Entering the project, I recognized the significant challenges ahead, representing both a substantial stepping stone and a learning opportunity fueled by my passion for gaming. Implementing online features marked a new frontier for me. Overcoming networking hurdles was crucial as the leader board and level editor would rely heavily on this. Another obstacle was developing a level editor that seamlessly integrated map creation and uploading within the game, avoiding reliance on platforms like Steam Workshop. Simultaneously, I aimed to establish a robust combat system with challenging and unique enemies that complemented fast movement and platforming, a rarity in many platformer games. The urban setting provided a huge creative avenue to experiment with platforming and enemy types however. Despite the daunting nature and amazing opportunity of some of these tasks, I embraced the journey, driven by a focused lens and an eagerness to learn, ultimately shaping a challenging yet rewarding development experience.
BIG PICTURE
The game is a community driven game. I want players to feel free to endlessly create maps and speedrun new ones going for leaderboard times. With a long lasting community you see games like osu are mario maker or even something like geometry dash with this same premise. Im want to give the player a thrill of speed and action combat in combination with abilities the gameplay itself would be challlenging on its own and not just the elements around it keeping the players enjoying it!
NARRATIVE
CHRONICLE
In the dystopian labyrinth of NEO nova 2133, dominated by powerful corporations, a clandestine rebellion surfaces the "Quantum Challenge." As the city's inhabitants grapple with corporate oppression, diverse individuals seek refuge in this underground competition, forging avatars with unique abilities. The Challenge becomes a symbol of rebellion, allowing the disenfranchised to break free and rewrite their destiny. Amidst towering skyscrapers and neon lights, protagonists are motivated by varied reasons – seeking revenge, exposing corruption, or aspiring for fame. As runners navigate the perilous course, evading enforcers and rivals, they uncover a conspiracy tying the Challenge to neo Nova City's oppressive regime. The Quantum Velocity Challenge transforms into a rebellion against the dystopian system, with runners forming alliances and rivalries. Each step forward is a defiant act against corporate oppression, bringing them closer to unraveling the truth. In the pulsating heart of the city, the Challenge emerges as a catalyst for change towaRDS A GREATER FUTURE.
IN THE WORLD
Building a narrative within the gaming realm requires an artistic touch. In this REALM, the chosen art style acts as a storyteller, vividly portraying a dystopian universe. Engaging NPC conversations, uncovering collectibles, and absorbing voice recordings seamlessly immerse players in the evolving narrative. Yet, the true allure lies in the environment's design. Whether navigating lively streets or exploring silent alleyways, each locale adds depth to the overarching story. This isn't just a game; it's a dynamic, immersive journey where the narrative intricately threads through every aspect of the experience.
GAMEPLAY
CORE
Immerse yourself in a dynamic action combat system, with many foes to battle along with precision platforming, delving into an ever-expanding narrative enriched with collectibles and cosmetics to find. Explore thousands of community-made maps while climbing leaderboards. The journey never stops in this vibrant and evolving experience.
LOOP
At the heart of the game lies a captivating core loop, where player engagement thrives on motivations. While speedrunning takes center stage, the game accommodates various playstyles, whether one opts for exploration or immerses themselves with going as fast as possible the intense combat system, reminiscent of Devil May Cry but infused with the challenging rhythms found in Dark Souls is bound to keep the player hooked. The combat experience unfolds as players confront a dynamic array of foes, from exploding adversaries and nimble flying enemies to sharpshooting riflemen and swift assassins. The combat system, robust in its design, encourages players to experiment with a range of moves, combos, and strategic approaches. The fluidity of the combat mechanics allows for a seamless transition between melee and ranged attacks, ensuring that each encounter is both thrilling and strategically demanding. In the midst of these confrontations, players must also navigate challenging platforming sections, introducing an additional layer of complexity to the gameplay. Abilities acquired along the way, be it a temporary buff or a versatile grapple hook, to a time altering reversal ability not only enhance combat but also serve as essential tools for overcoming platforming obstacles. The synergy between combat and platforming is paramount, as players master techniques such as wall running, dashing, sliding, ledge grabbing, and wall jumping. The seamless integration of these elements demands precision and skill, creating a fluid and exhilarating experience. The speedrunning loop comes to life with the inclusion of leaderboards. As players optimize their runs, perfecting sequences with each attempt, the leaderboard becomes a tangible representation of their progress. Climbing the ranks and achieving a new personal best time evokes a sense of accomplishment and becomes an addictive satsfying loop.
VISUALS
STYLIZATION
Inspired by 90s anime, my game embraces a cyberpunk aesthetic akin to Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Serial Experiments Lain, and Blade Runner. It meticulously blends atmospheric lighting, gritty urban landscapes, and intricate character designs, capturing the essence of the genre. The game weaves filmic elements into its fabric, translating the cinematography of classics into a digital and interactive experience. A key focus is recreating neon-drenched, rain-soaked cityscapes, reminiscent of Blade Runner, with moody lighting and stylized reflections. Character designs mirror the depth of Ghost in the Shell, seamlessly integrating cybernetic enhancements with organic forms for a captivating experience. Evoking the surreal qualities of Serial Experiments Lain, the game's visual storytelling mirrors cerebral narratives exploring existential themes, the merger of technology and humanity, and the consequences of hyper-connected societies. Graphics employ a nuanced palette, combining vibrant neon hues with muted tones, paying homage to cyberpunk anime's visual language. The intentional contrast of light and shadow conveys the complex, often dystopian nature of the narrative. in essence, my game is a love letter to 90s anime with a cyberpunk twist. Adapting stylization and graphics from iconic films like Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Serial Experiments Lain, and Blade Runner, it aims to deliver an immersive, visually stunning experience that honors the rich legacy of cyberpunk storytelling in anime and film.
UI
For my game's UI, I sought a seamless fusion of modern minimalism with a futuristic edge. A specially chosen minimalist font, bold in key areas, pairs with subtly curved edges, avoiding excessive futurism. From progress bars to health indicators, each element adheres to this design ethos, ensuring a cohesive and refined appearance. Consistency is paramount, maintaining a unified look across menus for a fluid user experience. Taking cues from UI excellence in Destiny 2 and Overwatch 2, I added a cyberpunk twist with vibrant greens and reds, infusing a futuristic vibe. in summary, my UI achieves a delicate balance between contemporary sophistication and cyberpunk aesthetics, providing a visually engaging and effortlessly navigable user interface.
SOUND
AMBIENCE
The music in the game stands as a cornerstone of design, a pivotal element envisioned from the game's inception. The primary goal is to instill a sense of speed, intensifying the adrenaline rush as players strive for their next leaderboard triumph. As I envisioned this sonic landscape, urban BEATS and electric tracks naturally emerged, the dynamic energy of breakcore and glitchcore beats was the first to be added. Dedicating considerable time to curate a soundtrack that seamlessly aligns with the game's aesthetic, I've carefully balanced the intensity. While the breakcore beats drive the pace, I've also incorporated moments of respite with chilled-out urban BEATS, providing a refreshing change of pace without disrupting the overall atmosphere. Recognizing the importance of avoiding musical monotony, the soundtrack embraces diversity. It is crafted to be both varied and cohesive, ensuring that players are never irritated but instead deeply immersed in the atmosphere. In this way, the music becomes more than just an accompaniment it's a key contributor to the overall experience, enhancing the journey and underscoring the player's every move with a carefully tailored backdrop.
FX
Overhead, futuristic vehicles WHOOSH, WHILE distant AC units BUZZ THE CHATTER OF A CROWD CAN BE HEARD FROM THE ROOFTOPS. THE CITY PULSES WITH LIFE. IN Platforming agile SLIDES, DASHES, and DOUBLE JUMPS, each sound designed to enrich the tactile experience of movement. In combat, the feedback is intentional hits provide a gratifying sense of impact, while taking damage delivers a raw PAIN FEEDBACK. it's about crafting a genuine, immersive soundscape where every noise serves a purpose in enhancing the game.