University Project
Alkaid was a concept for a Oddworld/Flashback inspired screen-based 2D platformer. The game drew upon Oddworld and Little Big Adventure for inspiration in terms of an oppressive totalitarian outlook and the setting for the game was refined to a huge walled-in dystopian cityscape with a tyrannical ruler lording it over the citizenry. The game was to make use of the Nintendo DS internal clock to affect the time of day in-game, which would govern various mechanics and routes of progression open to the player at any given time.
The game logo
Intro
Alkaid is a unique and exciting experience that promotes freedom and rewards intuitive thinking. Featuring a unique adaptive challenge system that syncs with real world time, the player faces new challenges every time they play. Choose to join the “Concerned Citizens of Alkaid” in overthrowing the tyrannical oppressors, or prioritise your own swift egress from the city. With Alkaid’s branching plotlines the choice is yours.
Overview
Alkaid, a dystopia filled with mutants, freaks and monsters. Situated in an area known as the Badlands, the city stands as the final sanctuary for all walks of life. But the ruthless Tiger-Lily, one of the upper echelons of the Alkaid Preservation Society, has become drunk on power. Systematically ousting her political enemies from power she now reigns over the city, controlling Alkaid’s key resources from her lofty perch atop the Core Tower, to further her own selfish ambition.
Tiger-Lily’s despotic rule over the city is not without opposition. The Concerned Citizens of Alkaid, an organisation comprised of those no longer willing to bow down to Tiger-Lily’s rule works in the shadows of the city, seeking to restore the harmonious balance that once existed within Alkaid. The recent death of Thax, leader of Concerned Citizens of Alkaid has struck a decisive blow to the organisation, and has left its remaining members in turmoil. One such member, Hiro, former apprentice to Thax, is now on the run from the authorities.
With a crack team hot on his heels, Hiro must decide whether to stand and fight or run for his life.
Alkaid Process of Design Document
Alkaid Game Concept Document
Key Mechanics and Development brief
Early 3D render of the new layout of the city 
Mock-up of travel between hubs and regular levels 
Districts of the city in its new layout 
E.R.I.X interaction diagram 
Initial city layout plan 
Depiction of typical mechanics
Characters & Races
Baron Talon 
Citizen 2 
Landshark 
Smashmouth 
Thax 
Tiger-Lily 
Citizen 1 
Crocdillis V1 
Crocdillis V2 
Smogscorp
Planned Player Mechanics
Death1 
Death2 
Idle 
Hop 
Roll1 
Roll3 
Roll2 
Run
Filmreel strip of planned 60 second gameplay
