Design Features

Overview

This page will discuss the design features and advanced features that have been implemented in the game. The maximum percentage attainable from the design features is 35% + 5% from the advanced features.

Design Features

A player health system [max 5%]

A player health system has been implemented in the form of three metrics - population happiness, gold and environmental health. When any of the metrics are depleted, the player loses the game. Also, a low environmental health brings in random weather events that also negatively effect the other two metrics, incentivising the player to maintain a healthy environment score.

Achievement System [max 5%]

There are 10 hidden achievements that can be unlocked through gameplay. When unlocked, the player receives a notification during the game, and these can be viewed from the main menu. Achievements have been inspired from decisions that can be made in the game including aspects where the player can go beyond what is necessary just to complete the game. A table displaying all unlockable achievements can be viewed here.

A high score screen [max 5%]

The player can choose to enter in their name before beginning the game to be used for the scoreboard. A score is calculated at the end of each playthrough whether or not the player completed the story. The score is based on the three metrics at the end of the playthrough with a larger weighting on the environment health metric. A leaderboard consisting of the top 10 scores can be viewed from the main menu.

Major UI redesign [5%]

The team has included original artwork in the form of final static cutscenes, NPC sprites, achievement icons and a custom bridge asset that has been implemented in the game world. All original artwork can be viewed here.

Sound and Music [5%]

Music has been with a different soundtrack playing during the main menu and each level in the game. Also, sound effects have been implemented for interactions such as button presses, in-game notifications, construction sounds, and unlocked achievements.

Game Dimension [max 10%]

The game world has been implemented in 3D where we allow the player to rotate the camera, zoom and pan across the town.

Advanced Features [max 5%]

Fixed Level Design

Three levels have been implemented connected with a continuous storyline. Each decision's impact is increased in later stages of the game, which makes each decision more meaningful and raising the difficulty of the game.

Deployed on WebGL

The game has been deployed on WebGL. It can be played here.

Multiple Story Endings

The storyline has been developed to incorporate multiple story endings. Decisions earlier in the game can have an impact on the story, visible in later stages of the game and the ending. Further justification of the multiple story endings can be viewed here.