LABYRINTH
ROLE: LEVEL AND SYSTEMS DESIGNER
THINKING IN
SHAPES
Labyrinth's take on puzzle platformers is all about going back to the basics. Cubes are solids that remain fixated in space, while spheres are bouncy, fun objects.
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Solve puzzles by switching between both forms on certain objects while listening to a specially crafted narrative delivered through audio.
THE CORE EXPERIENCE
Labyrinth's core experience is about basic shape manipulation. There are a few basic types of mini puzzles that we combine in order to make more complex scenarios for the player to solve.
FOUNDATION
MODULARITY
Modular 4 by 4 pieces allow us to construct levels that follow metrics well enough.
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Puzzle elements and interactable were all scaled according to the 4 by 4 allowance as well. This adherence to numbers mean that players will be much more accustomed to level puzzles.
WORK IN PROGRESS: RESEARCH AND INSPIRATIONS
PORTAL
The most iconic puzzle platformer is Valve's Portal series, which lent a lot of use to good level spatial design and guidance principles.
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The testing environment is well lit and atmospheric, yet done masterfully to support the breakout narrative of the game's story.
EARLY CONCEPT
The early days of Labyrinth existed as an overscoped ambition. An all-encompassing action and puzzle game with multiple biomes and enemies. The story was of an outer-worldly dimension known as the Labyrinth, where four main quadrants existed stretching to eternity. The player would quest in each quadrant until they reach the 'core'.
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Over time, we cut a lot of it down to realistic proportions and kept what we deemed necessary to achieve the vision.
VISUAL INSPIRATIONS
A lot of abstract themes were drawn as inspiration. Modernistic sleek cityscapes from games such as Mahou Arms were referenced, coupled with abstract designs from Control.
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Escher Art was also looked at, referencing the use of tessellation in the famous Alhambra to achieve the iconic feel.
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The team also looked at real life malls, combining both Singaporean and American mall architecture. The lively styles of Singaporean Malls and Hospitals were fused with abandoned American mall gallerias to provide an eerie feel.
