The Firefly Expedition - Steeven GALEAU

— PROJECT NAME

The Fireflies Expedition

— ENGINE

Unreal Engine 5

One-level project of a 3D exploration & platforming game. Inspired by and taking place in the universe of Splashteam's Tinykin.

Purpose : Learn UE5. Train the exploration style level. Get better at exploiting verticality.

Keywords : Big, Office, Secret, Scout, Fireflies, Hideout, Uncharted, Hostile, Rescue, Light

Level Design

Tools :

- UE5

- Miro & diagram for 2D prototypes.

Tasks :

- Level Design : Bubble plan, rough plan.

Prototyping & Blocking.

- Basic gameplay mechanics development (controls, inventory, interaction; core gameplay)

— ROLE

Level Designer

Level Scripter & Developer ( UE5 Blueprint)

Base Gameplay :

- Jump, Hover. Run : Vertical & Horizontal distance gauging.

- "Tinykins" : Colored gatherable that allow player to activate interactables provided they have enough of them.

– Pushing and transporting big items – Creating bridge – Creating ladder

– Linking electricity – Blowing destructibles obstacles

Concept

Ideas :

- Introduce new bug type with their own distinction : fireflies => they make light => Use of dark environment.

- Two part map : Main area + secret area that acts as both the reward and the last dungeon.

- Offer a slight variation on Tinykin's levels : Puzzle, "Hostile, Rescueing" Mood

—

Concept & Flow :

Main Objective 1 : Learn your surroundings

- Arriving in the firefly camp. Feels rudimentary yet organised, like your first camp in a survival game.

- Sending the player on a 1st mission to go high up to have a top down view.

- Sees 3 green light spots while doing so.

- Sending the player on a mission to rescue 3 scout groups.

Main Objective 2 : Open Navigation/Exploration – Save the scouts

- Each scout group is stuck in a different area that requires the player to find their way in and break out. Sometimes requiring to get out alone if not prepared correctly.

Hamster cage, ant colony, computer tower.

Main Objective 3 : Understand your environment – Find the secret

- While completing the three 1st objectives, player will find key items and clues (key, codes, bridge part) that feel uncomplete alone.

- Piecing together the clues, player will find their way to the last puzzle, requiring them to have enough "Tinykin"

Narrative :

- Secret room inside the room : Multiple hint at it : weird room size, light leaks, narrative props to show that "someone tried to conceal something, prevent you from going there"

-Hostile environment: Dark lighting, multiple dangerous area (water)