What is NutriQuest
NutriQuest is game where players must maintain a balance diet in order to unlock abilities to progress. Players control two unique characters names Cash and Wally who both obtain unique abilities.
Full Playthrough
Full playthrough
Pre-Production
Paper Sketch
After playing the previous build of the game I would start designing the level from scratch using pencil and paper.
Digital Design
Once I had a general idea of the level and its gameplay elements, a digital sketch was then created using GIMP.
Previous build before joining the team
Paper Sketches
Digital Overview
Development Process
Prototyping
Using the digital sketch as reference, I would use the art assets from the previous build as placeholders. Later, communicating with the artist to formulate new assets.
Playtesting
Team members would playtest each version while providing feedback. For example, in an earlier version, players that died would respawn at the beginning of the room in which they died in.
After discussing, the idea of breakrooms was brought up. Entering a breakroom would act as a checkpoint, offering additional ingredients and recipes. Not entering the breakroom would result in spawning at the start of the level.
This combined with my personal testing would be the process on how changes were made throughout development.
Entering Breakroom
Not Entering Breakroom
Design Philosophy
Cooking
Cooking is only allowed at a campfire outside the tower. Which is the only way to receive progression towards abilities. Ingredients like apples, berries, pineapples can be consumed at anytime but only heal the player.
Abilities
For level 1 players can acquire abilities that pertain to protein, meaning when the required protein threshold is met they will then receive the abilities. Wally can push boxes while Cash gets a throwing ability.
Backtracking
I implemented a switch that would simulate the power being turned on. This would activate an elevator that would allow players to get to the campfire much faster instead walking all the way back.
Final thoughts
For being a prototype, it clearer shows what Nutriquest is all about. Even though I'm satisfied with my work, there are some things I would've done differently. For instance, incorporating additional challenges that required players to work together with and without abilities.
As my first contract opportunity working with other talented individuals, it will be deeply missed. Working with other individuals who love video games is such a treat.