Dr Elderberry & The Tardigrades of Mana: Week 1

Ready, aim…

I’ve had some time after development to reflect on the prototype I made, and have decided what to do next.

Even though it kind of works as a proof of concept, it doesn’t include all the features necessary to express what I believe is possible: an anti-violence action game that uses energy exchange as a metaphor for human relationships. To do that, I’ll need to:

  1. Improve the core game loop/mechanics. Varied creature ailments need to be tightly related to discovering the cures and the health of the environment.
  2. Progress the character/environment/UI art and design to the high standard I envision. The visuals will be a big draw for this game, because that’s where I am more experienced and can lean into, eg: unique creature behaviour as response to trauma and multiple character death animations.
  3. Implement proper sound and music. This is integral to the game feel, and will also be part of the mana puzzles that reveal the cures.

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Tags: Dr Elderberry