TVM

Summary: 20 Levels of increasingly difficult Sokoban puzzles. Dynamic zoom camera so the player may observe the puzzle map. Secret items, bonus levels, and alternate endings with a revamped story based off mythological lore. Every playthrough introduces a new level of difficulty. Created in Gamemaker by WiNF Studios. 1 year with a team of 2.

The Theseus VS The Minotaur game is 20 levels of extremely difficult Sokoban style adventure puzzles . Released on Android/iOS and Tizen under WiNF Studios LLC it took 1 year total development time from concept. It was originally prototyped using the GM GUI and later refactored to GML. I worked on the story, prototype, concept to production art, camera, font, music & sound effects, level/puzzle designs and scripting several of components in the game to name a few. After having a prototype I was able to recruit the cofounder of WiNF Studios Randy whom created the IAP's achievements, most of the refactoring, onscreen controls, and brought overall improvements to the whole project. I couldn't have done it alone.

In retrospect though lots went well with a multiplatform release, I would have liked to have more playtesters and more time to polish the game. Lots of people got I had a few complaints that the 4th level was unbeatable but I didn't get much feedback about other levels since most people on the playtests didn't get past it. 1 person got all the way and beat the game, but I would have preferred to have more people beat the game but did not get the "happy" and bonus helmet.

Another thing I would have changed in retro would be alternate control scheme to a simple touch where you want to go, other block you want to move instead of moving a character like a traditional game. At the time most mobile games still used a virtual d-pad but we've come a long way.

Another thing is that the enemy logic was random, which made it very hard to predict their movement, and sometimes made players feel like they would never have an opportunity to get past them. Being that the game is timed, it created a bit too much anxiety for the player so maybe I could have them do more simple left right or up down only movement in key areas.

Right from main menu the player is able to take control of Theseus. From here, if there is no input, you get a virtual d-pad tutorial. The user can start the game from here, continue or enter the options menu for credits, IAP's and options.

In the screenshot below, you can see the user unlocked the Minotaur Skull Helmet which is attained by beating the game whilst having ball Yarn (from lev 4) in the inventory.

Each level has one special item spawn that the user can use to add to the inventory. Of those special items are the Lightning Bolt, Snake Juice, Sandal, Skeleton Key, and Ring of Power.

To the left you see the inventory/pause screen. Like I mentioned before, this game is really difficult and common in Sokoban Puzzles, you may enter a state where you "block" yourself in and the puzzle becomes unbeatable. With that being said, as the designer I could play through the game and make it look easy.

The first level you are given a free kill on the left, teaching the player how to eliminate baddies. Arrows are also used to guide the player through the necessary steps to succeed in this game. Also the user might learn that fire is bad, and will learn that the "key" is needed to exit the level.

The first level you are given a free kill on the left, teaching the player how to eliminate baddies. Arrows are also used to guide the player through the necessary steps to succeed in this game. The second scorpion is avoided by pushing the bricks down, creating a hiding spot to go into. Also the user might learn that fire is bad, and will learn that the "key" is needed to exit the level.

Each level has 1 special item they could attain that is generated at random at level start.

Second level introduces the silver key. This level is also unique because it has a secret! By placing a brick over the pile of bones on the right, a warp appears. A few other secrets are chained close together like this so that anyone can progress through the entire game quickly.

Also the secret was revealed early on in a Tizen gameplay video and a youtube video used to promote the game.

In this level, things start to get a little more difficult. The player might learn to be careful to not block out certain paths which impede progress.

If they do however, there is a retry option in the pause menu which takes a life and resets the puzzle.

This level is unique in that it has a special item that is not available anywhere else in the game and is necessary for getting the alternate ending. The special item is the ball of yarn that was used in mythology for Theseus to mark his path as he goes through the Minotaurs payer. If the player does not go for this item and reaches the end of the entire game, they will not unlock a special item.

This level is a little bigger than previous levels and also introduces the wrap around effect which takes place when the user goes off screen on one and and pops up on the other side.

At the time, I also had lots of art I wanted to just put in games, so I just digitalized some of my art pieces and gave them a monochromatic wash that lined them up with the levels. I think it gives the game an elegant feel.

Every 5 levels there is a bonus stage. There are multiple solutions to get to the door, but only one of them gets you all the keys and gold before the timer runs out.

The Minotaur is finally revealed in this level. Faster, louder and less predictable than scorpinos; the Minotaur along with many others are seen throughout the game from her eon out.

This is the first level to span out of the initial viewable playing area. Since this game has a dynamic camera, the payer has but to stop moving for a second to get a birds eye view of the entire puzzle, and then has the camera zoom back into the action when in motion.

I got the idea from SNK's Samurai Shodown, but it seems a popular thing to do nowadays to increase player immersion. I am proud to say that, when it comes to these kinds of games, I did it first.