Design Statement
We used ChatGPT's problem-solving skill to separate the track's measurable features from our interpretation. We examined changes in energy and possible repeated pitch patterns. The quiet opening, stronger middle, and quiet ending suggested a cycle of effort and release. We treated the pitch results as candidates, not a verified melody or the composer's stated intent.

From this, we built Between Breaths around a question: what can keep working after you let go? The Keeper's gust requires effort and uses limited energy. Crossings become lasting repairs when residents can use them without the Keeper's help.

We carried this idea into an old friendship. Pella has a seed and a destination of their own. The player must make room for that choice. Six regions connect movement, repairs, and conversations to visible changes in residents' lives.

Our key choices were restrained woodland art, movement with effort and rest, resident relationships with lasting consequences, and an ending where the crossing holds after the Keeper steps aside. The track guided the structure, not a rhythm challenge.

Game Instructions (launch steps, controls, and gameplay overview)
Browser: select Run game on itch.io. Select New Game. To restore progress, use Continue in the same browser profile.

Windows: extract the complete ZIP. Open Play Woodland Exploration.cmd. Keep the EXE and PCK together.

| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Move | A/D or Left/Right |
| Run | Shift |
| Jump | Space |
| Gust | Hold Space; land to refill |
| Dash | Ctrl |
| Guard | Q |
| Guarded dash | Q + Ctrl |
| Attack | J |
| Interact | F |
| Advance dialogue | Enter or F |
| Compliment / insult | K / L during conversation |
| Displayed account choice | 1 / 2 |
| Map | Tab |
| Notebook | N |
| Item pouch | I |
| Pause / leave menu | Esc |
| Windows fullscreen | F11 |

Gameplay walkthrough video
https://youtu.be/DcscQnmPEz8

Did your project use any AI tools or assets? If yes, please specify.
Yes. PixelLab.ai generated concept art. Claude assisted with art descriptions and formatting. ChatGPT/OpenAI image generation produced character animation, additional sprite artwork, and promotional images from project references.

OpenAI Codex assisted with programming, game design, dialogue, documentation, procedural environment graphics, the Bough Pixel font, and sound-effect synthesis. We used ChatGPT's problem-solving skill to organize the music analysis and connect its results to mechanics and story choices.

Jason Grace composed the supplied theme music. We did not generate it with AI. Gameplay screenshots show the running game. The cover, banner, and character icon are AI-generated images.