Ombre

Ombre is a puzzle game, developed as our second semester project, during our second year at ICAN.

Gameplay

Ombre is a puzzle game with two different character controllers:

One in 3D, first person view, able to walk around and grab objects to move them around.
One in 2D, side view, constrained to one of the walls of the room, able to walk right and left and to jump.

The main mechanic is that shadows cast by objects in the 3D world become collisions in the 2D world, letting the 2D character walk on them.

The 2D character walking on shadows cast by an object in the 3D world.

The goal of the player is to find a way to bring the 2D character to the end of the level (usually at the end of the wall) by moving objects and lights around.

Additionally, the lights can be colored, disabling 3D collisions and shadow casting for the objects of the same color.

Artistic direction

Concept arts for the environment.

Final concept art, that drove the rest of development.

Concept arts for the 2D character.

Iterations

First prototype

The first prototype already included the base of the gameplay, including:

In 3D:
- 3D character movement.
- Ability to move objects.
In 2D:
- 2D character movement.
- Shadow detection and collision creation.

Colored light

Added colored objects and the ability to change the light’s color.
- Objects with the same color as the light don’t cast a shadow.
Improved object manipulation by adding a lerp to it and using forces.
- Objects can now be thrown by flinging the camera.
Added the ability for the 2D character to change wall (this went unused in the final prototype)

Static objects

Added static objects.
Added the ability to rotate objects when moving them.
Added objects restrained to a certain perimeter.
Improved 2D character movement with coyote time.

Artistic beginnings

Started implementing the artistic direction.
Objects with the same color as the light appear transparent.
Added “safe zones” in the 2D environment, where shadow collisions cannot be created.
Added the end of the level in the 2D environment.

More art, more mechanics

Changed models and visuals of a bunch of stuff.
Added visuals for static objects, the 2D character, the lamps…
Added a button on lamps to turn them on.
- Only one lamp can be on at a time.
Added a “rain” obstacle in 2D, that kills the character if touched.
- The rain can be blocked by using a shadow as an umbrella.
Added checkpoints in 2D.
Added a button in 2D, that can trigger various effects, including removing certain 3D objects.

Final build

Changed visuals for checkpoints, lamps, static objects…
Added particle effects.
Removed cluttering grass in the 3D environment.

Team

Abigaëlle Batt - Artistic Direction, 3D and 2D Art
Orso Philipponnat - Programming
Jules Retaud - Game Design, Level Design