MAGIQUE (under DigiPen Singapore)

COLLABORATIVE TEAM GAME PROJECT by Team NightKnight (DigiPen Singapore)

[8 Members: 6 Tech, 1 Design Lead, 1 Artist]

This project includes 2 links:

1. Unity Prototype includes Level 1 (Before Revamped Level Design)

2. Custom Engine Prototype made by Technical Team includes Tutorial, Level 1, Level 2

Magique

You play as Amare, a young boy who is put to the test as he attempts to break free from the circus, Maison de Magie, and escape the ringleader, Malachi.

Themes

Story Genre: Whimsical Thriller

Story Theme: Run, Hide, Escape.

Setting: Circus

Game Genre: 2D (Side-scroll), Stealth, Narrative, Platformer

Objective

To successfully escape the circus, while navigating levels, overcoming obstacles, avoiding detection by enemies, and staying hidden.

Story

In the year 1893, travelling all around the world was the world’s 1st magical circus, Maison de Magie. Amare, an 18-year-old boy, has been adopted into the circus ever since he was an orphan. A young prodigy with quick feet and a knack for acrobatics is the lively centrepiece of Maison de Magie. Amidst the lively chaos of the big top, he effortlessly manoeuvres through the acts, exuding a youthful energy. On the other hand, the Ringleader shrouded in mystery, directs the show with a silent authority. Within this lively circus scene, Amare's keen eyes start to notice the subtle undercurrents and the Ringleader's secrets add an intriguing layer to the circus mystery.

Core Mechanic

Amare’s core mechanic consists of two parts: Basic and Advanced. 

Basic (Movement): These mechanics are the foundation of the gameplay experience, allowing the player to navigate through the levels, and avoid obstacles and enemies. 

1. Run

   

   1. Control(s): Left Arrow/A, Right Arrow/D

   2. Usage: Move through the level.

   
   

2. Jump

   

   1. Control(s): Spacebar

   2. Usage: Jump over obstacles, reach higher platforms, and avoid hazards.

      
      

3. Dash

   

   1. Control(s): L

      

   2. Usage:

      1. Dash quickly in the direction the character is facing. 

      2. Able to dash on the spot, while running, and while jumping.

      3. Has a short cooldown time of 1 second to prevent the player from spamming the dash mechanic. This also adds a strategic element to the gameplay, where the player will need to think through when they can and cannot dash.

      4. This mechanic adds a fast-paced element which will better enhance the stealth gameplay and the concept of “escaping”.

         
         

Logic

Stealth: The mechanics can be used to help the player navigate through the levels successfully without alerting the enemy as much as possible. The player can use these mechanics to move quietly and quickly through the environment, avoiding detection, and staying hidden when used strategically.

Variety: The run, jump, and dash mechanics can provide a variety of ways for the player to complete game objectives. The player can choose between different paths and strategies, using these mechanics to customise their approach to each level.

Advanced (Abilities): These mechanics add to the main character’s gameplay and capabilities, providing more strategic opportunities and unique approaches to completing each level.

1. Hide

   

   1. Control(s): J

      

   2. Usage:

      1. Hide behind a box from the Ringleader and his Eyes’ visions.

      2. Has no cooldown.

      3. Player cannot move while hidden behind a hideable object.

      4. Box will break after 7 seconds of hiding.

2. Invisibility

   

   1. Control(s): K

      

   2. Usage:

      1. Turn invisible and undetected for 5 seconds from the Ringleader and his Eyes.

      2. Has a cooldown of 5 seconds to prevent players from spamming the invisibility ability.

      3. Able to walk past the enemy and walk through thin walls.

      4. The player can move while invisible.

         
         

Logic

Range: While hiding or invisible, if the player is not within the Ringleader’s range, the Ringleader will turn confused and patrol around the area where they last saw the player.

No Activity Detected: If the player is too far from the Ringleader for 5 seconds, the enemy will disappear.

Stealth: These advanced mechanics will enhance the stealth element by providing players a new challenge of needing to strategize on when they need to hide, and when they need to go invisible.

Level Design & Progression

Level 1

About: Tutorial, leading into Introductory

Estimated Play Time: <5 Minutes

Details: Players are introduced to their abilities and capabilities, the Ringleader and the Ringleader’s Eye. Players will be required to complete a beginner-level platforming section while obtaining key parts to form the Magic Key to unlock the Magic Door and proceed to the next level.

Level 2

About: Beginner Level

Estimated Play Time: <8 Minutes

Details: Increased Difficulty from Level 1: A much larger scale with more platforming elements, more Ringleader’s Eye, and more obstacles and dangers than Level 1.

Enemy Mechanic/Behaviour Design

To support the stealth genre and players’ mechanics, the game consists of 2 enemies.

Ringleader, Malachi: The main antagonist to the main character.

Abilities/Mechanics

1. Chase/Run

   

   1. Usage: Chase after the player.

      
      

2. Attack

   

   1. Usage: Attack the player. Each attack takes off 1 live from the player.

3. Eye Teleportation

   

   1. When the player is detected by a Ringleader’s Eye, the Ringleader will spawn under the Ringleader’s Eye after 3 seconds.

Logic

“My Eyes See Everything”: Since the Ringleader will appear very closely to the player if they are detected by the Ringleader’s Eye, it poses a stealth challenge to the player where their patience and reaction speed are tested.

Ringleader’s Eyes: The Ringleader’s helpers.

Abilities/Mechanics

1. Scan

   1. Usage: After 3 seconds, the Ringleader’s Eye will activate and scan an almost semicircular area above the player’s height level. It will deactivate after 5 seconds.
      

2. Detection

   1. Usage: Able to detect the player if detected by its field of view (emitted by a light beam). When a player is detected by its field of view, Malachi is alerted and will teleport near the Eye after 3 seconds to chase the player.

      
      

Level Objects

Abilities/Mechanics

1. Spikes

   

   1. Usage: Player will take 1 damage and will be invulnerable for 2 seconds.

      
      

2. Lava

   

   1. Usage: Instant death if the player falls into the lava pits.

      
      

3. Door & Door Button

   

   1. Usage: Player is able to activate (open) and deactivate (close) the door by pressing the door button. 

      
      

4. Wall

   

   1. Usage: Player has to enable invisibility to pass through walls.

5. Magic Key

   

   1. Usage: Collection of different key parts to successfully complete the level.

6. Magic Door

   

   1. Usage: Magic Door can only be unlocked with the Magic Key. When unlocked, the level ends.

Logic

Stealth: Using whatever abilities the player has, the player is challenged to make it through the end of the level while avoiding the Ringleader’s Eyes to prevent the Ringleader from teleporting.

Win/Lose Conditions

Success Condition: The player completes all existing levels within the game.

• During each level, the player has to complete the Magic Key to unlock the Magic Door at the end to complete the current level and proceed to the next level. The player has 3 lives of getting caught before they die to the Ringleader.

  
  

Failure Condition: The player is unable to complete all existing levels within the game.

• During each level, the player dies to the Ringleader after using up all 3 lives of getting caught.

Game Loop

Dialogue & Cut Scene (In Order)

1. Pre-Game Cutscene (Before Level 1) - Amare finds out that the Ringleader has been holding his friends captive in jail cells.

   

   
   

2. Background Cutscene - Amare finds a hidden picture of him and the Ringleader.

   

   
   

3. Dialogue - Amare runs from the Ringleader.

   

4. Mid-Game Cutscenes (Before Level 2) - Amare confronts the Ringleader. After, Amare apologises to his friends.

   

   

   
   

5. After-Game Cutscene (After Level 2) - Amare gets to the security room and frees his friends.

   

   
   

6. Ending Cutscene (End) - Amare escapes the circus with his friends.

   

   
   

Tutorial Dialogues (In-Game)

Level 1

1. Hey! Can you hear me? I'm using my Telepathy ability to communicate to you. I'll guide you through the Underground to find us! Begin by moving with A and D key.

2. BEWARE OF THE LAVA! If you fall in, you will die instantly. Jump over by pressing the Space key.

3. Sometimes a jump isn't enough! You can dash in a direction by pressing the L key. A little tip, you can pair it with a Jump to dash even further!

4. Shh! Be careful, that floating object above is Ringleader's Eye. If you are detected when it is on, the Ringleader will teleport to you. You can hide from the Eye by holding down the J key over boxes that'll break after awhile.

5. Infront of you are floating platforms. Get across and avoid the giant pit of lava!

6. The Ringleader never taught you anything about your ability, right? By pressing the K key, you can activate your Invisibility ability with a limited number of uses. You can use your ability to walk through:

   1. Fake walls

   2. A Ringleader's Eye's radar undetected

   3 The Ringleader himself

   Use it wisely.

7. See that button up there? Doors can be opened by stepping over pressure buttons on the floor.

8. You have found a key part! Collect all the key parts and complete the Magic Key!

9. You completed the Magic Key! Bring it to the end and unlock the Magic Door!

   
   

Level 2

1. "You're halfway there! Find and collect all (4) key parts to form the Magic Key. Use the Magic Key to unlock the Magic Door and rescue us! But be careful, things are only getting more dangerous here.

2. Quick Tip! You need to activate a pressure button to open the door.

3. Don't forget! You have a very special ability.

4. Quick Tip! Hide behind boxes to shake the Ringleader off your tail!

5. Be free now, Amare. Our hope is on you.

   
   

Sound Direction

Music Theme

The main theme for the game’s Background Music is 'Horrifying Fun.’  The music conveys the emotions of suspense, wonder, and determination as the protagonist, Amare, attempts to escape the circus. 

Music Direction

Since the game is set within a circus, we aim to combine a childish-like sound with the sounds of horror and creepiness. The game's audio is meant to capture the essence of a mysterious circus. With an emphasis on suspense, wonder, and determination, the audio mirrors Amare's quest to escape the dark secrets of Maison de Magie. A variety of styles complement the gameplay, while sound effects enhance immersion and add depth to the captivating storyline. 

Note: For privacy reasons, Music and Sound Effects List will not be attached in this portfolio.

Audio References

Game References

UI

Fonts

Header: Boogie Boys

• Its playful style can help convey the personality of Amare and the quirks he embodies, leaving the character more memorable to the player. 

Body: Gila

• The simplicity from this sans-serif font conveys a sense of minimalism and focus, allowing our game to have a sleek and polished look with high readability, especially important for menus, UI elements, and title screens.