CONCEPT SKETCHES
Sidekick Character
The previous sketches are conceptual ideas for the look our player's sidekick monster will have. In the first sketches, the character looks like a beast that lives within the shadows, but appears friendly in nature. Since the character will be much larger than the player, its smile and cuddly vibe will convey to the player that it is not scary, but rather, it seeks to help them achieve their goal to complete the game. In our second idea, the beast appears more mystical and dark, but is given a fox-like tail and bright eyes to give the appearance of a helper.
Enemies
The enemies throughout the game lurk in the shadows, and come out to pressure the player only in later stages of the game. Their look echos that of the players' sidekick, but appears creepier and more threatening. However, the furry nature and overall style of the character ensures that the enemies will not appear scary enough to frighten the player out of playing our game, but rather just hints that these characters should be avoided.
Environment
Our game is played in stages where the player encounters a new area filled with new puzzles every time they advance to the next level. All these areas are lit in the center by a light coming through a peak above them. These lit areas represent where the character can walk around in the space. The darkness surrounding the light represents the areas where the player cannot walk into, and it is there that the enemies lurk. The player can, however, direct their sidekick beast to explore the darkness and bring items to them that they may need to solve puzzles. The environment is inspired by underground caves that allow pools of light to flood them where the ceiling above them is broken.