A Blog for Ancy
- Heather Roys
- Nov 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
Game Mechanics
This game teaches plate and bacteria identification in an engaging and high-level way (think "birthday cake" simplicity). Here’s how it works:
The player pulls the lever to activate the portal. The portal activates and randomly selects a plate from a list. At the START of the game, only the Blood and Chocolate plates will be used. New plates are introduced to the player one at a time at certain waypoints or levels. For example, the CNA plate will be added next to the existing Blood and Chocolate plates. The player would then play two levels with Blood, Chocolate, and CNA plates.
The portal will display the chosen plate and its name. The player is expected to smash the corresponding plate. A successful attempt results in an Alverno Blue Gem rotating on the screen. Collect a predetermined number of gems to clear the level. Smashing the wrong plate will injure your Shinobi. Complete the level quickly to earn more gems.
Power-Ups and Rewards
Gems can be used for power-ups such as:
Shield: Prevent enemy attacks and avoid incorrect plate collisions for a certain amount of time.
Fire Ring: Smash any plate for a limited time.
Lightning Attack: Clear all plates on the screen at once.
Shadow Attack: Clear all plates on the screen at once.
Invisibility Mode: Smash everything for an extended time!
Health Potion: Restore health.
Stamina Potion: Gives extra time to other attacks (e.g., Fire Ring, Shield, Invisibility).
Each level contains secrets that players will be rewarded for discovering in gems. Rewards include secret levels, new characters, and bonus weapons.
Bosses and Bacteria
Certain levels require the player to face an underboss or a lieutenant before they can turn off the portal. This is where the bacteria come into play. Players will encounter:
Strep
E. coli
Syphilis
Meningitis
Tuberculosis
MY BOSS TB DRAGON
I’ve tried to use biomimicry as much as possible when coding their movements. While fighting these bacteria, the player will also discover more about Robot Bob’s shady dealings in the valley, which will ultimately affect the choices they make at the end of the game. There will be several different endings based on the player’s choices.
You can read more about the specific bacteria in the blogs above, as well as more about the game’s story in the LORE section of the blog. The LORE section explains the backstory, the characters’ motivations, and the mysteries surrounding Robot Bob and his activities, providing a richer understanding of the game world. Friends you meet along the way:
Monetization
If I finish this game and put it on the App Store, I could charge money for gems, which would include packs of skins for your Shinobi, different weapons, extra health and stamina potions, level unlocks, and additional gems so the player wouldn’t have to work as hard to earn them.
World and Level Design
I’m working on different levels. The island will be full of secrets and places to meet people, so I’m designing an environment to pull the player in. Each level will introduce something new, whether it’s an environment, character, skill, or knowledge, to keep things fresh and exciting.
