Shadow Path- A Game Concept

Synopsis

In a world where vegetation has conscience until it definitively grows roots, a young mushroom has the ambition to explore its home forest before the time runs out. Its sunlight repellent nature causes it to depend on Buddy, a friendly ladybug it befriends along the way, who in return relies on Mushroom for safety. Dive into the mystical world featuring hand-drawn artwork and control both characters to complete their journey across the forest.

Mechanics

• Mushroom is unable to move in sunlight. The player must use Buddy to create shadow on their path and determine his friend to advance.
• Buddy will take shelter under Mushroom’s cap when raining/hunted by predators. He is unable to perform tasks in this state.
• Mushroom can move freely in rain. It has to use items stored in its inventory to overcome obstacles.
• Mushroom will participate in “boss fights” against Buddy’s predators to keep his friend safe.

Controls- mouse only

• Mushroom  moves automatically in the shadows
• Left-click: sends Buddy to an objective 
• Right-click: hides Buddy; repeating the action reveals him
• Scroll-down: camouflages Buddy against predators
• Scroll-up: exposes Buddy
• Press scroll wheel/Click on Mushrooms ring: access the inventory

Credits

The game concept in its entirety (narrative, mechanics, controls, visuals) was made by Diana-Maria Niculescu as an application for the BA Game Design degree at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.