Project Title: [PYG]MALION*
Short Description: A visually surreal, interactive story that explores modern systems and the dangers of idolization through an abstract murder mystery.
Updated Prototype (No Assets): Here
Final semester hype!
While I didn't get the chance to do much over break, I knocked out a ton of work over January. The file itself has gone from 4.5k to a painful 20k word-count, with each play-lasting about 6-8k words. When timed, it's about 12-15 minutes, though I've added a skip intro button for both my and your convenience. I also discovered night mode, which. Is amazing.
The image below shows a more visual comparison of said progress:
Each color represents a different main section; although, red is more of a visual marker for passages and sections that are still works in progress.
Basically, what all this new content translates to is:
2AM / Introduction (Complete)
Player can set title and gender
Player can set gender of Partner character
3-4 Interactive hooks here
3AM / Bulk (70%)
Player can now explore the mansion
Player can now interview the suspects
Player can engage companion for location-based text
Introduction of passage-visit mechanics
Preparation for Interactive Map (image-mapping)
10-12 interactive hooks here
4AM / Conclusion (20%)
Initial "endings" are written
Beginning of true end has been written
Below is the functioning code for the dynamic "map" system, and an image of the "completed" user interface (iconography / visuals aside).
<<set $rooms to {
0: {
name: "The Grounds",
code: "mansion_grounds",
},
1: {
name: "The Stables",
code: "mansion_stables",
},
2: {
name: "The Foyer",
code: "mansion_foyer",
},
3: {
name: "The Triclinium",
code: "mansion_triclinium",
},
4: {
name: "The Stateroom",
code: "mansion_stateroom",
},
5: {
name: "The Conservatory",
code: "mansion_conservatory",
},
6: {
name: "The Study",
code: "mansion_study",
},
7: {
name: "The Terrace",
code: "mansion_terrace",
}
}>>
<<for _i to 0; _i lt 8; _i++>>
<<nobr>><<set _link to $rooms[_i]["name"]>>
<<set _dest to $rooms[_i]["code"]>>
<<capture _link;_dest>>
<<link _link _dest>><<set $inmenu = false>><<set $dest=_dest>><<set $exploretimer += 1>><</link>>
<</capture _link>>
<</nobr>>
<</for>>
An example of the completed interface, visuals aside
For the future, my goal is to complete the game itself by mid-February, and then work on remaining assets, polishing, and testing. The tasks essentially boil down to:
Creating/Figuring Out a time system based on exploration
Triggering conclusion/progress through said system
Finishing & fleshing out current WIP sections
Finishing writing & coding 3AM, 4AM sections
Experimenting with Pixsy to turn my art/photos into pixel art
The final revision will be submitted to the upcoming online festival that is Spring Thing 2021.
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