Level Design – Ocean Level

This document describes what the level physically should look like in the game, why that is, and narration for the NPC guiding the player. I created this level and the narration to fit in with the overall story of a man suffering from PTSD after a near death experience. The narrator is the non-playable psychologist trying to help the suffering man. The way the man perceives the doctor (good/neutral/evil) is based off of how well the player is doing.

Level Description:

The Ocean level shows what the patient experienced before entering the water where their accident occurred. The player is on a beach where they can look around and see sand, rocks (overall, this is a very rocky beach) and rough wave. There are no people or animals, only the sounds the of the ocean waves. It’s meant to make the player feel isolated and slightly uncomfortable in an oddly quiet/muffled world.

Items to Collect:

What this Means:

Prior to the accident, the patient had been preparing for his adventure and was on the shore. At the time, the beach was lively and full of life. These items on the beach represent what the patient saw that day, the kids with their beach ball, the old man sitting under a beach umbrella, the older kids with their frisbee… These were the last happy moments the patient experienced.

Narration

“We meet again. I see you’ve made it through my previous challenges. Good for you, you managed to pick up a few items. What an accomplishment. It’s time to pick up the pace.

Look around you. Do you remember this place? You should. It’s time to find what you’ve lost. Well, if that’s possible for you. Though I doubt that… Find a Beach Ball, Fishing Rod, Life Vest, Frisbee, and Umbrella. GO, before your time falls away.”

Intro

(The walls seem to melt away, revealing a rocky beach. Water surrounds the player, almost as if they are on a small island. The water is calm and the faint sound of waves can be heard.)

High Score

Doctor
(mildly impressed)

Congratulations, you actually made it to phase two. Impressive, many would have quit already but here you are.

(cold)

Don’t expect things to get easier right away. No…things are going to get much harder for you, so prepare yourself, subject.

(neutral/interested)

Any questions so far?-Too bad, we’re out of time. Find a Beach Ball, Fishing Rod, Life Vest, Frisbee, and Umbrella. Remember…I’ll be watching. Better hurry.

Average Score

Doctor
(Sarcastic, annoyed)

We meet again. I see you’ve made it through my previous challenges. Good for you, you managed to pick up a few items. What an accomplishment. It’s time to pick up the pace.

(The waves start to gain momentum. The waves become louder.)

Doctor
(Curious, still annoyed)

Look around you. Do you remember this place? You should. It’s time to find what you’ve lost. Well, if that’s possible for you. Though I doubt that…

(There is a distortion in the radio and what sounds like a far off scream)

Doctor
(Forceful)

Find a Beach Ball, Fishing Rod, Life Vest, Frisbee, and Umbrella. GO, before your time falls away.

Failing Score

Doctor
(annoyed)

Welcome to phase two, though I’m not sure why you came. Clearly you can barley scrape by even when given the easiest of tasks. Is this too hard? Pathetic.

(disgusted)

Do you expect things to get better for you? Easier? They won’t. Nothing is going to change, you’ll go in circles until you expire.

But, you’re here so let’s just carry on. Find a Beach Ball, Fishing Rod, Life Vest, Frisbee, and Umbrella. 

(Throughout the level, the waves before more violent as time runs out.)

Completion of Level (collected all items)

Doctor
(Disgusted)

You made it through the list. Are you feeling any different? No? Of course not.

Hmm. Chances are slim but maybe there’s a glimmer of potential in you. Again, the chances are slim.

(Muttering)

Very, VERY, slim.

(Sighing)

Let’s see, continue to the next phase.

Completion of Level (did not collect all the items)

Doctor
(Aggravated)

You disappoint me again. I’m not surprised. How could I be? I knew from the start I had to set my standards low and this seems to be the best you can do.

(Apathetic)

It doesn’t matter now. We need to move on to the next phase. You’d better be ready. Time waits for no one.