Dev Log | 010 | Game Design Document v.#1

 Here's what I have so far. Very much a work in progress.


Project Ghost
June 2014
Demo/Mini-game


Project Ghost is a third-person RPG Platformer 

Overview

Project Ghost is about a spellcaster who travels a magic world looking for something he lost.

Gameplay
    Using classic RPG and Platformer elements, the player will be able to cast spells, use potions, and summon monsters to crave his way through enemies and a sometimes hostile environment.

Player Mindset
    Player will have an adventurous and playful mindset while playing the game. It is the hopes of the developer that they will have a laugh or two sometime during their gameplay.

Technical

Screens
  
     Title Screen- First thing seen by player that they can interact with
           Start- Start a new game
           Continue- If existing save file is available,  player can continue from the place they/game
                           saved
           Exit- Exit the start screen
           Options- Adjust sound levels, contrast, and screen resolution
  
    Level Select- Player can go back to any area they've been to before
  
    Game
           Inventory- Storage for usable items, collectibles, currency. etc.
           Stats- Info regarding Hero, Summons, Enemy combatants, etc.
           Next Level- Continue on to next level
  
    Extras- Art, Cosmetic items, Behind-the-scenes, etc.
  
    End Credits- Software, credits, and thanks to all those involved in project

Controls/Mechanics
  
     Movement- Standard player movements(w,a,s, and d) including but not limited to: dodge,
                       crouch, sneak(tip-toe), climb and swim.
  
    Toolbox- Items and talents open to player at any point in time during gameplay
             Ex. Player can use a health potion at any point in time if  the following requirements are
                   met: 1) It is  not during a cutscene, 2) the potion is available in inventory, 3) and if
                   the Hero's health has been depleted.
  
   Playfield- Items and talents only open to player when made available on the playfield
                  (playfield only assets).
            Ex. Player can summon a support character if the following requirements are: 1) If
                  summon portal is made available on the playfield, 2) if it is not during a cutscene,
                  3) and if a barrier/puzzle is not  blocking player access to summon portal.

Graphics

Style Attributes

Cartoony with contrasting colors. Silhouette of character(s) in-game should be readable from a distance and with black and white value scale. If the textures and silhouettes are off in a black and white color scale they will probably be off in color as well.

Small areas of high detail with large areas of low detail. Too much visual info at once can confused and aggravate the player. By keeping small areas of high detail and large areas of low detail, the player's eye will be attracted to the high detail without being stressed out. This will also allowed for more small "embellishments" to be scattered throughout the level.

In short, less is more in regards to visual interest in the game.


That's it for now.

Thanks for reading.

Echo0