Game Ideas

I have 3 ideas for games that fit within the theme of "connected". All of these games would be in a 3D environment. 

Game Idea 1: QWOP-nnect 4

Embrace chaos with this wacky take on Connect 4, where beating your opponent is almost as difficult as fighting the controls. See if you have the skills to control your spaghetti arms and become the master of Connect 4. Grab some friends and let the good times roll with this devious party gem!

My first idea is a mix between the popular browser game QWOP and Connect 4. This would involve 2 players facing off against each other taking turns placing their pieces, with the twist that moving their character's arm is very difficult. There could be different buttons that pulse each joint in the arm, such as the hand, elbow, and shoulder. The result of this would be players managing the strategy of winning the game of Connect 4 while struggling to get the pieces where they want them to, meaning chaotic fun! Being a light-hearted party game, this would appeal to a broad audience, but would be more appealing to a casual audience. The most critical aspect to get right is the controls, where it is essential to achieve a good balance so that players  struggle to get the pieces where they want without being too easy or impossible. I believe that this game has a lot of potential to be a fun party game due to the chaotic gameplay and wacky controls. The prototype would focus on getting the gameplay right and developing a unique art style.  

 Rough sketch of gameplay idea for QWOP-nnect 4.

Game Idea 2: Tethered Together

Grab a friend and enjoy this heart-warming co-op platforming adventure, where you must work together to solve puzzles and overcome exciting climbing challenges, all while tethered together!

My second idea is a cooperative platformer where both players are tied together with a cable. One character would be large and slow moving, and the other is small and nimble. The strong character can pick up large objects, act as an anchor for the smaller character to dangle off ledges, and stand on heavy switches. The smaller character can fit in small spaces, jump high, and climb quickly. This would be a puzzle platformer where both players need to work together to succeed, and would have simple puzzles and platforming challenges. The most challenging aspect of this game would be implementing the cable so that it behaves naturally and abides the laws of physics. This could include mechanics such as the large character hanging on a ledge while the smaller character swings beneath them to reach a far off area. This game would also appeal to a broad audience, and could be a good family game.  I think this game could be successful due to the interesting dynamic between both players and tight gameplay loop. The aim of the prototype would be implementing the unique characteristics of the characters, getting the tether feeling natural, and creating simple levels that showcase the unique gameplay.

Very rough drawing of small character using the large character as an anchor to swing to an otherwise unreachable switch.  

Game Idea 3: Untitled Slime Game

It's slime time! Challenge yourself with this tricky first-person puzzler, where you must use all your tools to survive. Shoot slime, avoid deadly traps, and fly around with your water jet-stream in this charming yet devious game! 

My final idea is a first person puzzle game, slightly influenced by the rapid prototyping lecture. Players would wield a gun that can shoot sticky slime with the left click, and shoot high pressure water with the right click. The water can wash away the slime, but can also be used to jump higher if the player shoots it beneath them. This game would be a series of puzzle rooms in the vein of games such as portal, where to succeed the player needs to use their gun to create platforms with slime, block flame-throwing robots with slime, and hover through the air with their water jet. This would be fairly straightforward to create, as there aren't any super difficult mechanics to implement. The audience for this game would be anyone interested in puzzle games, which is a broad range of ages.  I think this game could be successful due to the satisfying "gun" mechanics and unique puzzles. The prototype would focus on getting both functions of the gun right, and creating multiple levels that cleverly use the mechanics in increasingly difficult and complex ways.  

Another rough sketch showing the player blocking the robot's flame-thrower with slime.