Design Statement
The track had an interesting contrast between something warm/fragile vs something cold/mechanical (esp. the clicking sounds), which made me want to make a game that kinda shows that dichotomy. The "narrative arc" was a magical "Alice-like" reveal at the start (clockword clicking + jukebox), warm mellow ascending strings in the middle (increasing companionship + affection), and a somewhat abrupt cut at the end (awakening from the dream as some echoes linger reflectively). That was my personal interpretation anyways. The distinguishing feature of the soundtrack was really the tactile whirring and clicking.

The mechanics are quite simple so the whole joke/tragedy is how attached you get to a 1.4kg piece of office hardware before the ending forces you to throw it (your "companion") into a shredder. The deeper "message" is one of objectification and personification, and questioning the innate sanctity of life. Why do humans treat some living beings better than others? Is the innate label of "life" even significant in the face of other contradictory factors? I don't really have an answer to that, and the game doesn't explicitly tell you either way, but I hope it at least produces a contrast that is worth dwelling on.

Game Instructions (launch steps, controls, and gameplay overview)
Launch:
Unzip the folder and run the .exe file.

If you get stuck on a puzzle, try watching the walkthrough video for guidance. Alternatively, you can skip the level through the Settings menu. Although I believe I've fixed all the level design issues that could cause soft-locks, if you do encounter one, you can restart the level through the Settings menu as well.

Controls:
Move: W, A, S, D
Interact: E
Cycle Inventory: Mouse Scroll Wheel
Settings: Esc

Gameplay walkthrough video
https://youtu.be/LAEXC_xDIP4

Trailer / Other Additional Video Material (Optional)
https://youtu.be/4zkp4cTV8LU

Did your project use any AI tools or assets? If yes, please specify.
AI Disclosure: Google Antigravity (Argon 4.0) was used as a coding assistant for C# gameplay scripting and the custom URP HLSL Kuwahara post-process shader. C# scripts were also generated for procedural animations driving object movement.