Same Same But Different
October 2023.
Made in GameMaker 2.
Using Procreate & LogicProX.
Coded in GML.
Solo.
Design Overview:
Project Scope:
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Created in 3 hours for a game jam; the game was feature-complete at this point.
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Expanded with more levels and cutscenes for the full release.
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Utilised simple mechanics to explore the theme of dual realities.
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A simple short game.
Design Goals:
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Implement simple rounded mechanics that are easy to learn yet hard to master.
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Establish a striking, yet simple and effective art style.
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Incorporate an interesting single-player multiplayer dynamic that makes use of one game mode.
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Enable gameplay with one character controlled with ‘WASD’ and another using the arrow keys. The player can either control both simultaneously or split the keyboard to play with a second player. This omission of a separate game mode fundamentally changes the philosophical meanings of the game.
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Create an addictive, rewarding (and at times frustrating) gameplay loop that compels players to keep playing.
Steps Taken To Achieve This:
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Streamlined mechanics with minimal tutorialization, employing simple colours, quick respawn times, and short levels to facilitate learning from mistakes.
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Provided slight differences in handling between characters, with one being faster and the other able to jump higher, underlining thematic elements of the game.
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Utilised a simple yet evocative art style, complemented by sedative music and audibly pleasant sound design to reinforce themes.
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Made the game playable in its current format as both a single-player and multiplayer experience. Cutscenes help to emphasise the difference between the two experiences.
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Utilised sounds to enhance gameplay satisfaction, and included a death counter on the home screen displaying the player's best run through the game to challenge players to beat that score.
Evolution Of The Project:
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The project remained largely unchanged from its original conception due to its creation within a short time frame.
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Due to the 3-hour time limit, very little documentation was created before the game was complete.
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After submission to the jam, feedback highlighted some puzzles being too precise. In the full version later released, featuring more levels, these issues were addressed, and the difficulty curve was managed accordingly.
Dual Realities:
"Same Same But Different" was a whirlwind project, accomplished within a three-hour timeframe using Game Maker for TriJam game jam. My primary objective was to craft an engaging and captivating game, built upon elegantly simple mechanics that pushed boundaries with innovative implementation. Given the remarkable brevity of the project, I maintained a concise working document, comprising a checklist of features that were methodically ticked off as they came to life.
The thematic underpinning of "dual realities" provided a fascinating foundation for the game. The concept of a single character mirrored in a reflection, with the enigma of determining the genuine article, added depth and intrigue to both realms, rendering each reality equally compelling and authentic.
Building upon this thought-provoking interpretation, I devised two distinct player characters, each with unique attributes and challenges, their journeys unfolding in parallel. Although these characters never cross paths, their paths are intertwined; the demise of one spells the end for the other. Numerous obstacles cross the lines between these divergent realities, posing a shared hazard to both characters.
One of the standout features of this game is its versatility, allowing for solo or cooperative play. Interestingly there are no separate game modes. This flexibility is achieved through a dual-control system, with one character manoeuvred using the "WASD" keys and the other via the "arrow keys." Players can opt to tackle both characters in tandem or share responsibilities with a friend, altering the game's dynamics. This shift in gameplay perspective fosters a transition from self-harmony to teamwork, transforming the narrative from a singular character's reflection to the compelling story of two parallel lives.
Since the jam ended, Same Same has been fleshed out to include 20 levels with new features and cutscenes being added. It is available for free download at Itch.io or to play online at GX.games.
