Puzzle Game. Fixed Camera. Physics Based Puzzle. Solving. Platform: Unity
Web 3D. Console: PC/Mac/Mobile. Target Rating. E for Everyone. Target Market.
John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
Single Player Puzzle Game Target Rating E for Everyone
Fixed Camera Physics Based Puzzle Solving
Platform: Unity Web 3D Console: PC/Mac/Mobile Target Market Casual Gamers
Introduction In Spectrum, the player’s objective is to draw lines in order to connect a stream of colored liquid into the appropriately colored container. Different colors of liquids are released at the top of the screen, and they need to be lead to the container at the bottom of the screen of the same color. In addition, sometimes the player will have to dispense liquid into a container with a mixed color, so he/she must mix two colored liquids to produce the mixed color. Mechanics The player’s primary objective is to lead colored liquids being released from the top of the screen to an appropriate container on the bottom of the screen by drawing lines on the screen. The liquid collides with these “lines” and run down the path they create according to the physics of gravity. Though in the beginning of the game, there is usually only one or two colors on the screen the player has to lead, in later levels a third color is introduced, as well as having to mix two liquids into a newly colored liquid to satisfy a mixed colored container. In addition, native obstacles present a challenge for the player. These obstacles are lines already drawn on the screen that will impede the progress of the University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 – gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu
John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
player, forcing the player to creatively problem solve around these obstacles to meet his/her objective. Another obstacle the player has is limited drawing capability. The player doesn’t have access to creating an infinite amount of lines. A visible meter depletes as the player draws lines for each level. If the meter becomes completely depleted before the objective is accomplished, the player will lose and have to try again. The combination of connecting liquids, combining liquids, avoiding obstacles, and limited drawing capability will present both challenge and fun to the player, as well as offer many different level designs and varieties. At its core, Spectrum is very simple yet has the potential to be engaging for hours.
Gameplay Loop
Similar Games Portal 2 Though not as ornate as Portal 2, Spectrum’s use of colored paint being spurted out is similar to the most unique new mechanic in Portal 2. Many future obstacles, such as grated surfaces that allow certain colors to pass through them are also inspired by how paint reacts with the environment in Portal 2. Portal 2 is also a puzzle University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 – gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu
John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
game that has met with great critical and commercial success. Angry Birds Rovio’s moneymaking brainchild is at its core a very simple puzzle game. Using simple physics, the player flings birds at obstacles, effectively puzzle solving. Spectrum aims to have a similar addictive quality with unique and challenging level designs that heightens replay value, which is in part what made Angry Birds so financially successful. The Falling Sand Game The core mechanic of Spectrum is heavily influenced by The Falling Sand Game. The main difference is that The Falling Sand Game has no objective or win condition, whereas Spectrum has both a win and lose condition with an emphasis on puzzle solving. Rather than just experimenting, Spectrum has a finite objective that must be met in each level.
Game Mock-up
University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 – gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu
