Gravoyage

Game Design Document

Lena Girdhar, John Turrigiano, John Dominic Ignacio

Introduction

This document outlines the concept and design for a game called “Gravoyage.” This is intended to be a 2D platforming game with some focus on puzzles, using animated sprites, tiled assets, collision detection and an emphasis on gravity manipulation.

Technology

This will be developed with the Wolfie 2D engine and be intended for Windows browsers.

Backstory

Julliet is a space explorer who is trying to get back to her home planet, but her ship doesn’t have enough energy to make it all the way. She has to stop at planets along the way and collect energy crystals that power her ship in order to continue her journey a little at a time.

Objective

Julliet has a special suit that allows her to control her own gravity on each planet, meaning she can change the direction of gravity applying to her. She is able to ignore the natural gravity on each planet and create her own ideal way to traverse the terrain and reach the crystals that she needs.

Gameplay

The gameplay functions with usual platforming rules, but at any time you can flip the direction of gravity, so you could be standing on a wall or ceiling. Some objects may also be affected by this gravity change, but enemies typically will not be. There are only a certain number of charges that allows you to change gravity per level. If you run out of charges and you have not yet reached the goal, you must restart.

Controls

This game will be played using a keyboard:

• LEFT-ARROW - Change gravity to left
• RIGHT-ARROW - Change gravity to right
• UP-ARROW - Change gravity to up
• DOWN-ARROW - Change gravity to down
• W - Jump
• A - Walk left relative to gravity
• D - Walk right relative to gravity

Graphical User Interface

• Start Screen - Simple screen to show Game logo and creators with an option to start the game.
• Menu - Starting menu that allows you to decide what to do
  • New Game - Will start from level 1 and take you through each level as you progress
  • Level Select - Pick a specific level to play
  • Controls - Gives controls for how to play the game
  • About - Gives some story background about the game
  • Exit - Closes the game

Artwork

• Each planet will have a different artstyle and vibe to show progress across the game.
  • Walking left
  • Walking right
  • Jumping
  • Getting hit
  • Victory
• Enemies such as bugs or other alien creatures with animations of
  • Flying
  • Idle
  • Walking Left
  • Walking right
• Each planet will have a different artstyle and vibe to show progress across the game. These may be cave, ice, or jungle themed to look unique
• Objects such as the crystals that serve as the goal, or ones that may also be affected by gravity.

Sound Effects

• Walking
• Jumping
• Changing gravity direction
• Getting hit
• Level clear
• Level introduce

Music

Each differently themed level will have appropriate music that matches the look of the level.

Mock GUIs

Splash Screen

Main Menu

Levels Selection Screen

Controls Screen

Help Screen

In-Game Screen