Chaos Theory is an exciting 2D puzzle platform set in a hostile maze-like world where the player’s only goal is to survive. The world consists of several realms, each with slightly different obstacles. Players can switch between the realms if they find themselves unable to complete a level or simply want to change the scenery. Each realm is inhabited by monstrous alien creatures that the player needs to defeat in order to progress through levels. Enemies shoot projectiles in fixed directions, and the player needs to avert them. To do this, they can pick up blocks scattered around the level and move them around for the enemies’ projectiles to bounce from them. In different realms, various kinds of puzzles are available.
The game is currently under development, and four levels are already completed, each with its own puzzle design. We are currently working on the mechanics that can support a number of realms and multiple levels. We decided to opt for the camera that shows the whole map instead of following the player around in the style of classic platform games (Arsenault et al., 2016). The instructions have been improved so that the user can better understand how to play the game.
The development plans for the spring include adding new mechanics, levels, and puzzles, as well as improving the game design. Currently, only rough concept designs of levels are available, and we plan to polish them up further and work on the visuals to create a dark and gloomy atmosphere (Jun, 2019). New types of enemies will be added, varying in difficulty and appearance. Novel puzzles will be designed and incorporated into the game to increase versatility. Chaos Theory is meant to be a game that can be played for hours without getting bored.
References
Arsenault, D., Cote, P.-M., & Larochelle, A. (2016). The game FAVR: A framework for the analysis of visual representation in video games. The Journal of the Canadian Game Studies Association, 9(14), 88–123.
Jun, T. S. (2019). How to design breathtaking 2D platformer levels. Medium. Web.