Assignment 1, Part 3 –Level Creation – Concept Art & Story
Concept: Combination of art deco Metropolis and the Wild West
Story:
The year is 2030. Set in an alternate universe where Earth has advanced too much for its own good, the human race has been enslaved by the technology that they once created in the mid-1950s. Only 25% of the population remains, crammed into the western half of the United States. Sunlight is scarce in the city, as it is overrun with heavy pollution. Civilians are lucky to live to the age of 30 due to such conditions.
The president of this dystopia has complete control over the civilians while they are inside of “the wall”, yet once every week, a citizen is granted freedom for 6 hours where they are set to be free outside of the wall, if they are on good terms with the government. While this is rare to be the case, certain civilians do indeed get the chance to let loose, and have a break from working inside of the walled city.
What lies outside of “the wall” is said to be nothing more than desert and a barren wasteland. However, legend has it that there is an old saloon hidden in the darkness. Even though this old saloon is just an old tourist attraction given a fresh make-over to fit the visuals of the generation, it is often called the Fountain of Youth. The inside of the saloon is said to be beautiful, with marble floors, fresh upholstery, and “Gatsby” worthy architecture. A humanoid robot is said to await your order once you step inside.
YOU are the player; Unbeknownst, you were granted access to have your day of peace. Waking up just outside of the walls, after being set free for your 6 hours you must find your way to the saloon. Legend has it that the music can be distinctly heard once outside of the walls.
Art Style
The art style that I am going for is influenced by Team Fortress 2. TF2 had such influences as J.C. Leyendecker, Dean Cornwell, and Norman Rockwell. I feel like all of these art styles are perfect for capturing an art deco setting with Wild West elements.
Audio
Music playing from the saloon, foot step noises, and dialogue to be spoken by the bartender robot are necessary. The player will be silent.
Game Play
The player will start from a blurred screen, giving the look that they are regaining consciousness. Once they regain consciousness, they must navigate through the evening desert, trying to find the saloon by following the music with WASD and mouse.
Once inside of the saloon, the player will be able to explore the saloon. Interacting with the bar tender, changing the music on the juke box, and perhaps having a drink or two before being cut off are actions I would like to implement into the level.