GravitoElectroMagnetism
Game Designer - 2D Puzzle Game
Solo Project - 7 months
Solo Project - 7 months
The driving idea behind this project was a simple one – how far can I take a single mechanic? Indeed, many of my favorite (and the most iconic) puzzle games are built from a single central mechanic which, while expanded upon over the course of the game, keeps to a singular core concept. Thus, starting from the idea of gravity shifting, I began to elaborate on physics puzzles and game environments which would arise from and support such shifting. This brainstorming ultimately became the punchy, puzzling, pulp sci-fi inspired GEM, the story of the imperiled starship Newton and the rather creative engineer (read: player) who must save them.
The development of this project was largely separated into two stages – initial prototyping, and UX overhaul. The first phase was centered on developing the mechanics, levels, and gameplay – getting the game to exist. This covered:
The development of this project was largely separated into two stages – initial prototyping, and UX overhaul. The first phase was centered on developing the mechanics, levels, and gameplay – getting the game to exist. This covered:
- Creating and implementing gravity shifting and related mechanics
- Designing and playtesting 10 unique puzzle levels
- Adding basic UI, FX, and story
- Replacing a time-based scoring system with lives and move tracking
- Full UI redesigns for both clarity and flavor
- Improving existing FX and adding art & animation
- Redesigning, rearranging, and polishing levels for better flow
- Regular playtesting to guide development
Through both phases, playtesters were drawn in by the puzzles and mechanics, often praising the gameplay’s design and feel. Where the first stretch established a strong base concept and loop, the second elevated it to a unique experience which stood out to players. I’d be interested in returning to the project someday, in drawing the mechanics further to create new puzzles, in furthering the game’s B-movie brand of sci-fi. Until then, I wish the Newton luck on their voyages (and pray that their engineers can keep them out of trouble).
Contact me for a playable copy
Content Warning: Mentions of people in peril
Content Warning: Mentions of people in peril
Cover Images: Daniel Maland, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons,
Mitchfeatherston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mitchfeatherston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons