John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
Single Player
Puzzle Game
Target Rating
E for Everyone
Fixed Camera
Physics Based Puzzle
Solving
Platform: Unity Web 3D
Console:
PC/Mac/Mobile
Target Market
Casual Gamers
Introduction
In Spectrum, the player’s objective is to draw lines in order to
connect a stream of colored liquid into the appropriately colored
container. Different colors of liquids are released at the top of the
screen, and they need to be lead to the container at the bottom of the
screen of the same color. In addition, sometimes the player will have to
dispense liquid into a container with a mixed color, so he/she must mix
two colored liquids to produce the mixed color.
Mechanics
The player’s primary objective is to lead colored liquids being
released from the top of the screen to an appropriate container on the
bottom of the screen by drawing lines on the screen. The liquid collides
with these “lines” and run down the path they create according to the
physics of gravity. Though in the beginning of the game, there is usually
only one or two colors on the screen the player has to lead, in later levels
a third color is introduced, as well as having to mix two liquids into a
newly colored liquid to satisfy a mixed colored container. In addition,
native obstacles present a challenge for the player. These obstacles are
lines already drawn on the screen that will impede the progress of the
University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 –
gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu
John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
player, forcing the player to creatively problem solve around these
obstacles to meet his/her objective.
Another obstacle the player has is limited drawing capability. The
player doesn’t have access to creating an infinite amount of lines. A
visible meter depletes as the player draws lines for each level. If the
meter becomes completely depleted before the objective is
accomplished, the player will lose and have to try again. The
combination of connecting liquids, combining liquids, avoiding
obstacles, and limited drawing capability will present both challenge
and fun to the player, as well as offer many different level designs and
varieties. At its core, Spectrum is very simple yet has the potential to be
engaging for hours.
Gameplay Loop
Similar Games
Portal 2
Though not as ornate as Portal 2, Spectrum’s use of colored paint
being spurted out is similar to the most unique new mechanic in
Portal 2. Many future obstacles, such as grated surfaces that allow
certain colors to pass through them are also inspired by how paint
reacts with the environment in Portal 2. Portal 2 is also a puzzle
University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 –
gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu
John Tanaka | Tianzhu Zhang | Levente Nagy | Prof. Ken Bowen | Game Huskies
game that has met with great critical and commercial success.
Angry Birds
Rovio’s moneymaking brainchild is at its core a very simple puzzle
game. Using simple physics, the player flings birds at obstacles,
effectively puzzle solving. Spectrum aims to have a similar
addictive quality with unique and challenging level designs that
heightens replay value, which is in part what made Angry Birds so
financially successful.
The Falling Sand Game
The core mechanic of Spectrum is heavily influenced by The
Falling Sand Game. The main difference is that The Falling Sand
Game has no objective or win condition, whereas Spectrum has
both a win and lose condition with an emphasis on puzzle solving.
Rather than just experimenting, Spectrum has a finite objective
that must be met in each level.
Game Mock-up
University of Connecticut – Digital Media and Design – Advanced Game Design 3560 –
gamedev.uconn.edu – dmd.uconn.edu