RETURN ZERO;

I.D.S.
Invades where no computer virus has gone before.

Game Design Document

Justin Begalka, Nicholas Gonzalez, Kristen Miguel, Brandon Renne, Zachary Woolever 12/12/2010

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Game Design Document

Table of Contents
High Concept ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Storyline........................................................................................................................................................ 5 Characters ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 Environments ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Weapons & Abilities ................................................................................................................................... 11 Game Flow .................................................................................................................................................. 13 User Interface ............................................................................................................................................. 14 Controls....................................................................................................................................................... 17 Features ...................................................................................................................................................... 19

IDS High Concept:

Game Design Document

I.D.S is a unique 2.5 D action-packed puzzle shooter about a microscopic battle against a mysterious virus within the human body. This game has plenty of action that will pull in individuals interested in shooters and action games, while also reaching out to people who enjoy exploring and solving puzzles. What makes this game special is the dark comedic storyline, swarm-control gameplay, the diverse puzzles unique to each level, interactive environments, and immersive locations representing different parts of the human body. I.D.S. has many exciting features such as a data collection library and achievements. There are also different modes of gameplay for all kinds of players to enjoy such as the single-player story mode, a time-based objective mode, a multiplayer co-op mode, and a multiplayer versus mode with an option to connect with other players online. This game takes the genre to another level by combining these elements to attract casual and hardcore gamers alike. The games story takes place in the year 2100, when an isolated breakout of an unknown virus continues to confound doctors and scientists attempting to identify the disease. C.A.D., the Center for Abnormal Diseases, decides to launch their latest project Althea; the first nano-pod developed to be the ultimate cure for the human race. What people dont know is that the virus is not what it seems. The virus is actually a computer virus attempting to take over the consciousness of the human race through internal means. How this virtual virus manifested into physical form is unknown, but its effect on humans is apparent that they slowly lose control over their mind and body. The whole world watches as Althea is put to the test in mankinds last hope from this imminent threat, by plummeting into the bowels of one confused, distressed, and sick man. The player is taken inside the vast world of the human anatomy as Althea, facing biological threats such as bacteria and other foreign microorganisms, but most especially the computer virus, named Virus X, biologically taking over the human host. The overall objective is to find and destroy Virus X while keeping the host and yourself alive. However, you will encounter a number of Virus Xs minions sent to corrupt the body and destroy you; the Worm, Mimic, Creeper, and Zombie. NPCs outside of the body, the doctor and scientist, direct the

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Game Design Document

player through dialogue during gameplay progression and story driven events. Levels are divided into several parts which will be unlocked in chronological order; the stomach, lung, leg, arm, and brain. These locations feature blood vessels, bronchi, bone, muscle, and brain tissue, all corrupted by the invasion of Virus X and his minions. The heart provides a home base for Althea once unlocked, where the player can instantly travel to any unlocked levels via major blood vessels to re-explore and discover hidden areas. You are equipped with a base set of weapons and abilities, eventually gaining more as the player progresses through each level. You start off with a basic laser, healing, speed boost, and scanner. You also have a special ability to control white blood cells and use specific commands to help defend or attack against enemies, as well as help solve certain puzzles. Healing is used to help give the player a limited amount of health when the players health is low. The scanner is used to collect data while exploring and discovering hidden objects. Other abilities that are earned include acid, shockwave, adrenaline, tranquilizer, nuke, and electric pulse. These abilities have different properties that can affect the player, the enemy, and the host. Data chips can be collected throughout the levels to upgrade these weapons and abilities. Finally, red blood cells act as keys to open areas and heal damaged parts of the host. All abilities are crucial for defeating enemies, solving puzzles, and overcoming obstacles. These abilities have a cool down so the player has to use these abilities wisely. This game is released for the PS3 and XBox 360. We chose these platforms because this type of game would work well on both online networks as a downloadable game. We also believe the control scheme for PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers to work well for our game mechanics. The target audience for this game is around the age group of 13+ (T rating from the ESRB), since the game includes graphic images and cartoon violence. Our main competitors are against Microbots, Shred Nebula, Geometry Wars, and ReMission. Microbots is our toughest competition after finding similarities between storyline and game play, but we also find areas where our game shines over this one. First of all, we all feel that our storyline is more dynamic and intriguing. We also rely puzzle elements which as far as we know Microbots is not including. We also feel that our environment will be more engaging. While Microbots is taking a more serious route we feel that the humor our game includes suit 3

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Game Design Document

us better and ultimately make IDS a better game. Both games have online multiplayer modes and both games are equal in this specific aspect. Overall we are confident that given the chance we shall produce a superior product. Shred Nebula has many similarities in that levels are much larger. There is an exploration aspect to the game and the multiplayer mode is very well done with ships that all play completely different from one another. Some things in our favor is that the IDS control scheme allows players to be up and running in no time while Shred Nebula takes more time to get used to. Not only will the controls be easier but we are also looking to make a co-op mode online so players can jump into a game and help out. This alongside our multiplayer scenarios will come out on top. Geometry Wars has a control scheme and style of the game is very akin to the style of the game we are making. IDS will be different as the levels that we are planning are going to be very big and not just the size of the TV. We have diverse powers and an engaging story to capture the players attention longer. Re-Mission is similar to ours in a general subject matter of story. However, this games nano-bot takes on a human from rather than a spaceship or cell like bot. We are not sure that design is suitable for a game such as this. The tutorial for this game is not the greatest either; you might as well just jump right into the game and save yourself twenty minutes. The major problem with the tutorial is that they do not tell you what key to press for different actions. It seems the developers tried to overcomplicate this game, which does not come close to successful. This is where IDS will be much better. The tutorial for IDS quickly and efficiently teaches you about the game, so a player can go over everything they need to know once they start the game. The game also tries to add humor, but is not greatly successfully in its delivery. We also do not understand why you need to calm down the host after you fought off the cancer cells attacking their body. We could see repairing damaged areas of the body, but communicating with the host and telling them to calm down is just too much. We feel that IDS has a much better story behind it, and will be much easier to play and enjoy.

IDS Storyline:

Game Design Document

*Story can only be followed in single-player mode.

It is the year 2100. An isolated breakout of an unknown virus continues to confound doctors and scientists attempting to identify the disease. C.A.D., the Center for Abnormal Diseases, decides to launch their latest project Althea; the first nano-pod developed to be the ultimate cure for the human race. What people dont know is that the virus is not what it seems. The virus is actually a computer virus attempting to take over the consciousness of the human race through internal means. How this virtual virus manifested into physical form is unknown, but its effect on humans is apparent that they slowly lose control over their mind and body. The whole world watches as Althea is put to the test in mankinds last hope from this imminent threat, by plummeting into the bowels of one confused, distressed, and sick man. Characters:

Project Althea: Main Character The player will control Althea, a new sophisticated biotech nano-pod designed specifically to heal, repair, and repel any ailments to the human body. This highly advanced technology and AI allows Althea to learn and evolve while in the body. Because this technology being so new and advanced it is first tested on a subject with less severe symptoms to make sure Althea sticks to her main objective to protect and defend the body.

White Blood Cells: Ally White blood cells will be very useful to Althea as she can use them as a protective shield or temporary allies to help with larger enemy mobs.

Germs/Bacteria: Neutral & Hostile With the body being weakened the germs and bacteria within the body will be strengthened, whether they are hostile or neutral Althea will have to eliminate these to lessen the stress upon the body and open the route to the source of the problem.

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Game Design Document

Virus X: Main Villain The mysterious main threat to the human host that is actually a computer virus manifested itself into a biological form. Initially the virus creates distress in the body below the brain targeting the more sensitive organs and least threatening, the stomach. It makes the host feel as though they are suffering from simple stomach flu. In order to do this it detaches seeds or minions of itself to cause distress so that the virus can travel to the hosts brain undetected.

Worm: Boss The boss infecting the stomach level. The worm has autonomous parts that make up larger enemy and attacks simultaneously

Mimic: Boss The boss infecting the arm level. The mimic acts like a Trojan by disguising itself as an ally of the body.

Creeper: Boss The boss infecting the lung level. The creeper self-replicates itself to protect its original core and attempts to suffocate the host.

Zombie: Boss The boss infecting the leg level. The zombie takes other cells and converts them to enemies. Enemies will create barriers and slowly encroach upon Althea.

Patient: NPC The human host chosen for the Althea project experiment.

Doctor: NPC The man that will vocally assist the player on the hosts condition.

Scientist: NPC The man that will vocally assist the player on Altheas condition.

Nurse: NPC In charge of taking care of the patient and assisting the doctors and scientists instructions.

IDS Environments:

Game Design Document

The game takes place inside of different parts and organs of the human body on a microscopic level. A list of locations includes the stomach, heart, lung, leg, arm, and brain.

Petri Dish: This is the tutorial level, where we will get the player used to the controls in a controlled environment. It is a simple circular level and there will be easy base enemies inserted so that the player can get comfortable with the game before they are actually launched into the human host. There will be no bosses within the level. Just different elements so that player can test out each of their starting abilities.

Stomach: The human host will swallow Althea who will be encapsulated within a pill. The player will start playing as Althea is swallowed. They will have to break apart the capsule and escape before the stomach acid consumes them. The level will be dark, damp and the player will face off against the first boss in the game. This boss is a large wormlike creature. After some puzzle solving the player will realize that in order to confront the first boss of this level they need to make the host vomit. Once the player activates this mechanism, they and the boss will begin a racing battle to escape the wave of acid. The player will work against a timer and must defeat the boss before it runs out or else they will be vomited out along with the first boss. If the player is victorious they will escape the esophagus and earn a new ability called acid before moving to the heart level.

o Boss Worm: Has autonomous parts that make up the larger enemy and attacks simultaneously. The Player must time shots, because the work will be moving quickly. The different parts of the worm are called beetles. o Base Enemy - Beetle: Attaches itself to other beetles, then fires projectiles at the player. o Ability Earned: Acid

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Game Design Document Heart: The heart level is not really a level, but will act more like a base of operation for the player. They can travel to the heart and move quickly to any part of the body they wish to go. This is mostly for exploration, achievements, and gaining enough data chips to buy more upgrades. As soon as the player finishes with the stomach level, they will enter the heart and have their first confrontation with Virus X. This will be a cinematic scene where the player will witness Althea chasing Virus X from the heart, establishing the heart as the players base. From this point the pathway to the lungs will unlock while all other passages will be blocked.

Left Lung: After the player leaves the heart, they will begin chasing after Virus X who will trap the player in the lungs with the second boss. The second boss known as the Creeper will attack the player and send them all the way to the bottom of the lungs where the level will begin. The player will engage in early enemies and puzzle elements and will soon come across a rogue white blood cell. This is a mini-boss and will start by attacking and trying to rid Althea as if it was Virus X. Rogue would start off fighting with basic attacks. After Rogue takes a certain amount of damage it will hide from Althea, then other enemies will spawn and begin attacking Althea. After the enemies have been defeated, Rogue will come out of hiding believing that Althea summoned the enemies and begin to attack Althea once again. After a set amount of time has passed, Rogue will start using an ability called Shockwave. This will cause the area to open and Rogue will escape, while a bunch of spawned enemies will chase after Rogue, it will be the player responsibility to destroy the spawned enemies before they kill Rogue. If the player is successful they will see a cinematic of Rogue giving the move Shockwave to Althea before dying. After the Mini-Boss the player will engage more enemies and puzzles before unlocking the way to the Creeper Boss. The player will not be able to fight Creeper directly but will have to do some puzzle work to expose Creeper and attack. Once the boss is defeated, the player will travel back to the Heart level to find that the pathway to the leg level is now unlocked.

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Game Design Document o Boss Creeper: Is a self replicating boss, fill mass amounts of space in the lungs causing the host to suffocate. The player must target key points during the boss fight that will cause the host to cough. This cough will clear out all of the Creeper replicas leaving the core of the Creeper exposed for attack. The player will also have to use their new ability Shockwave in order to keep from being overrun. o Base Enemies: Leeches and Bacteria. o Ability Earned: Shockwave.

Leg: Upon arriving in the leg level, they player will witness a heavy muscle/tissue area. They player will also notice that everything within this environment including themselves is slowed down. This is due to the boss that is in this part of the body. They player will have to solve puzzles in order to progress through the level and unlock the ability Adrenaline. This allows the player to speed up the environment for a short period of time. For this level it will cause the environment to be normal. This is very bad for the enemies of this level as they are very slow even at normal speed causing the muscles to contract and destroy many of them. After solving some more puzzles using this ability the player will run into the boss of this level called Zombie. This Zombie cell is responsible for turning healthy cells into corrupted ones that will attack the player as they try to progress through the level. (Boss fight not yet finalized) After the boss fight the player will return to the Heart where they will find the pathway to the arm level unlocked.

o Boss Zombie: Responsible for slowing down this part of the body and corrupting healthy cells. Boss fight not yet finalized. o Base Enemies: Z Cells Corrupted cells created by Zombie boss. o Ability Earned: Adrenaline.

Arm: Arriving at the arm the player will notice another environment similar to the leg level in that there is a lot of muscle tissue. This will also be another big puzzle level, as 9

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Game Design Document the level will be based around finding and chasing the boss throughout the level. The player will earn the ability tranquilizer, which will be needed as the boss called Mimic can move very fast. The player will solve more puzzles using the new ability before finally cornering the boss for the final fight. (Boss fight not yet finalized) After the boss fight the player will return to the Heart where the pathway to the brain will be unlocked.

o Boss Mimic: Acts like a Trojan. This boss masks itself as a friendly part of the body. Althea can use the scan ability to find out where the Mimic boss is hiding. The boss fight is not yet finalized. o Base Enemies: Bacteria and Beetles. o Ability Earned: Tranquilizer.

Brain: This is the final level of the game and the player will need to utilize each ability they have earned in order to progress successfully throughout the level. Enemies will be stronger as this is where Virus X has made its base in order to take control over the human host. There will be no new abilities learned for this level. The player will come face to face with Virus X in a final showdown. When the player is victorious they will have to choose between two decisions. The first decision is if they destroy Virus X the host will die, however if they let Virus X Live the host will be taken over by virus X and be a puppet to the virus. It will be up to the player to make the decision. Once the player has made the decision the game will end with a special cinematic the will come with either ending that is chosen. (Boss fight and enemies not yet finalized for this level).

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IDS Weapons & Abilities:

Game Design Document

Weapons and abilities can be upgraded in the start menu under Options or during gameplay in the pause menu. Every weapon and ability has a certain amount of data chips required to successfully upgrade. Starting Weapons/Abilities:

Laser o Main weapon for Althea. o Damages enemies

Nuke o Destroys all enemies on screen. o Only one per level. o Awarded more per level, as player levels. o Maxes out at 3.

Speed Boost o Increases Altheas speed. o Has a meter. o Recharges quickly.

Heal o Drains fast, recharges slow. o Has a turbo meter. o Grants a limited amount of health to Althea. o Upgradable.

Scanner o Scans the body to collect data from different environments. o Helps discover hidden objects.

White Blood Cell Combo System o Controls white blood cells. 11

IDS o Guard, barrier for Althea at the front. o Hold, keeps white blood cells stationary.

Game Design Document

o Call, brings white blood cells to Althea and circles around player. o Attack, lets white blood cells go to attack close enemies.

Earned Abilities: *These abilities are earned while the player goes through a level before they encounter the boss.

Electric Pulse (From Brain) o Interlinks nearby enemies close to each other and shocks them.

Acid (From Stomach) o Burns enemies. Stays in a range for a limited period of time.

Shockwave (From Lungs) o Does not damage, pushes things around Althea, away. Objects that are pushed can be damage by colliding with walls or with other objects.

Adrenaline o Obtained from leg level. o Speeds up surrounding objects. o Buffs up white blood cells.

Tranquilizer o Obtained from arm level. o Slows down/freezes surrounding objects.

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IDS Game Flow

Game Design Document

Start Game

Tutorial

Stomach

Heart

Lung

Leg

Arm

Brain

Conclusion 1

Conclusion 2

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IDS User Interface:

Game Design Document

Title Screen:

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IDS Start Menu Flow-Diagram:

Game Design Document

Start Game

Continue

Multiplayer

Options

Exit Game

Begins SinglePlayer Game

Loads Last Saved Game

Opens Online or Local Screen

Asks for Confirmation

If so, Exit Game Online Local Credits Connects to the Internet and Lists Available Servers Game Setup Screen Display Rolling Credits Begin Multiplayer Game

Settings

Extras

Screen: Adjust resolution and brightness

Audio: Adjust volume

Cinematic: Displays Thumbnails of Unlocked Cutscenes

Achievements: Displays a List of Unlocked Achievements

Data Library: Displays Information Gathered from Scanning

Upgrade Tree: Displays Unlocked Weapon/Ability Upgrades

Cheats: Screen to enter a cheat code

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IDS HUD: Special Ability with Cool Down Display Objective Notification

Game Design Document Red Blood Cell Storage (Max 3)

Health Bar

Speed Boost Bar

Health Bar: Monitors players health. This will turn red when health is low. Speed Boost Bar: Shows how much the player can currently speed up movement. Abilities Display: These are placed corresponding to the button controls. The blinking icon and color in the back of the icon shows the cool down status. Special Ability Display: Works similarly to the other ability displays except the icon in this display changes whenever the player switches special abilities. Red Blood Cell Storage: Shows how many red blood cells the player currently has. A red blood cell unit is consumed when the player goes near an area that needs to be healed. Objective Notification: This section displays the current objective of the player. It also alerts the player to any immediate threats.

Abilities with Cool Down Display

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Game Design Document

Controls:

Left Joystick Right Joystick D-Pad (Up) D-Pad(Down) D-Pad(Left) D-Pad(Right) Start Select

Move player Rotates Player/Shoots Laser Guard Hold/Stay Call Attack Pause Game Toggle Mini-Map

X Button B Button Y Button A Button Right Bumper Left Bumper Right Trigger Left Trigger

Tranquilizer Adrenaline Scanner Heal Cycle Abilities Nuke Special Ability Speed Boost

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Game Design Document

Left Joystick Right Joystick D-Pad (Up) D-Pad(Down) D-Pad(Left) D-Pad(Right) Start Select

Move player Rotates Player/Shoot Laser Guard Hold/Stay Call Attack Pause Game Toggle Mini-map

Button
O Button Button X Button Right Bumper Left Bumper Right Trigger Left Trigger

Tranquilizer Adrenaline Scanner Heal Cycle Abilities Nuke Special Ability Speed Boost

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IDS Features:

Game Design Document

Multiplayer Co-Op Mode: o The player works together with a partner to heal the host within a time limit. o Unlocked levels in single-player story mode can be chosen in this mode. o Each level consists of different objectives dynamic to the environment. o Has the option to connect online Multiplayer versus Mode: o Players play against each other in a death match setting. o Players can choose different characters to play with. o Unlocked levels in single-player story mode can be chosen in this mode. o Has the option to connect online Time-Based Mode: o o o Data Library: The Data Library can be found underneath the Options menu under Extras. This library holds information unlocked by the player when they use the scanner ability during single-player mode. Most of the information here provides a more in-depth look to the story surrounding the characters and their background. Achievements: There are plentiful achievements the player can unlock that compliments both the Xbox 360 and PS3 network features. These achievements keep the player on top of their game, allowing them to fully experience the difficulties and stratagems the game has to offer by setting surprising goals to fulfill. The player must complete a set of objectives within the time limit or else the host dies. Unlocked levels in single-player story mode can be chosen in this mode. Each level consists of different objectives dynamic to the environment.

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