Difference between revisions of "Game Design Document"

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= Concept =
  
== Introduction ==
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== Overview ==
  
=== Philosophy ===
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Surge the Rabbit™ is a free and open-source 2D retro platformer inspired by Sonic games. It creates the experience of joy with its gameplay, graphics, sounds and level design featuring a style from the 90's.
Create a free, highly modifiable open-source sidescroller in a style similar to the classic "Sonic" series, with the addition of RPG elements. Open Surge introduces a different style of gameplay called cooperative play, in which it's possible to control a group characters simultaneously. Each character has unique advantages and disadvantages, so some team work is needed in order to get through the levels.
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Our goal is that this game becomes fun, popular and widespread. It works on both old/slow and recent/fast computer hardware, and it also runs on diverse operating systems (mainly Windows, GNU/Linux and MacOS X). The download is small, so people with slow connections are able to get the game as well. Furthermore, this game has translations to multiple languages.
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* '''Basic intent:''' create a fun, child-like and compelling gameplay experience.
 +
* '''Target audience:''' children, teenagers, young adults, people who were children in the 90's.
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* '''Target hardware:''' desktop computers and mobile devices (multi-platform). It's available in all platforms that run the Open Surge Engine.
  
This game is focused on kids, teens and adults. As the basic requirements make it easily accessible by almost everyone, we expect that this game becomes available (worldwide) everywhere: personal computers, schools, software repositories of Linux distributions, fan communities, homebrew systems, etc.
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This document briefly describes the main elements of the game.
  
It's also of our best interest that users keep playing this game after they have cleared the regular levels. In order to achieve that goal, we provide a level creation mechanism: players are able to create their own levels using the level editor. Players can also modify the engine in order to make different styles of games.
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== Gameplay ==
  
=== Overview ===
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Surge the Rabbit is played similarly to the Sonic games of the SEGA Genesis.
This simplified design document covers the 1P Game mode and it reflects our vision of what the game will look like on version 1.0. Some details may change whenever necessary, but the basic idea of the game is already defined. Please note that this document does '''not''' cover multiplayer modes, engine details, etc.
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The 1P Game Mode will feature cooperative play (team play).
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* '''Controls:''' players use directional controls, as well as an action button, to control Surge and his friends. The action button usually makes the characters jump. However, different characters have different special abilities. Those abilities are triggered by a character-dependent combination of the directional controls with the action button. On desktop computers, players can use the keyboard and/or a joypad to control the characters. On mobile devices, a virtual joypad is displayed on the touch-screen.
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* '''Goal:''' the goal is to get through the levels, which come in a predefined sequence. Levels are divided in 3 zones each. Getting through levels means getting to the "end" of each of their zones. This usually happens by turning a goal flag (zones 1 and 2) or by breaking a goal capsule (zone 3).
 +
* '''Physics:''' the game has very similar physics compared to classic Sonic games, albeit the implementation is completely new and free (meaning: free and open-source software).
 +
** ''Abilities:'' walking, running, jumping and rolling are abilities that are common to all playable characters. Additional abilities are posessed by different playable characters.
 +
* '''Levels:''' zones have a beginning (a point in space in which the playable characters are spawned when first entering a zone) and an end (a point in space in which a goal sign or a goal capsule is located). Players get through numerous challenges and can use multiple routes to clear the levels.
 +
** ''Gimmicks:'' levels are rich with creative gimmicks, which are items that enhance gameplay in fun and original ways. Gimmicks are divided in two types: level-specific and generic. Level-specific gimmicks appear in a single level and are in line with its theme. Generic gimmicks appear in multiple levels and are not tied to a particular theme. Generic gimmicks are also called [[#Items|generic items]].
 +
** ''Baddies:'' non-playable characters that appear throughout the levels and represent a challenge to the player. The player can take damage from them. Baddies are usually, but not always, beaten by jumping or by rolling on them. Different levels have different baddies with their own unique behaviors.
 +
** ''Traps:'' traps also represent a challenge to the player, but unlike the baddies, traps are not characters. Traps appear in obvious ways such as spikes, or in non-obvious ways such as challenging sections of the level design.
 +
** ''Bosses:'' the player fights a different boss at the end of zone 3 of all levels. Easier "sub-bosses" also appear in some particular zones.
 +
* '''Powerups:''' the player can collect different powerups to get a temporary boost related to power, ability or protection.
 +
** ''Invincibility:'' the player will be invincible during 20 seconds. When invincible, the player cannot take damage from baddies. Instead, baddies are instantly defeated on collision. Bosses take damage on collision.
 +
** ''Turbocharge:'' the player will be able to move faster than normal during 20 seconds. Turbocharging is meant to be used in sections of the level design in which the player is expected to run - never in platforming-intensive areas.
 +
** ''Shields:'' shields protect the player from damage. Some of them grant additional special abilities to the players (more on them [[#Items|below]]).
 +
** ''Super mode:'' when in Super mode, players become invincible. The Super mode consumes power at a rate equivalent to 1 battery per second. When no power is left, the Super mode ceases to be and the player returns to normal. Players can become Super by opening all magical wheels of power (see the [[#Plot|plot]]) and by having power equivalent to at least one lucky bonus (see [[#Items|below]]).
 +
* '''Player stats:'''
 +
** ''Power:'' power protects the player from damage. It's represented by collectible batteries (see [[#Items|below]]).
 +
** ''Lives:'' players start the game with 5 lives. During gameplay they can win extra lives, as well as lose existing lives. If the player loses all of its lives, a "game over" animation is displayed. In this case, the player is given a new opportunity to start over from zone 1 of the same level.
 +
** ''Score:'' a score counter.
 +
* '''Underwater:''' some levels have underwater sections. When underwater, players move at a slower pace. Players need to breathe and can remain underwater up to 30 seconds without taking a breath (after this time, they lose a life). Players can breathe by using an underwater bubble, by being protected by a water shield, or by getting out of the water.
  
There are many good ideas around (like the multiplayer game), but if we lose focus, we may not be able to complete the development stage of this game. Many games get canceled due to the lack of proper planning and focus.
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See also: [[Level Design Document]]
  
For the time being, let's focus to complete what is planned here and set aside other stuff (like the multiplayer game). While this may not please everyone, we want to deliver a complete and polished game. We have this vision and we're working hard in order to achieve these goals. Only this plan by itself describes a medium sized game which may take a few years to be completed, so we think this task is already hard enough.
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== Game engine ==
  
=== Plot ===
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Surge the Rabbit is powered by the Open Surge Engine: a powerful and flexible open-source game engine with built-in physics, level editor, scripting support, and more.
Long time ago the ancient gods have created a sacred and powerful item, the Dimensional Scepter. This scepter grants ultimate power to anyone who possesses it, and since it can be very dangerous in the wrong hands, the gods have hidden it in the Dimensional Gate.
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Gimacian the Dark is an evil wizard who needs darkness to increase his powers. He knows where the Dimensional Gate is located and he will try to open it using the Dimensional Rings. If he gets that power, he will rule the universe, and nothing will be able to stop him. Surge and his friends must prevent Gimacian the Dark from opening the gate, or existence as we know it will be over!
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Main article: [[Introduction to Modding]]
  
See also: [[Game Story]]
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== Art ==
  
== List of game modes ==
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Surge the Rabbit features beautiful pixel art with lighting and shading, which creates a retro atmosphere of the 90's. The music and the sound effects contribute to and enhance that atmosphere.
=== 1P Game Mode ===
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This is the regular 1-player mode, where the user has to get through a sequence of levels in order to clear the game. The game will save the progress of the player automatically.
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See also: [[Game Design Document#Levels|List of planned levels]]
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Main article: [[Art Specification Document]]
  
=== Tutorial game mode ===
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= Plot =
The tutorial teaches the player how to play (interactively). It shows the basics of the cooperative play and the individual abilities of the characters. There's no save-progress feature.
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See also: [[Tutorial Level]]
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Surge was playing video-games and streaming his virtual adventures to his fans online. Even though he considered his day-to-day life to be happy, he always wondered if there was something more to life. His virtual adventures were exciting, but he wondered if he would ever live some adventure that was ''real''.
  
=== Custom quests ===
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Being an avid reader online, Surge came across a strange story about a global takeover orchestrated by hidden, dark magical powers. According to that story, there was a plan to takeover the world and imprison its inhabitants. The intent was to reset the world and turn it into a world ruled by dark magic. That plan was going on for years, mostly unnoticed by the people, and "they" - the hidden powers - were about to launch a major magical attack to grab power over the entire world and its population. Most people dismissed the story. Some even laughed at it. Surge, on the other hand, sensed that something was indeed going on, even though he couldn't put his finger on it. Something was not quite right in the psychic "atmosphere".
A quest is a series of levels. Regular users are able to create levels as well. The game will save the progress of the player automatically.
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See also: [[Custom quests]]
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On a certain night, after streaming for several hours, Surge went to bed. He received a dream with a message that confirmed his suspicions. In the dream, he was told that dark magical powers had indeed been infiltrating the hearts and the minds of the inhabitants of the world for many years, and that soon their bodies would begin to shift due to the influence of dark magic. That dark magic could only continue to advance if the inhabitants of the world remained "asleep" to its operation - as they had been. He was told that if he opened the seven magical wheels of power, there would be a boom of light - and then darkness would be no more. He was advised to go to a place called Sunshine Paradise. There, he would find tangible evidence of innocent creatures being transformed due to the influence of dark magic.
  
== Controls ==
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Upon waking up from the dream, Surge was thunderstruck. Even though he didn't fully understand it, the dream seemed so ''real'' to him, unlike any other dream he has ever had. "Sunshine Paradise?" - he asked himself. "I have already heard about that place. It's not far from where I am". He decided to go to that place and check things for himself. Maybe that was the adventure he always wanted to live.
The game may be played using the keyboard or a joystick. Default keyboard mapping:
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:300px"
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= Characters =
! Key !! Effect
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|-
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| Arrow keys    || Move the active character
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|-
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| Space bar    || Jump
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|-
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| ENTER        || Pause the game
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|-
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| Left CTRL key || Change the active team member
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|-
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| ESC          || Quit the game
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|-
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| Print Screen or =  || Take snapshot
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|-
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| F6            || Enable/disable joypad
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|-
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| F12          || Level editor
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|}
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== Characters ==
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== Surge the Rabbit ==
  
=== "Surge" the Rabbit ===
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Surge is a charismatic rabbit who loves to play video-games. He helps to put an end to the works of dark magic.
This character can get through DNA doors, as well as use additional moves when covered by a special shield.
+
  
See also: [["Surge" the Rabbit]]
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Main article: [[Surge the Rabbit]]
  
=== "Neon" the Squirrel ===
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== Gimacian the Dark ==
This character can fly and pick up the other characters to carry around.
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See also: [["Neon" the Squirrel]]
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Gimacian is an evil wizard who wants to transform the world into pure darkness and become its absolute ruler. He's the mastermind behind the global takeover.
  
=== "Charge" the Badger ===
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Main article: [[Gimacian the Dark]]
This character can glide and climb walls.
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See also: [["Charge" the Badger]]
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= Levels =
  
=== Gimacian the Dark ===
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== Main levels ==
An evil wizard who needs darkness to increase his powers. He wants to transform the world into pure darkness in order to become the absolute ruler. His origins are unknown, but it's believed he somehow came from another dimension.
+
  
See also: [[Gimacian the Dark]]
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# [[Sunshine Paradise]] - a bright, cheerful, grasslands level with innocent creatures.
 +
# [[Waterworks Zone]] - an industrial level located on a massive dam.
 +
# [[Amazon Temple]] - ancient ruins and secrets hidden in a deep jungle. It's filled with hang-gliders, but winds are sometimes erratic.
 +
# [[Music Stadium]] - a dream-like place that seems out of this world. Music notes are everywhere.
 +
# [[City Chill Zone]] - a city covered in ice due to Gimacian's powers.
 +
# [[Dragon Zone]] - a sand level that is the habitat of dangerous dragons and legendary creatures.
 +
# [[Magma Fortress]] - a fire level filled with burning creatures possessed by Gimacian.
 +
# [[Gimacian's Lair]] - final battle, single zone. A dark place hidden within Magma Fortress.
  
=== Sharp ===
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== Bonus levels ==
This guardian of the Dimensional Gate resembles a porcupine, and is willing to do whatever it takes to guard the Dimensional Scepter!
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See also: [[Sharp]]
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Pseudo 3D levels in which the player can open the magical wheels. Different dimension.
  
=== Dark Surge ===
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TODO
Surge's negative form. He appears in Sky Brawl. Has the same ability as Surge.
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See also: [[Dark Surge]]
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= Items =
  
=== Anti-Neon ===
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This is a list of generic items that are not specific to any particular level:
Neon's negative form. He appears in Sky Brawl. Has the same ability as Neon.
+
  
See also: [[Anti-Neon]]
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* '''Batteries''': collectible items that represent power. They protect the player from damage. If the player gets hit, power is lost. If the player gets hit without having any power, a life is lost. On the other hand, if the player manages to collect 100 batteries (or any multiple of 100 batteries), an extra life is won.
 +
* '''Shields''': shields grant additional protection to the player. They are obtained by smashing certain types of item boxes. Some shields also grant additional abilities to the player.
 +
** ''Normal shield'': a shield with protective purposes only
 +
** ''Thunder shield'': a shield that attracts batteries that are nearby the player
 +
** ''Water shield'': a shield that lets the player breathe when underwater
 +
** ''Fire shield'': -
 +
** ''Wind shield'': -
 +
** ''Acid shield'': - drop? repurpose?
 +
* '''Item boxes''': they are spread throughout the levels and symbolize powerups.
 +
** ''Extra life'': grants an extra life
 +
** ''Extra batteries'': grants 10 batteries
 +
** ''Lucky bonus'': grants 50 batteries
 +
** ''Invincibility'': enables the invincibility mode
 +
** ''Turbocharge'': enables the turbocharged mode
 +
** ''Normal shield'': grants a normal shield
 +
** ''Thunder shield'': grants a thunder shield
 +
** ''Water shield'': grants a water shield
 +
** ''Fire shield'': grants a fire shield
 +
** ''Wind shield'': grants a wind shield
 +
** ''Acid shield'': grants an acid shield
 +
** ''Trap'': damages the player when smashed
 +
* '''Switches''': they trigger some event when pressed
 +
* '''Checkpoints''': once touched, they change the spawn point of the player in the zone
 +
* '''Goal sign''': a sign placed at the end of the zones. The zone is cleared as soon as a goal sign is touched.
 +
* '''Goal capsule''': a capsule that appears after defeating a boss. The level is cleared as soon as a goal capsule is broken.
 +
* '''Spring pads''': spring pads propel the player in different ways.
 +
** they come in eight directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
 +
** they come in three different strengths (normal, strong, stronger)
 +
* '''Bumpers''': makes the player bounce back upon collision.
 +
* '''Spikes''': objects spread throughout the levels that challenge the player by causing damage when touched.
 +
* '''Zipline''': helps the player go through areas with high speeds.
 +
* '''Pipes''': makes the player travel through complex systems of pipes.
  
=== Nega-Charge ===
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... add more ...
Charge's negative form. He appears in Sky Brawl. Has the same ability as Charge.
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See also: [[Nega-Charge]]
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== Items ==
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Throughout the game, you'll find special items which will be helpful in your quest against evil. Most of the items are contained
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in item boxes. To pick an item from an item box break open the box a spin attack or by jumping on it. Other items you just collect by touching them.
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=== Rings ===
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[[Image:Rings.png‎|thumb|none|Rings]]
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==== Ring ====
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Rings keep you from getting hurt if you are attacked. When the player gets hit, he/she loses all his/her rings. If you have no rings when attacked you will lose a life. On the other hand, if you manage to collect and amount of 100 rings you'll win an extra life!
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+
==== Big ring ====
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Touch it to go to the bonus level. If the player has cleared all the bonus levels, the big ring gives you 50 extra rings.
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==== Blue ring ====
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Blue rings are worth 5 rings.
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=== Item boxes ===
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[[Image:Item_boxes.png‎|thumb|none|Item Boxes]]
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+
==== Life box ====
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Increases Life Count by 1 point. The box differs depending on your current character.
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==== Ring box ====
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Smash the box to get 10 extra rings.
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==== Invincibility stars box ====
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Smash the box to become invincible to attacks and traps for a few seconds. However, if you fall to a bottomless pit, remain underwater for too long, or be crushed between two moving bricks, you'll lose a life!
+
 
+
==== Speed shoes box ====
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Increases your speed for a few seconds.
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==== Shield box ====
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Smash the box to get a protection shield. The shield will protect you for only one hit.
+
 
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==== Fire shield box ====
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Smash the box to get a fire shield. This shield protects you against fire objects and regular hits.
+
 
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==== Trap box ====
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If you smash this box you'll be hurt and lose your rings. If the player has no rings, he/she dies.
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=== Little animals ===
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Little animals appear when an enemy gets killed. A group of them also appear when you break the Animal Machine at the end of a level.
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''Suggestion: use open source mascots such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tux#Video_games Tux] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilber_(mascot_of_GIMP)#Wilber Wilber] as the little animals.''
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'''TODO: insert original user-made art (little animals)'''
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=== Spring pads ===
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Spring pads come in three colors and if the player steps on them they will catapult the player at different high speeds in a certain direction: yellow (weak), red (medium) and blue (very strong). They come in eight directions: N, NW, W, SW, S, SE, E, NE.
+
 
+
[[Image:spring_pads.png|thumb|none|Spring Pads]]
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=== Switch ===
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Activates a teleporter or opens a door. Its behavior depend on which object is closest.
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=== Door ===
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Players can't get through doors, unless somebody is stepping on the closest switch.
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Some doors only open if the appropiate color related switch is pressed.
+
 
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[[Image:Switches_and_doors.png‎ |thumb|none|Switches and Doors]]
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=== Teleporter ===
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Once activated, teleports the entire team to the same spot.
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'''TODO: insert original user-made art of this item'''
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=== Checkpoint orb ===
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Once touched, the spawn point of the characters will be changed to the position of the checkpoint orb. If you die, the team will restart the level at the checkpoint orb rather than at the beginning of the stage.
+
 
+
[[Image:Checkpoint_orb.png|thumb|none|Checkpoint orb]]
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+
=== Goal ===
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A simple goal sign.
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'''TODO: insert original user-made art of this item'''
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=== End sign (end of the act) ===
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Touch it to clear the act. It's placed after act 1 and act 2.
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+
'''TODO: insert original user-made art of this item'''
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+
=== Animal machine (end of the zone) ===
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Break it in order to clear the zone. It appears after the player beats the boss on act 3.
+
 
+
'''TODO: insert original user-made art of this item'''
+
 
+
=== Bumper ===
+
If the player touches it, he/she bounces back.
+
 
+
[[Image:Bumper.png|thumb|none|Bumper]]
+
 
+
=== Spikes ===
+
If you touch the top of the spikes you'll get hit. If the player has no rings, he/she dies.
+
Spikes can now be placed on the wall or on the ceiling. Moving spikes are now available, too.
+
 
+
[[Image:spikes.png|thumb|none|Spikes]]
+
 
+
=== DNA Door ===
+
Each player has his own DNA Door. These can be recognized by the color. Orange DNA Doors are for Surge, brown DNA Doors are Neon's, while Charge can only go through the grey DNA Doors.
+
These doors are now available in horizontal and vertical positions.
+
[[Image:dnadoors.png|thumb|none|DNA Doors]]
+
 
+
== Levels ==
+
=== 1P Game Mode Levels ===
+
The levels are designed in order to explore both cooperative play and the individual abilities of the characters. Unlike most similar platformers, this game provides a greater level of interaction between the player and the levels. It's more than just a jump'n'run, as the user must come up with some strategy in order to get through the levels.
+
 
+
This is the list of planned levels. Please note that not all of them have been designed yet.
+
 
+
The levels below are as they appear in the game's current storyline. These are subject to change.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Game Story]]
+
 
+
==== Sunshine Paradise ====
+
The first level is very easy to get through. It has a sunny background, water and some magic mountains on the background. It has areas that are wooded, and clearings, so the player can see the background.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Sunshine Paradise]]
+
 
+
==== Waterwork Zone ====
+
 
+
This level takes place on a massive dam. Water is gushing around the player, and there are tanks of water. This introduces underwater gameplay.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Waterwork Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Rainbow Realm Zone ====
+
Combines elements from Speed Slider (from Knuckles Chaotix) and Rainbow Road (from Mario Kart 64), adding some original ideas as well. This level is more about racing/running than it is about strategy.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Rainbow Realm Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Black Forest Zone ====
+
 
+
A forest where many of Gimacian's creatures reside. "Charge" the Badger is being held captive here.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Black Forest Zone]]
+
 
+
==== City Chill Zone ====
+
A city covered in ice, due to Gimacian.
+
 
+
Main article: [[City Chill Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Music Stadium ====
+
A level located in the middle of City Chill zone, that seems to stand out from everything else. Music notes are everywhere.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Music Stadium]]
+
 
+
==== Dragon Egg Zone ====
+
Sand area. This is the habitat of dangerous dragons under the control of Gimacian, which are holding Neon captive.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Dragon Egg Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Crystal Temple ====
+
A sacred and hidden temple, in a cave setting. Water appears here, and this serves as the 'hard' water level.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Crystal Temple]]
+
 
+
==== Spring Forge Zone ====
+
This is the place where springs are made. In reality, it is secretly building Gimacian's ultimate weapon underground.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Spring Forge Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Magma Mine Zone ====
+
A rename for Melted Metal zone. A level filled with dangerous creatures digging out the supplies for Gimacian's Sky Fortress. The Sky Fortress can be seen in the background.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Magma Mine Zone]]
+
 
+
==== Sky Fortress ====
+
Gimacian's ultimate weapon to take over the world. Unlike other zones, this one only has two Acts.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Sky Fortress]]
+
 
+
==== Sky Brawl ====
+
The third Act of Sky Fortress broken into three parts, as Surge, Neon, and Charge fight to the finish on the deck of Sky Fortress.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Sky Brawl]]
+
 
+
==== Dimensional Gate ====
+
This level will be available only if the player gets the 8 Dimensional Rings.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Dimensional Gate]]
+
 
+
==== Demonic Duel ====
+
This level will be available only if the player gets the 8 Dimensional Rings. This is the game's true final boss. It will involve all three characters getting their own part in the battle.
+
 
+
Main article: [[Demonic Duel]]
+
 
+
=== Bonus Stages ===
+
Pseudo 3D levels. If the player beats a bonus level, he’ll receive one Dimensional Ring. There are 8 Dimensional Rings of varying colors.
+
 
+
See also: [[Bonus Stages]]
+
 
+
=== Tutorial ===
+
The Tutorial Level teaches the user, interactively, how to play the game. It shows the basics of the cooperative play and the individual abilities of the characters.
+
 
+
See also: [[Tutorial Level]]
+
 
+
== Level Editor ==
+
 
+
Go to: [[How to make a level]]
+
 
+
== Game MODs ("moddable" capabilities) ==
+
 
+
Go to: [[Introduction to Modding]]
+
  
 
[[Category:Development]]
 
[[Category:Development]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 11 July 2022

Concept

Overview

Surge the Rabbit™ is a free and open-source 2D retro platformer inspired by Sonic games. It creates the experience of joy with its gameplay, graphics, sounds and level design featuring a style from the 90's.

  • Basic intent: create a fun, child-like and compelling gameplay experience.
  • Target audience: children, teenagers, young adults, people who were children in the 90's.
  • Target hardware: desktop computers and mobile devices (multi-platform). It's available in all platforms that run the Open Surge Engine.

This document briefly describes the main elements of the game.

Gameplay

Surge the Rabbit is played similarly to the Sonic games of the SEGA Genesis.

  • Controls: players use directional controls, as well as an action button, to control Surge and his friends. The action button usually makes the characters jump. However, different characters have different special abilities. Those abilities are triggered by a character-dependent combination of the directional controls with the action button. On desktop computers, players can use the keyboard and/or a joypad to control the characters. On mobile devices, a virtual joypad is displayed on the touch-screen.
  • Goal: the goal is to get through the levels, which come in a predefined sequence. Levels are divided in 3 zones each. Getting through levels means getting to the "end" of each of their zones. This usually happens by turning a goal flag (zones 1 and 2) or by breaking a goal capsule (zone 3).
  • Physics: the game has very similar physics compared to classic Sonic games, albeit the implementation is completely new and free (meaning: free and open-source software).
    • Abilities: walking, running, jumping and rolling are abilities that are common to all playable characters. Additional abilities are posessed by different playable characters.
  • Levels: zones have a beginning (a point in space in which the playable characters are spawned when first entering a zone) and an end (a point in space in which a goal sign or a goal capsule is located). Players get through numerous challenges and can use multiple routes to clear the levels.
    • Gimmicks: levels are rich with creative gimmicks, which are items that enhance gameplay in fun and original ways. Gimmicks are divided in two types: level-specific and generic. Level-specific gimmicks appear in a single level and are in line with its theme. Generic gimmicks appear in multiple levels and are not tied to a particular theme. Generic gimmicks are also called generic items.
    • Baddies: non-playable characters that appear throughout the levels and represent a challenge to the player. The player can take damage from them. Baddies are usually, but not always, beaten by jumping or by rolling on them. Different levels have different baddies with their own unique behaviors.
    • Traps: traps also represent a challenge to the player, but unlike the baddies, traps are not characters. Traps appear in obvious ways such as spikes, or in non-obvious ways such as challenging sections of the level design.
    • Bosses: the player fights a different boss at the end of zone 3 of all levels. Easier "sub-bosses" also appear in some particular zones.
  • Powerups: the player can collect different powerups to get a temporary boost related to power, ability or protection.
    • Invincibility: the player will be invincible during 20 seconds. When invincible, the player cannot take damage from baddies. Instead, baddies are instantly defeated on collision. Bosses take damage on collision.
    • Turbocharge: the player will be able to move faster than normal during 20 seconds. Turbocharging is meant to be used in sections of the level design in which the player is expected to run - never in platforming-intensive areas.
    • Shields: shields protect the player from damage. Some of them grant additional special abilities to the players (more on them below).
    • Super mode: when in Super mode, players become invincible. The Super mode consumes power at a rate equivalent to 1 battery per second. When no power is left, the Super mode ceases to be and the player returns to normal. Players can become Super by opening all magical wheels of power (see the plot) and by having power equivalent to at least one lucky bonus (see below).
  • Player stats:
    • Power: power protects the player from damage. It's represented by collectible batteries (see below).
    • Lives: players start the game with 5 lives. During gameplay they can win extra lives, as well as lose existing lives. If the player loses all of its lives, a "game over" animation is displayed. In this case, the player is given a new opportunity to start over from zone 1 of the same level.
    • Score: a score counter.
  • Underwater: some levels have underwater sections. When underwater, players move at a slower pace. Players need to breathe and can remain underwater up to 30 seconds without taking a breath (after this time, they lose a life). Players can breathe by using an underwater bubble, by being protected by a water shield, or by getting out of the water.

See also: Level Design Document

Game engine

Surge the Rabbit is powered by the Open Surge Engine: a powerful and flexible open-source game engine with built-in physics, level editor, scripting support, and more.

Main article: Introduction to Modding

Art

Surge the Rabbit features beautiful pixel art with lighting and shading, which creates a retro atmosphere of the 90's. The music and the sound effects contribute to and enhance that atmosphere.

Main article: Art Specification Document

Plot

Surge was playing video-games and streaming his virtual adventures to his fans online. Even though he considered his day-to-day life to be happy, he always wondered if there was something more to life. His virtual adventures were exciting, but he wondered if he would ever live some adventure that was real.

Being an avid reader online, Surge came across a strange story about a global takeover orchestrated by hidden, dark magical powers. According to that story, there was a plan to takeover the world and imprison its inhabitants. The intent was to reset the world and turn it into a world ruled by dark magic. That plan was going on for years, mostly unnoticed by the people, and "they" - the hidden powers - were about to launch a major magical attack to grab power over the entire world and its population. Most people dismissed the story. Some even laughed at it. Surge, on the other hand, sensed that something was indeed going on, even though he couldn't put his finger on it. Something was not quite right in the psychic "atmosphere".

On a certain night, after streaming for several hours, Surge went to bed. He received a dream with a message that confirmed his suspicions. In the dream, he was told that dark magical powers had indeed been infiltrating the hearts and the minds of the inhabitants of the world for many years, and that soon their bodies would begin to shift due to the influence of dark magic. That dark magic could only continue to advance if the inhabitants of the world remained "asleep" to its operation - as they had been. He was told that if he opened the seven magical wheels of power, there would be a boom of light - and then darkness would be no more. He was advised to go to a place called Sunshine Paradise. There, he would find tangible evidence of innocent creatures being transformed due to the influence of dark magic.

Upon waking up from the dream, Surge was thunderstruck. Even though he didn't fully understand it, the dream seemed so real to him, unlike any other dream he has ever had. "Sunshine Paradise?" - he asked himself. "I have already heard about that place. It's not far from where I am". He decided to go to that place and check things for himself. Maybe that was the adventure he always wanted to live.

Characters

Surge the Rabbit

Surge is a charismatic rabbit who loves to play video-games. He helps to put an end to the works of dark magic.

Main article: Surge the Rabbit

Gimacian the Dark

Gimacian is an evil wizard who wants to transform the world into pure darkness and become its absolute ruler. He's the mastermind behind the global takeover.

Main article: Gimacian the Dark

Levels

Main levels

  1. Sunshine Paradise - a bright, cheerful, grasslands level with innocent creatures.
  2. Waterworks Zone - an industrial level located on a massive dam.
  3. Amazon Temple - ancient ruins and secrets hidden in a deep jungle. It's filled with hang-gliders, but winds are sometimes erratic.
  4. Music Stadium - a dream-like place that seems out of this world. Music notes are everywhere.
  5. City Chill Zone - a city covered in ice due to Gimacian's powers.
  6. Dragon Zone - a sand level that is the habitat of dangerous dragons and legendary creatures.
  7. Magma Fortress - a fire level filled with burning creatures possessed by Gimacian.
  8. Gimacian's Lair - final battle, single zone. A dark place hidden within Magma Fortress.

Bonus levels

Pseudo 3D levels in which the player can open the magical wheels. Different dimension.

TODO

Items

This is a list of generic items that are not specific to any particular level:

  • Batteries: collectible items that represent power. They protect the player from damage. If the player gets hit, power is lost. If the player gets hit without having any power, a life is lost. On the other hand, if the player manages to collect 100 batteries (or any multiple of 100 batteries), an extra life is won.
  • Shields: shields grant additional protection to the player. They are obtained by smashing certain types of item boxes. Some shields also grant additional abilities to the player.
    • Normal shield: a shield with protective purposes only
    • Thunder shield: a shield that attracts batteries that are nearby the player
    • Water shield: a shield that lets the player breathe when underwater
    • Fire shield: -
    • Wind shield: -
    • Acid shield: - drop? repurpose?
  • Item boxes: they are spread throughout the levels and symbolize powerups.
    • Extra life: grants an extra life
    • Extra batteries: grants 10 batteries
    • Lucky bonus: grants 50 batteries
    • Invincibility: enables the invincibility mode
    • Turbocharge: enables the turbocharged mode
    • Normal shield: grants a normal shield
    • Thunder shield: grants a thunder shield
    • Water shield: grants a water shield
    • Fire shield: grants a fire shield
    • Wind shield: grants a wind shield
    • Acid shield: grants an acid shield
    • Trap: damages the player when smashed
  • Switches: they trigger some event when pressed
  • Checkpoints: once touched, they change the spawn point of the player in the zone
  • Goal sign: a sign placed at the end of the zones. The zone is cleared as soon as a goal sign is touched.
  • Goal capsule: a capsule that appears after defeating a boss. The level is cleared as soon as a goal capsule is broken.
  • Spring pads: spring pads propel the player in different ways.
    • they come in eight directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)
    • they come in three different strengths (normal, strong, stronger)
  • Bumpers: makes the player bounce back upon collision.
  • Spikes: objects spread throughout the levels that challenge the player by causing damage when touched.
  • Zipline: helps the player go through areas with high speeds.
  • Pipes: makes the player travel through complex systems of pipes.

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