This project template was created by 2DPK Studios to give you a clear example of what your project could look like and how it might be organized.
You play as Aria, a young explorer and mechanic, who stumbles upon an ancient, abandoned underwater city called Aqua Aegis. While scavenging for parts, she accidentally activates a dormant AI named Echo, who reveals that the city's core reactor is failing and could cause a catastrophic explosion, destroying the remaining human settlements. Aria, with the help of Echo, must navigate through the city's ruins, battling mutated sea creatures and rival scavengers, to find and repair the core reactor.
• Action-Adventure
• Platformer
• RPG
• Survival
• Puzzle
• Metroidvania
The target audience for Aqua Aegis is gamers aged 12 and up who enjoy action-adventure platformers with pixel art visuals, rich storytelling, and a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in a post-apocalyptic underwater setting.
Aqua Aegis is a pixel art action-adventure platformer set in a post-apocalyptic underwater world, where players assume the role of a resourceful explorer, Aria, who must repair an ancient city's core reactor to prevent a catastrophic disaster. With the aid of a powerful AI companion, players will navigate stunning underwater landscapes, solve intricate puzzles, and engage in thrilling combat against mutated sea creatures and rival scavengers, all while uncovering the forgotten history of Aqua Aegis.
• Exploration: Navigate diverse underwater environments with seamless transitions between sunken skyscrapers, coral reefs, and underwater caves.
• Platforming: Utilize jetpacks to boost through the water, navigate vertical levels, and perform aerial maneuvers.
• Combat: Engage in fast-paced combat with a variety of weapons, from harpoon guns to electrified tridents.
• Resource Management: Gather resources to maintain equipment and create essential tools.
• Puzzle-Solving: Solve intricate environmental puzzles involving water physics, pressure systems, and ancient machinery.
• Story Progression: Uncover the history of Aqua Aegis through Echo’s fragmented memories and ancient holographic recordings.
• Character and Gear Customization: Customize Aria's gear with various enhancements and cosmetic changes.
• Dynamic Water Mechanics: Realistic water physics that affect movement, combat, and puzzle-solving.
• AI Companion Interaction: Echo assists with gameplay through scanning, hacking, and providing tactical support.
• Crafting and Upgrades: Craft new tools, weapons, and upgrades using resources found during exploration.
• Restore the Core Reactor: Locate and repair the core reactor of Aqua Aegis to prevent a catastrophic explosion.
• Reactivate City Systems: Restore power and functionality to critical systems throughout the city.
• Uncover the Past: Piece together the history of Aqua Aegis through Echo’s memories and ancient recordings.
• Defeat the Final Boss: Confront and overcome the primary antagonist or force threatening Aqua Aegis.
• Character Leveling
• Equipment Upgrades
• Resource Management
• Echo’s Evolution
• Story and Quest Progression
• Combat Mastery
• Achievements and Trophies
• Dynamic Water Physics: Realistic water physics that affect movement, combat, and puzzle-solving.
• AI Companion with Evolving Abilities: Echo, the AI companion, assists with scanning, hacking, and combat.
• Jetpack-Enhanced Exploration: Use jetpacks for vertical and horizontal movement, adding depth to platforming and exploration.
• Customizable Gear and Weapons: Personalize and upgrade Aria's gear, including weapons, armor, and tools.
• Metroidvania-Style Progression: Non-linear exploration with areas becoming accessible as new abilities and upgrades are acquired.
• Environmental Puzzles: Complex puzzles integrated into the environment, requiring the use of water mechanics, Echo's abilities, and Aria's engineering skills.
• Interactive Holographic Recordings: Discover and interact with holographic recordings that reveal the history and lore of Aqua Aegis.
• Adaptive Enemy AI: Enemies adapt to player strategies, requiring dynamic combat approaches.
In the not-so-distant future, climate change and rising sea levels have drastically altered the Earth's landscape, submerging entire cities and leaving humanity to adapt to a new aquatic world. The remnants of civilization now reside on floating islands, underwater domes, and massive ships that traverse the endless ocean. In this submerged world, the underwater city of Aqua Aegis stands as a testament to humanity's once-great technological prowess, now lying dormant and forgotten beneath the waves. Aqua Aegis was a marvel of engineering, designed as a self-sustaining metropolis powered by a revolutionary core reactor. However, a catastrophic event forced its inhabitants to abandon the city, leaving behind an advanced AI named Echo to maintain the city's systems. Decades later, Aria, a young and resourceful explorer, stumbles upon Aqua Aegis while scavenging for parts. When she accidentally activates Echo, the AI reveals that the core reactor is failing and threatens to unleash a devastating explosion that could obliterate the remaining human settlements. Determined to save her world, Aria teams up with Echo to navigate the treacherous underwater city, uncover its forgotten history, and repair the reactor before it's too late. Together, they must face mutated sea creatures, rival scavengers, and the remnants of the city's defenses, discovering along the way the secrets that led to Aqua Aegis's downfall.
Aqua Aegis is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the majority of the Earth's surface is covered by water, transforming the landscape into a vast and mysterious oceanic expanse. The remnants of humanity have adapted to this new reality, building floating islands, underwater domes, and massive ships that serve as their homes and hubs of activity. The ocean is teeming with life, both familiar and fantastical, as well as remnants of the old world, including sunken cities and ancient ruins, creating a visually stunning and varied environment. At the heart of the game lies the underwater city of Aqua Aegis, a once-thriving metropolis now abandoned and submerged beneath the waves. Aqua Aegis was designed to be a self-sustaining marvel of technology, with advanced machinery, sprawling structures, and a powerful core reactor at its center. Over time, the city has become overgrown with coral and marine life, its architecture slowly decaying and blending with the natural surroundings. Players will explore diverse environments within the city, from the towering remains of skyscrapers and industrial complexes to serene, luminescent gardens and eerie, flooded corridors. Each area presents unique challenges, secrets, and stories, inviting players to uncover the mysteries of Aqua Aegis while battling the dangers that lurk in its depths.
Aria
Aria is a young and skilled explorer born into a world reshaped by rising sea levels and environmental catastrophe. Growing up on one of the floating islands, she developed a fascination with technology and engineering, honing her skills as a mechanic and adventurer.
Echo (AI Companion)
Players could experience Echo’s abilities firsthand, such as hacking systems or accessing hidden data, offering gameplay variations.
Dr. Zara Nomura
A brilliant scientist who was one of the last inhabitants to leave Aqua Aegis before its abandonment. Dr. Nomura dedicated her life to studying the city’s technology and history, leaving behind detailed holographic recordings and encrypted data caches.
Captain Jonas "Razor" Stone
Captain Stone is a rugged and resourceful veteran of the post-apocalyptic seas, known for his cunning tactics and expertise in salvaging valuable technology from sunken ruins. He has a gruff exterior but a soft spot for Aqua Aegis, seeing its potential as a treasure trove of lost knowledge and riches.
Scuttler Drone
Originally designed for maintenance within Aqua Aegis, Scuttler Drones have become hostile due to malfunction and corrupted programming. These small, agile robots swarm in groups, using their sharp appendages and electrical charges to defend key areas and attack intruders. Their mobility and ability to navigate underwater terrain make them a persistent threat, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of Aria’s tools to disable or evade.
Leviathan Guardian
Once docile marine life transformed by exposure to radiation and mutated by remnants of Aqua Aegis’s experimental technologies, Leviathan Guardians are colossal creatures that roam the depths surrounding the city. These towering beasts possess thick, bio-enhanced armor plating and powerful bioluminescent attacks, making them formidable adversaries. Players must utilize environmental hazards and Aria’s arsenal of weapons to weaken their defenses and exploit their vulnerable spots to survive these epic underwater battles.
Shadow Marauder
A stealthy and intelligent rival scavenger equipped with advanced camouflage and augmented senses. The Shadow Marauder stalks Aria through Aqua Aegis’s submerged corridors, employing hit-and-run tactics and traps to ambush unsuspecting explorers. Armed with high-tech weaponry salvaged from sunken ruins, including energy-based projectiles and cloaking devices, these adversaries pose a significant challenge to Aria’s survival. Players must rely on keen observation, tactical planning, and quick reflexes to outmaneuver and defeat these elusive foes.
Corrupted Sentry
A relic of Aqua Aegis’s automated defense systems, corrupted by years of exposure to the underwater environment and viral hacking attempts. These bipedal, armored sentries patrol critical sections of the city, unleashing devastating energy blasts and deploying automated drones to eliminate intruders. Their adaptive shielding and rapid self-repair mechanisms make them formidable opponents, requiring players to employ stealth tactics, hacking skills, or overwhelming force to disable or repurpose them to aid in exploration and combat.
Venture through the remnants of Aqua Aegis’s towering skyscrapers, now submerged beneath the ocean’s depths. Sunken Skyline presents a hauntingly beautiful landscape where ancient architecture merges with vibrant marine life, offering both awe-inspiring vistas and hidden dangers.
Key Elements
• Vertical Exploration: Navigate crumbling skyscrapers using Aria’s jetpack to ascend and explore hidden rooftops and upper floors.
• Environmental Hazards: Avoid collapsing structures, electrified debris, and hazardous water currents that threaten to sweep Aria away.
• Ancient Relics: Discover holographic recordings and artifacts that reveal the city’s history and provide clues to unlocking new areas.
• Mutated Wildlife: Encounter aggressive sea creatures adapted to urban environments, requiring tactical combat and evasion skills to overcome.
• Core Reactor Access Points: Locate and secure access points to the city’s central core, guarded by automated defenses and environmental puzzles.
Dive into the tranquil yet treacherous Coral Gardens, a sprawling underwater sanctuary once cultivated for its beauty and biodiversity. Now overgrown and teeming with mutated flora and fauna, this level offers a serene yet perilous exploration experience.
Key Elements
• Bioluminescent Flora: Navigate through dense coral formations illuminated by glowing bioluminescent organisms, offering both natural beauty and eerie lighting effects.
• Underwater Caves: Explore labyrinthine caves and tunnels hidden within the coral reefs, home to secretive creatures and ancient secrets.
• Oxygen Management: Manage Aria’s oxygen supply carefully as she explores deeper areas, utilizing oxygen refill stations and strategic planning to avoid suffocation.
• Aquatic Challenges: Solve environmental puzzles involving water pressure and currents to manipulate paths and access hidden chambers.
• Guardian Leviathans: Encounter massive mutated creatures that patrol the Coral Gardens, requiring stealth and precise timing to evade or engage in epic underwater battles.
Descend into the Submerged Foundry, a once-bustling industrial district where Aqua Aegis’s advanced technology was forged and maintained. Now a labyrinthine maze of machinery and hazards, this level challenges Aria with its mechanical marvels and hidden dangers.
Key Elements
• Industrial Machinery: Navigate through towering foundry structures and conveyor belts, utilizing Aria’s mechanical skills to activate dormant machinery and clear pathways.
• Heat and Steam: Maneuver through steam vents, molten metal pools, and malfunctioning machinery that pose environmental hazards and puzzles to solve.
• Security Systems: Evade or hack corrupted defense systems and automated drones guarding valuable caches of resources and technological relics.
• Engineering Challenges: Solve intricate puzzles that require manipulating gears, valves, and hydraulic systems to progress and uncover hidden secrets.
• Temporal Anomalies: Encounter pockets of distorted time within the foundry, affecting gameplay mechanics such as slowed movement or reversed controls, adding a unique twist to exploration and combat.
Sunken Urban Cityscape, Coral Reefs and Gardens, Underwater Caverns and Grottos, Industrial Foundries and Machinery, Bioengineered Gardens and Aquatic Biomes, Ancient Temples and Ruins, Underwater Volcanic Vents, Geothermal Fields, Deep Sea Trenches, Abyssal Plains
• Emphasize underwater atmosphere with soft lighting and bioluminescent effects.
• Blend futuristic decay with natural elements like coral and marine life.
• Showcase diverse bioluminescent flora and fauna.
• Design contrasting architectural styles to tell stories.
• Use environmental storytelling and dynamic hazards.
• Utilize dynamic lighting, reflections, and weather effects.
• Create distinct character and creature designs adapted to underwater life.
• Develop a cohesive color palette for mood and atmosphere.
Aqua Aegis combines futuristic aesthetics with the organic beauty and mystery of underwater environments. The game features a blend of sleek, high-tech architecture and weathered, decaying structures submerged beneath the ocean's surface. Futuristic elements such as holographic displays, advanced machinery, and neon accents contrast with the natural forms of coral reefs, bioluminescent flora, and mutated marine life. Soft, diffused lighting enhances the underwater atmosphere, punctuated by vibrant bursts of bioluminescence that guide players through darkened depths. Dynamic environmental effects like shifting currents, cascading waterfalls, and swirling debris add movement and realism to the submerged world. Overall, Aqua Aegis aims to immerse players in a visually stunning and atmospheric experience that balances the allure of advanced technology with the haunting beauty of a world reclaimed by nature.
The music of Aqua Aegis is designed to complement its underwater exploration and post-apocalyptic themes, creating an immersive auditory experience. The soundtrack blends ambient electronic tones with orchestral arrangements, reflecting the juxtaposition of advanced technology and natural elements within the submerged world. Soft, ethereal melodies underscore moments of tranquility and exploration, evoking the mysterious beauty of bioluminescent coral gardens and ancient ruins. During intense encounters and action sequences, the music transitions to dynamic rhythms and pulsating beats, heightening tension and adrenaline. Sound design incorporates underwater effects like muffled echoes, hydrodynamic currents, and the faint hum of submerged machinery, further enhancing the sense of immersion. Overall, the music in Aqua Aegis aims to evoke a sense of wonder, adventure, and suspense, enriching the player's journey through its visually stunning and atmospheric environments.
• Underwater Ambiance: Gentle water currents and bubbles, Distant whale or dolphin calls, Creaking of submerged structures
• Player Actions: Jetpack thrusters for movement, Equipment handling (e.g., deploying tools, activating devices), Breathing and oxygen tank refills
• Combat and Interaction: Energy weapon discharges and impacts, Melee attacks and clashes, Enemy creature growls, roars, and movements
• Environmental Hazards: Collapsing structures and debris, Steam vents and geothermal activity, Electrical surges and malfunctioning machinery
• User Interface: Holographic interface interactions (button presses, data scrolls), Notifications and alerts (e.g., mission updates, warnings)
• Bioluminescent Effects: Glowing plant and creature movements, Ambient bioluminescent pulses and hums
• Narrative Elements: Holographic recordings and data logs playback, Voiceovers for NPC dialogues and character interactions
• Dynamic Weather and Water Effects: Underwater storms and turbulent currents, Rain and thunder effects from the surface above
Voice acting in Aqua Aegis serves to bring characters to life and deepen the narrative experience through dialogue and storytelling. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Protagonist Aria's voice reflects determination, curiosity, and resilience as she navigates the challenges of exploring Aqua Aegis. Supporting characters, such as scientist Dr. Zara Nomura and scavenger Captain Jonas "Razor" Stone, contribute to the narrative through voiceovers that convey their expertise, emotions, and relationships with the player and each other. Voice acting enhances immersion by providing context to quests, uncovering lore through holographic recordings, and reacting dynamically to gameplay choices. It enriches the player's connection to the characters and their journey in uncovering the secrets of the submerged world, ensuring a compelling and engaging narrative experience throughout Aqua Aegis.
• Main Menu: Start Game, Load Game, Options, Credits, Quit buttons
• In-Game HUD: Health and oxygen indicators, Ammo count and weapon selection, Objective tracker and mini-map, Currency or resource display
• Inventory and Equipment: Backpack or inventory grid, Tool and weapon slots, Detailed item descriptions
• Map and Navigation: Full-screen map with zoom controls, Waypoints and markers, Legend for map symbols
• Interaction Prompts: Context-sensitive action buttons, Dialogue options, Quick-time event prompts
• Dialogues and Quest Log: Dialogue interface with character portraits, Quest log with objectives
• Visual and Audio Settings: Graphics settings, Audio settings, Control settings
• Loading Screens and Notifications: Tips or lore snippets on loading screens, Progress indicators and tips, Notifications for achievements
• Movement: W, A, S, D keys or Left Stick (controller)
• Jump: Spacebar or A button (controller)
• Crouch/Dive: Left Shift or B button (controller)
• Sprint: Left Shift (hold) or Right Trigger (controller)
• Interact/Use: E key or X button (controller)
• Attack/Melee: Left Mouse Button or Right Trigger (controller)
• Aim/Zoom: Right Mouse Button or Left Trigger (controller)
• Inventory/Open Backpack: I key or Y button (controller)
• Map: M key or Back button (controller)
• Reload: R key or X button (controller)
• Switch Weapon: Scroll Wheel or D-pad (controller)
• Pause: Esc key or Start button (controller)
• Basic Movement and Swimming Controls
• Using the Jetpack for Vertical Movement
• Interacting with Objects and Environment
• Combat Basics: Using Weapons and Melee Attacks
• Managing Health and Oxygen Levels
• Navigation: Using the Map and Waypoints
• Inventory Management: Equipping Tools and Weapons
• Hacking and Repairing Machinery
• Understanding Bioluminescent Navigation Cues
• Advanced Movement Techniques: Sprinting and Diving
Unity 3D
• PC
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Nintendo Switch
• Windows 10
RAM: 16 GB
Processor Speed: Intel Core i7-9700K
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
The performance target for Aqua Aegis aims for a consistent frame rate of 60 frames per second (FPS) at 1080p resolution on recommended hardware settings. The goal is to deliver a smooth and immersive gameplay experience with high visual fidelity, emphasizing fluid movement and responsive controls in underwater and dynamic environments.
• Multiplayer Co-op Mode: Explore underwater environments and complete missions with friends.
• Matchmaking System: Automatically connect players to online sessions based on preferences.
• Player-to-Player Communication: Voice chat or text chat options for team coordination.
• Server Hosting Options: Support for dedicated servers or peer-to-peer connections.
• Leaderboards and Challenges: Compete with other players globally for achievements and rewards.
• Cross-Platform Play: Enable gameplay between different platforms for wider accessibility.
• Update and Patch Management: Seamless distribution of game updates and patches to ensure a consistent experience.
The pricing model for Aqua Aegis is a one-time purchase, offering players full access to the game's content upon purchase. There are no additional microtransactions or subscription fees, ensuring a straightforward and inclusive gaming experience without ongoing costs beyond the initial purchase.
• In Aqua Aegis, there are no microtransactions.
• Currently, there are no DLCs planned for Aqua Aegis.
• There are no in-game advertisements in Aqua Aegis.
• Twitter: Regular updates, gameplay teasers, and community engagement.
• Facebook: Official page for announcements, trailers, and player discussions.
• Instagram: Visual content showcasing concept art, screenshots, and behind-the-scenes development.
• YouTube: Trailers, developer diaries, and gameplay videos to reach a broader audience.
• Reddit: Engaging with gaming communities, hosting AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and sharing updates.
• Discord: Official server for community discussions, feedback, and organizing events or beta testing.
• Announcement of Game Development Kickoff
• Gameplay Reveal Trailer Release
• Introduction of Key Gameplay Features
• Beta Testing Phase Launch Announcement
• Release Date Announcement
• Post-Launch Updates and Content Expansions
• Awards and Recognitions Received
• Teaser Trailer: Introducing the game's premise and setting.
• Gameplay Trailer: Showcasing core gameplay mechanics and underwater exploration.
• Story Trailer: Highlighting the narrative and characters.
• Features Trailer: Detailing key features such as combat, customization, and exploration.
• Launch Trailer: Building excitement and showcasing final gameplay elements before release.
• E3 Gameplay Demo: Showcasing early gameplay footage and mechanics.
• PAX West Demo: Allowing players to experience a specific level or gameplay segment.
• Steam Next Fest Demo: Providing a playable preview during the Steam event.
• Closed Beta Demo: Offering a limited-access demo for pre-selected participants.
• Public Demo Release: Making a demo available to the general public closer to the game's launch.
• E3 Showcase: Presenting gameplay trailers and developer interviews.
• Gamescom Exhibition: Hosting a booth for hands-on gameplay demos.
• PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) Events: Participating in PAX East, PAX West, or other regional PAX events.
• Steam Next Fest: Offering a playable demo during Steam's digital event.
• Developer Livestreams: Hosting regular livestreams for gameplay showcases and Q&A sessions.
• Community Meetups: Organizing local or virtual meetups for fans and developers to interact.
• Game Launch Event: Hosting an event to celebrate the game's release with fans and media.
During the Alpha Phase of Aqua Aegis's development roadmap, the focus is on implementing core gameplay mechanics, testing initial features, and gathering feedback from a limited group of testers. This phase aims to identify and address major gameplay issues, refine mechanics, and lay the foundation for subsequent development stages based on early player insights and technical testing.
In the Beta Phase of Aqua Aegis's development roadmap, the game is feature-complete, with all major gameplay elements implemented and polished. This phase focuses on extensive playtesting by a larger audience to fine-tune balancing, gather comprehensive feedback on user experience, and identify and resolve remaining bugs and performance issues before the official launch.
In the Release phase of Aqua Aegis's development roadmap, the game is launched to the public after completing thorough testing and polishing during the beta phase. This stage involves marketing and promotion efforts to reach the target audience, ensuring a successful debut and ongoing support for players post-launch through updates and community engagement.
During the Post Launch Support phase of Aqua Aegis's development roadmap, the focus is on maintaining and enhancing the game based on player feedback and community engagement. This includes releasing updates, patches, and new content to address issues, improve gameplay, and expand features, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable experience for players over time.
• Character sketches and designs
• Environment and level concept art
• Creature and enemy designs
• Weapon and equipment concept art
• UI and HUD design sketches
• Copyright notice for all game assets and intellectual property
• Trademark acknowledgments for any third-party logos or names used
• End-user license agreement (EULA) outlining terms of use for the game
• Privacy policy detailing data collection and usage practices
• Disclaimer of warranties regarding the game's performance and use
• Limitation of liability for damages related to game use
• Numb Thumb Studios
This Game Design Document was written by 2DPK Studios for the project Aqua Aegis and was created on July 3rd 2024 using the Indie Vision mobile application developed by 2DPK Studios.