Gameplay

Interface & Input System:

When discussing with potential users of our app, we found that being able to personalize the experience based around the individual, to best fit their needs was very important. Therefore we are providing different ways of interacting with the game. 

 

The default interface operates on a call-and-response system. As the story unfolds, an audio indicator will signal when a choice point is reached. The character will then "think aloud" about the two options, and the player can make a selection by either stating part of the desired choice or saying "one," "two," "first," "second," or by speaking key words from the desired choice. If the player needs to hear the options again, they can request a repeat by using a phrase containing the word "repeat." Once a decision is made, the story will branch accordingly and continue from there. This player input system will be available on both mobile and PC. 

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For mobile, the other interaction system is one that utilizes swiping. There will still be an audio indicator when a choice point is reach and the main character will "think aloud" the choices. The player will swipe their finger in the direction of a choice, keeping it there to hear the choice, and then removing their finger to select the choice.

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For PC, there will be options to use either the keyboard or the controller. Either way there will still be an audio indicator for choices and the main character will "think aloud" the choices. For keyboard, the player can use the arrows or 'A' & 'D' keys to select a choice and hear it read out loud. Pressing that key a second time, or the 'Enter' key, the player can select their choice. For controller, the player will use the stick to hover the choices. Then using whatever their right button is, they can select that choice. If possible we hope to allow a player to map these keybinds for more versatile customization.

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ALL OF THESE INPUT AND INTERACTIVITY SYSTEMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

Gameplay Loop:

The gameplay loop emphasizes player agency, ensuring that every choice impacts the narrative and shapes the game's outcome. Players will make two types of choices: Actions and Stories. Actions represent direct decisions Harold makes, such as choosing to stay or leave, resulting in immediate branching in the narrative. Stories influence the tales Harold tells, altering their themes and appealing to specific audiences. These require multiple smaller decisions that accumulate like "points," ultimately determining the story's direction. Both choice types serve as branching points, reinforcing the significance of player decisions and their ripple effects throughout the game.

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Progression System:

The progression system features a branching, scene-by-scene structure driven by narrative choices. Each scene transition moves the player to a new location and introduces different characters to interact with, shaping the story's flow. Players can manually save their progress using a "bookmark" system, enabling them to resume from saved points even after taking a break from the game. However, saving and loading are disabled during endings and executions, preserving the weight and finality of these pivotal moments.