MDDN343 - Character Design Project 2a

For this assessment we were asked to design and develop a video game character that would show some relevance to a certain environment. Our challenge was to imagine a similar biological reaction to an environment that is in flux, one where the climate is changing quicker than most evolution cycles would allow. For now our aim is to come up with the initial 2D concept & development, and get into the swing of modelling, rigging and animating.

My initial character design concept is based on an Aztec Eagle Warrior, the character has a eagles head with a human body, and this character will show the process of bird evolving into man, the character I have created is sort of sandwiched in between. The environment in mind relates to the character as the area will be an Aztec themed environment, with jungle terrain, and will demonstrate the process where man interacts with nature. The characters weaponry will include a rounded shield plus a flaming torch weapon, which will be developed further as I learn to create fire within Maya.

Below are some precedents which gave me tips on modelling characters and inspiration for characters.

Development Sketches of designs for current character:



High Quality Renders of Maya Modelled Character:

MDDN343 - Second Idea For Game Proposal - Zorb Express

New Game Proposal: Zorb Express

LOGO DESIGN:

In the end I strongly felt that the concept for Troops In Suits would be too much of a challenge mechanically, and struggled to come up with a narrative. I came up with a new idea for a 3D Platformer Video Game, which allows you to control and operate a ball gadget known as the 'Zorb'. 

The Zorb is a Single Player/Multi Player platform game that allows the player to drive a futuristic traveling device in the round shape of a ball (which will allow the gadget to roll freely). The aim of the game is to reach the bottom of the level where the teleportation device appears, transporting the player to a new level. this has to be done by avoiding obstacles lying in the way, such as rocks, abandoned mine carts, fallen bits of metal construct or some unexplained futuristic objects. The player will also have to ensure the Zorb stays on the track and doesn't fall to its destruction. The game is intended to have original and highly graphical aspects,including characters, landscapes & objects.


ENVIRONMENT DESIGN:

Each level will have a hi-def, science fiction style environment similar to Avatar or Star Wars, and will be made in Maya Essentials (the current version).

Each object/path in the environment will be mapped with existing textures that will give a realistic effect to the game. These images below have inspired me to do the levels in a Sci-Fi style, but have a more original approach to it. I may choose to do levels with a completely different environment style, which may include coal mines & old railway tracks, or even typical land surfaces like forests shown in Avatar

ENIVIRONMENTAL SKETCHES:


Screenshot sketch of the intended gameplay:

Level & Track Design:

DESIGNING THE ZORB (ALONG WITH OTHER GAME OBJECTS):

The Zorb needs to appear as a large crystal ball (based on The Zorb at Rotorua) but will be more detailed, having an inner & outer core (a human character will be placed inside the inner core). It must stand out amongst the level, so I want to give it some sort of glowing effect. These effects will be predominant for power-up phases

PRECEDENTS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF THE ZORB:




PRECEDENTS FOR OTHER IN-GAME OBJECTS - E.G ORBS, GEARS, FIRST-AID KITS:

SKETCHES TOWARDS CHARACTERS & OBJECTS:

THE ZORB AS A GAME PROTAGONIST:

The Zorb is a futuristic traveling vehicle that runs on electric currents, like a conduit. The person operating the vehicle is shut inside the middle core of the object, the the gadget will roll forwards, left or right by controlling the arrow keys. Pressing the down arrow key will floor the gadgets brakes, the the gadget will accelerate by pressing the forward arrow key. The Zorb has integrated abilities that will come alive when collecting orbs spread around the level. The red orb generates flame charge (an ability that will allow the Zorb to break through any obstacles in the way), the blue orb generates extreme speed (Useful for taking those big leaps needed), and the Green Orb provides the gadget with missile abilities (Useful for destroying colliding objects at a distance). Powerups are deactivated after about 6 seconds. To jump (this will constantly be required due to the level setups intended for the game) simply hold down the mouse button and this will propel the Zorb in the air (the altitude will increase with the super speed power up), also ramps will be provided throughout the game. To activate your Powerup, whether is be flame charge or missiles, press SPACE to shoot or hold down SPACE to use your flame charge or super speed

CONTROLS/MECHANICS:
Up Arrow: Accelerate
Down Arrow: Brake
Left Arrow: Vear Left
Right Arrow: Vear Right
Mouse Click: Jump
Space: Activate Powerup

Customisation:
After selecting 'New Game' at the title screen, you will be asked to customize your Zorb, choosing the color scheme & style.

Zoom Out/Zoom In:
Using 'Z' to Zoom In & 'X' to Zoom Out, this will give the player an ability to 


OTHER METHODS OF INTERACTION:

If this game is to be played on an iPad/iPod or iPhone, the player will simply need to move the screen from side to side to take control over the Zorb. This will replace arrow keys or console keys, and I thought this would be a really fun mechanic to develop. Also touching the screen will allow your Zorb to propel in the air

MDDN343 Game Proposal - Troops In Suits

Game Proposal - Troops In Suits

Logo Design:



I was looking online for some concept ideas for a computer/video game when I stumbled upon this quote
"I've always though a game that let you go back in time with modern weapons and fight ancient armies would be cool" When I read this quote I decided 'This could pass for an idea."

The title for the idea suggests a film reference to Men In Black, however 'Troops In Suits' sees three major detectives in suits & sunnies, armed with modern, hi-tech weaponry such as grenade launchers, machine guns which will suggestively be available later on in the game, however the game outlines these three men (The main protagonists in the game) who have travelled back in time to the 12th century (armed with hi-tech weaponry). The Main Antagonists are yet to be confirmed, however they are likely to be based on big names in the medieval society, or will possibly relate to the main protagonists in the Assassins Creed series.

Below are selected images which have assisted me in my decision making to come up with this concept. I have decided so far to have a HD720 style animation for the game, some objects & areas will be mapped with realistic textures, others will be much simpler:

Characters:



I thought I might like to give the 'Troops In Suits' a silhouette style as well as the medieval antagonists, yet the environment will be much more detailed, allowing these characters to stand out in the game.

Environment:

For the environmental aspects in the game, I would like to go with a different theme for every level (Yes this will be a leveled platformer game), one level may be European, the next may be Asian or Egyptian themed, and I will attempt to squeeze a theme style from each continent within the game. Medieval style in the game is crucial, so these images will play a big part in the decision making process. The areas will be significantly compact in relation to these precedents and the land objects will be in a simpler style. The first/tutorial level will have a Greek theme.




Game Mechanics:

Your three main characters (yet to be named) were meant to be functioned by a touch-screen mechanic, however, I am not sure this is possible with our programming, so I will probably go with the click of the mouse instead. The three characters simply move as a group and wll

MDDN343 First Post

MDDN343 - First Post

Welcome to my blog for MDDN343. Here is where i'll be putting my ideas, concepts & designs for MDDN343 Advanced Computer Game Design

By Monday I will have a proposal of a personal concept towards a game that may be designed within a group effort. So far I have zero ideas.

Catch you later