Type: Level Design Document
Software: Krita
Role: Solo Development
Summary
This tutorial level quickly teaches a player different game mechanics naturally through play.
This is an introductory level to a 2D puzzle platformer with physics and light-based mechanics.
Overview
Teaching Basics
The first lantern starts lit, lighting the scene and showing the player they can exist in that state.
Chains can be swung on. Interacting with a chain will transfer momentum automatically, teaching swinging.
Since the player is learning, there is a ramp allowing them to try again without consequence.
Building Understanding
Crossing over a gear will prompt interaction by highlighting it.
Interacting with the gear causes two arrows to appear
Pressing either direction highlights the corresponding arrow and causes the chain to raise or lower. When lowered, the lantern no longer lights the gear above.
Testing Understanding
The next puzzle encourages players to combine what they learned about gears, chains to find a solution.
At the player already practiced gears and chains in safety, they now get to use their skills in a scenario with soft consequences for failing. Falling here will return a player to the start of this puzzle.
At the same time, players reinforce what they know about lighting as the lanterns illuminate different platforms as they move.
Repeat
This cycle of learning, building, and testing is repeated through the level, allowing players to gain and reinforce understanding of game mechanics without naturally