Creative Vision / Rationale / How Did You Incorporate the Theme
Interpretation of the Theme:
My interpretation of the theme (Connection and Creation) is that while connection is the fundamental bedrock of our world, it is often synonymous with "colliding with the unknown"—a process that is frequently unpredictable and can result in mutual injury. Creation, however, represents a higher form of connection. It is a way to connect through self-projection; it significantly increases the efficiency and reach of our connections while greatly reducing the harm caused by a single direct impact.
Vision:
Through this game, I hope to present my reflections on this dynamic and guide players toward empathy and difficult decision-making. To achieve this, I implemented the following designs:
The Mystery of the Other: Units that appear identical before impact only reveal their true nature after a collision. There are currently four types representing different social attitudes: those that aid your progress, those that bounce you back but restore energy, those that act as "black holes" draining your soul, and those that are merely fleeting observers.
The Economy of Energy: Connection requires energy (the drag-and-launch mechanic), and a soul's energy is finite. In this world, one must rely on three sources:
a) Sanctuary: Represented by the "MotherCat" (the family/partner).
b) Positive Feedback: Gained through meaningful connection with "good" units.
c) Creative Output: Gained through the act of self-expression.
(Note: The projectile/barrage mechanic for transforming enemies was planned as a representation of "Creation," but remained limited due to time constraints.)
The Loss of the Harbor: I designed a narrative arc where the MotherCat can no longer accompany the player, eventually turning into stone. This is intended to evoke empathy and force a choice: when the "safe harbor" that restores your energy is gone, do you still have the courage to reach out to strangers who might harbor malice? Ultimately, to move forward and survive, we must remain brave enough to keep connecting.
Entropy and Pacing: Originally, energy was designed to decay over time to simulate social exhaustion. However, due to the 3-day development limit, I pivoted to a forced-scrolling mechanic. This creates a sense of "pushed progression" and sets the stage for future Roguelike elements where players could develop different social or creative tendencies.
Divine Intervention (The Creator): When the guardian is gone and the CatBall is depleted of all light, an external force is required to continue. I chose to let the Player inhabit this role—as the "Creator." Pressing Space to give life back to the ball is a metaphor: to play is to create, and to create is to warm others, much like a kind word spoken in the dark.