Samsara

Project Goal

• Develop a point-and-click graphic adventure in the form of an escape room.
• Enhance and prioritize aesthetic value:
  • Hand-draw and meticulously detail all graphic components.
  • Compose and perform the background music.
  • Write a captivating, bold, and intriguing story as the main framework.
• Apply the maximum possible knowledge gained during the degree, including game development, digital tools and software usage, and sound manipulation.

Game Requirements

• Develop a 2D video game where the player uses logic and found objects to complete the game.
• The game must have a clear structure and flow, allowing the player to pick up and use objects.
• The player should be able to understand and complete the game without external help.
• The player must not perform any irreversible actions that could compromise the storyline or mechanics.
• The player should be able to adjust the background music volume.
• The player must be able to exit the game at any time.
• The player should freely navigate the space, moving backward and forward.
• Images imported into the game engine must be manipulable separately and work in layers.

The Samsara Concept

Mythology and various cultural beliefs, especially from Buddhism and Hinduism, have inspired the video game Samsara. The game is based on the concept of the soul's repetitive cycle of death and rebirth, aiming for liberation (Moksha or Nirvana). Karma, or actions taken during these lives, influences whether the soul reincarnates or is freed, forming the game's narrative background.

Characters

Yuri

Brana

Dvořák

Asha

Rama

Yakob

Image treatment

Dynamic objects are interactive elements that users can click to save, use, hide, or remove. These include animated items like the clock pendulum, phone, and lever, known as "props." For example, when the player uses the lever to break a pot, they can find and pick up scissors inside.

Layer-Based project

The work was done in layers, with each object created and exported separately. Each asset was exported from Photoshop as a PNG file, preserving transparency. In Unity, each asset was imported as an independent object, allowing for individual manipulation. The following image shows how each image is treated as a separate object or layer:

1. User Interface
2. Image filters and FX
3. Props and assets
4. Backgrounds

User Testing

After completing the development phase, I conducted extensive user testing for Samsara. The testing process involved playing through the game multiple times (approximately 12) to identify and resolve potential bugs and issues. For the gameplay testing I played through Samsara repeatedly, intentionally making mistakes and exploring all possible variations to uncover any dead-ends or bugs. This thorough testing ensured that all issues were addressed before release. After, I made an Heuristic Evaluation, applying Jakob Nielsen's 10 Usability Heuristics to evaluate the game's interface. Finally, I conducted a quality analysis.

Quality Analysis

I prepared a set of QA questions to gather feedback:

Before Playing:

• What are your expectations for Samsara?
• Who do you think is the target audience?
• What was your initial impression and how did it change during gameplay?

After Playing:

• What surprised you most about the game?
• Where did you encounter difficulties and why?
• What mechanics would you change or add? Please provide any other comments or suggestions.
• Would you recommend and purchase the game?

Focus Group Criteria

Participants were selected based on:

• Experience with point-and-click adventure games.
• Clear communication skills.
• Age over 18.
• Puzzle-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail.

Three participants met these criteria and provided valuable feedback, which is summarized in the following responses.