Whispers of Lost Lights
"Whispers of Lost Lights" presents an immersive top-down action-adventure experience, placing players in command of a formidable female warrior on a mission to liberate captives and vanquish the malevolent forces shrouding the realm in darkness. Developed within the confines of Dreamscape #2, a game jam, this project unfolded under the thematic mantle of Illuminate. Within ten days, our team meticulously crafted and curated this captivating video game venture, delivering an engaging narrative-driven gameplay experience that resonates with both depth and polish.
Embark on a journey through a world teeming with peril and intrigue, where the clash between light and shadow defines the very essence of heroism. "Whispers of Lost Lights" beckons players to wield their courage and prowess in the struggle against encroaching darkness, promising an unforgettable odyssey through realms of adventure and discovery.
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Our virtual headquarters? None other than Discord, where we bantered, brainstormed, and bounced ideas off each other faster than you could say, "Game on." Through a flurry of updates and requests exchanged in text, we kept the whole team in the loop, ensuring everyone was on board with the latest twists and turns in the game's development journey.
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Meet the Team
The team consisted of three people
1. Level designer and UI design: Shalini Dutta
2. Programmer: Adam Parker
3. Music and Sound Designer: Kate Tavasoli
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My responsibilities:
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1. Create an engaging level design that makes players want to explore more of the level.
2. A personal challenge: Try to work on the level from a top-down perspective.
Development Process
We came up with the idea of trying something new and working at a top-down level. Since I was a big fan of games like V Rising, Frostpunk and Diablo, I wanted to try a new perspective and push myself out of my comfort zone.
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Story Background
You play as Branna, a Viking female warrior tasked by one of the villagers to seek some of the lost people and free them. Since it is dark and the night walkers have appeared, they have captured some of the people from your village.
"Whispers of Lost Lights" is a top-down action-adventure game where players take on the role of a female warrior. Their mission? Free captives and defeat the evil forces spreading darkness across the land. Created for the Dreamscape #2 game jam, the theme was Illuminate, and we had a mere ten days to develop and design the entire project.
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Development Process
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In crafting the level, I structured it into distinct zones featuring puzzles for players to navigate and solve alongside encampments where enemies imprisoned civilians, whom Branna, the protagonist, had to rescue.
Drawing inspiration from the atmospheric and thematic elements of the Diablo series, I sought to imbue the game with a dark and foreboding ambience. Set against nightfall backdrop, accentuated by the enveloping fog of war, the scene exuded an eerie atmosphere. By utilizing the guiding orb and Branna herself as a light source, we effectively captured the essence of the theme, creating a compelling and immersive experience for players.
The Village
In shaping the village within a Viking environment, I aimed for authenticity, constructing simple yet sturdy homes surrounded by wooden spike fences to emphasize the constant threat of enemy incursions. To optimize resource usage for the game jam, I limited the number of houses, utilizing a mix of varying-quality models. To imbue each structure with character and diversity without overtaxing the project, I judiciously reused certain houses while introducing distinct props to evoke a sense of individuality throughout the village landscape.
The Enemy Camps
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I've incorporated multiple camps into the level, each housing NPCs ensnared by enemy forces. Players will stumble upon these encampments and undertake the noble task of liberating the villagers. The layout of the enemy camps is straightforward, featuring a few essential assets. Players can easily discern the proximity of enemies either through a shift in ambient sounds to combat music or by spotting circling crows above the encampments, signalling imminent danger ahead.
The Jumping Puzzles
I've strategically placed several jumping puzzles throughout the level leading up to the final boss encounter to introduce a change of pace and provide players with a new challenge besides combat. These puzzles offer a refreshing diversion, encouraging players to navigate obstacles and platforms skillfully rather than engaging in continuous combat with enemies.
The Final Boss Area
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The final boss area is situated in a remote spot on a cliff, offering a significant battleground where players must face both minor enemies and a robust primary foe with unique abilities. The landscape is strewn with broken pillars, weathered stones, and rubble, giving it an old-fashioned appearance. A towering statue in the shadows adds to the eerie atmosphere, giving the area a demonic vibe.
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