Copernicus One (Progress Video #25)

One of the things I love about adventure games are the sub-plots and additional backstory information you get along the way. Yeah sure, you spend time solving the current puzzle in front of you, but it's always interesting to find out what lead you to the predicament you are in. Within the Copernicus One adventure, I'm using something called the "Journal Reader" to allow for a browser style approach to story telling. This video shows that in action (it's a standard inventory item you can pull up at almost any time). I've gone for a simple Index and Entry approach to the interface. A very simple mark-up mechanism is used to describe the pages. In this particular video, you can read a memo that outlines why you are on the Copernicus One shuttle destined for Copernicus Base. In youtube HD, you should be able to read it. I'm pleased with this feature as I've spent time simulating a sub-optimal tablet display with interference, screen corruption and power fluctation. As well as backstory and information, the Journal Reader will also be used to weave things like game controls and other instructional information in to the game. When the game is published, I've been thinking that I could release two versions. A normal and reviewer/play guide version. The later could contain an explanation of the puzzles in each location. Anyway, having this browser like feature in the game means I can bring elements of classic text adventures in to the game without suspending belief too much! Enjoy the video :)

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• XNA
• SunburnEngine
• BEPU
• Adventure
• Copernicus One
• Duckocide
• c#
• xbox
• xbox360

[duckocide]

@adem44a Will do. Thanks for the encouragement!

[duckocide]

@lintfordpickle Hey thanks. I spent quite a bit of time working on the letter and memo's. The Kennedy one is based on the actual memo he sent before the Apollo program kicked off (history.nasa.gov/Apollomon/ap­ollo1.pdf)

[lintfordpickle]

Really awesome stuff. I totally agree with adam44 that in-game journals add to the immersion, and my personal favorite example is doom III where by you "must" read the PDAs to get locker combinations etc.

I also wanted to say great work on the rendering of the memos which really works well in HD mode, (both the paper memos and the console memos.

[adem44a]

I like it!

Always found games with additional story in journals or audio tapes really add to the immersion.

As always, Keep up the amazing work! :)