04 | Piwi the game

The project involved developing a 2D platformer game with a unique protagonist and engaging mechanics. The aim was to create a side-scrolling experience that honored traditional platformer principles while adding fresh gameplay elements. All components—character, environment, enemies, obstacles, and UI—had to form a cohesive and enjoyable experience. The game required intuitive controls, interactive features, and appealing level design for children and cozy gamers. The goal was to produce a three-minute playable level with enough variety to keep players engaged, focusing on balanced difficulty and a smooth, accessible flow.

#UI&UXDesign #ResponsiveDesign #Illustration

Problem Statement

The challenge of this project was to design a 2D platformer game that combines traditional gameplay mechanics with innovative elements, creating a unique and engaging experience. The game needed to balance the classic side-scrolling platformer format with fresh ideas, ensuring that the character, environment, enemies, and obstacles work together seamlessly. It was essential to create an enjoyable and accessible game suitable for children and cozy gamers, with intuitive controls and varied, yet non-overwhelming, level design that maintained player engagement throughout.

Goals

To create a cozy, non-violent 2D platformer providing a relaxing yet engaging experience for children and cozy gamers.

Aims

To create a vibrant, nature-inspired game world with varied environments and non-violent gameplay elements.

Objectives

Ensure the game is playable for at least three minutes with steady progression and difficulty that keeps players engaged.

Intended Audience

The target audience for "Piwi the Plant Doctor" includes cozy gamers and children aged five and up. Cozy gamers, who seek relaxing and non-violent experiences, will appreciate the game’s calming atmosphere and simple yet engaging gameplay. The game’s gentle challenges and educational elements, focused on nature and caring for plants, will appeal to parents seeking wholesome entertainment for their children. Overall, the game is designed to be enjoyable for players looking for a stress-free, immersive experience that balances fun with creativity.

Solution

"Piwi the Plant Doctor" will be refined to enhance core mechanics, including environment design, character movement, and the user interface, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive gameplay experience. The game, designed for cozy gamers and children aged five and up, will offer a relaxing, non-violent adventure where players help Piwi, a Kiwi bird, collect ingredients to cure plant illnesses. By balancing simplicity with engaging gameplay, the game will provide a fun, accessible experience, strengthening its appeal and relevance in the indie game market.

Graphic Elements

Game Description

Piwi, the plant doctor and dedicated protagonist, is on a mission to help plants recover from various sicknesses and harmful fungi. As a skilled and compassionate Kiwi bird, Piwi's expertise lies in creating unique remedies using carefully chosen natural ingredients. To do this, he embarks on thrilling journeys across multiple diverse platforms, each filled with unique challenges and obstacles. From dangerous forests to dark caves, Piwi traverses these environments to gather rare herbs, minerals, and magical crystals essential for his patented cures. With each level, he faces new difficulties that test his agility, problem-solving skills, and unwavering dedication to protecting the plant world. Through his adventures, Piwi brings hope and healing to every corner of the natural world.

Character Animations

Idle Walking Running Jumping Death

The "idle" animation is used to show the main character or an enemy in a stationary but active state when no input is being given by the player. This animation brings life and realism to the character by depicting subtle movements like breathing, shifting weight, or small gestures, ensuring that the character feels dynamic and responsive even when standing still.

Game collectable ingredients

Game home page

Recipe Book

Forest Level Tilesheets

This level is a forest platformer where Piwi, the main character, ventures through the terrain to collect herbs. Piwi must skillfully navigate the area and gather a sufficient number of herbs to complete their mission. However, the path is fraught with danger as poisonous plants, acting as the enemies, lurk throughout the terrain. Piwi must avoid these toxic obstacles to successfully fulfill their task and advance through the level.

Cave Level Tilesheets

This level is a cave platformer where Piwi must navigate through the darkness to collect hidden crystals. There are no enemies, but the challenge comes from the limited visibility, as Piwi only has a very small light source to guide their way. This faint light barely illuminates the surroundings, so Piwi must rely on careful exploration and intuition to find and collect the crystals needed to complete the level.

Game Play