The Game
Restrictions
Enyara needed to conform to two restrictions for our graduation project:
- It needs to be physics-based.
- It needs to have an ESRB rating of E10+, meaning it is acceptable for everyone to play but can allow for certain types of violence (cartoon/fantasy) that is obviously distinguishable from real-life violence.
We've accomplished the physics constraint using Enyara's spell system. The spells, while magical in nature, are all physics-based. Using almost telekinetic-like powers, Enyara can manipulate the environment by lifting, pushing, and throwing almost any object in the game. These objects can be used to overcome obstacles or to get rid of any pesky Enferi guards.
In order to shoot for that E10+ rating, we decided to give the game a real cartoon-like look and feel. The violence in the game is fantasy-based (using magic spells, etc.). There's no blood or anything like that, and when you get rid of an Enferi, he simply drops the gear on his back and disappears.
Graphics
Our goal with Enyara was to create a game that moves away from the standard graphics you would expect from a game powered by the Unreal engine. To do this, we have implemented a cell-shaded look to the game to make it appear a little more cartoon-like. While this also helps plead the case for an E10+ rating, this graphical style definitely gives the game a unique look. When coupled with custom 3d models, a third person perspective, and a unique environment, the look and feel of Enyara demonstrates a shift from the Unreal Tournament look.
Gameplay
Mouse cursor interface
One major element that makes Enyara a unique experience is the mouse cursor interface. The player is brought into the world through a 3rd-person perspective, and interacts with the environment using the mouse cursor. When hovered over an enemy, the cursor will turn into a target letting the player know when to attack. The cursor can also be used to describe the objects in the environment. When an object that is movable is selected, a short description appears below it. The cursor interface allows the player to interact with everything in a much easier way than the usual 1st-person perspective allows.
Spells and attacks
The crux of the gameplay is its physics-based nature. For this reason, most of Enyara's magic and spells focus on the physical manipulation of the world around her. All of the spells are mana-based, meaning that once the mana bar at the top of the screen runs out, the player will have to wait for it to regenerate to keep using spells. To keep the difficulty manageable, there is an attack system which allows Enyara to cast fireballs at her enemies and use melee attacks at will (which makes those tough situations when the player's mana runs out a little bit easier). Enyara also has a heal spell to help her in those situations when adventuring gets a little rough. All of her magic revolves around a few spells:
- Levitation: The levitate spell is the most unique (and complex) spell in the game. Using the mouse cursor, the player casts this spell on individual objects and lifts them into the air. Once in the air, the player can use the movement keys and mouse wheel to move the object in three dimensions. Double-tapping forward throws the object at the mouse cursor, and double-tapping back brings the object closer to Enyara (allowing her to carry it).
- Shockwave: The shockwave spell, when cast, emits a blast of energy in a certain radius around Enyara (hitting enemies, objects, and anything in its path). Anything touched by the energy blast will go flying off away from the player. The longer the energy blast’s charge is built up, the more powerful the result is (at the expense of more mana).
- Fireball: To give Enyara a better chance against her enemies, we've included a basic fireball spell. Using mana, Enyara can cast fireballs in any direction (dependent on the mouse cursor) to try and ward of the Enferi.
- Heal: When the fight gets a little tough, Enyara can use the heal spell (at the expense of a great deal of mana) to restore her health.
The Tambo minigame
At certain points throughout the game, the player will enter a "minigame" mode where they take control of Tambo, Enyara's animal companion. The game itself arises when Enyara reaches a stopping point in her path, and can only continue on by sending Tambo into an area unreachable by Enyara herself to accomplish some objective(such as hitting a door release for the door blocking Enyara's path). Each Tambo minigame consists of a maze-like level for Tambo to fly through and accomplish the objective.
In the minigame, the player uses the basic movement controls to help Tambo dodge objects. The twist is that Tambo is always flying, and thus constantly going forward. The challenge comes from having to navigate through the minigame on the fly and manage not to come in contact with the environment. If, however, Tambo hits something, all is not lost. The player is simply transported back to the beginning of the minigame level to give it another try. Tambo doesn't have a life bar, so it's all or nothing.