Game Overview

Arcadia is a third-person, open world, action-adventure game about overcoming fear and trauma disguised as a classic tale of a Knight saving a Princess. Each of the main bosses and areas in the game represent a core for within a young child that is playing with his toy – the player character (the Knight).

Overview

Wander as a Knight in a vast world determined to vanquish enemies in order to overcome the traumas and emotions of an abused child.

Elevator Pitch

You play as a child’s toy (Knight) wandering a vast world birthed from the imagination of a young boy. Meet bizarre characters, explore fascinating biomes and defeat enemies to save the Princess of your kingdom – ultimately helping the young boy overcome his biggest fears in order to face his trauma.

Story

As the renowned Knight of the kingdom, your name is known throughout the land, reaching even its most remote corners – you are the only one worthy of marrying the Princess. Your wedding is a beautiful occasion, the beginning of a tale that will be sung and celebrated for centuries to come. However, just before you can complete your vows, an evil creature from the dark continent swoops down and abducts the love of your life. Overwhelmed by rage, sorrow, and disbelief, you set out on a quest to conquer the dark continent and rescue the Princess.

The Demon King’s domain is directly north of the Kingdom and is where the Princess is being kept captive, you can go directly toward his domain or try your hand at one of his four generals in order to gain experience in your swordsmanship. Unbeknownst to you, these four generals represent a fear within the young boy and defeating them will allow him to face his fears upon your fight with the Demon King. Allowing the player to reach one of two win states per play through:

1. Save the Princess from the Demon King’s grasp
2. Defeat the Demon King and help the young boy overcome his fears and trauma

Core Mechanics

• Combat: Slay enemies you encounter with your sword and dodge their attacks to stay alive.

• Exploration: Become engrossed in new areas with different sceneries, enemies and challenges. Each area will be a representation of the young boy’s fears.

• Progression: There are a multitude of ways you are able to gain newfound strength as the Knight
  • As you become more experience in your swordsmanship, gain XP (Experience Points) to learn new “Sword Skills” that you can utilise against your enemies
  • Defeating enemies will allow the player to gain currency that they can spend at the Merchant’s stalls, buy armour, swords and items to aid you along your quest
  • Upon death, gain IP (Imagination Points) you can use to learn “Abilities”, but beware as they may come at a cost

Gameplay Experience

I want the player to explore and navigate the world, witnessing various areas and enemies that portray a certain negative emotion within the child. Experiencing a rewarding satisfaction when conquering entire areas and making the Knight stronger, for the sake of progress and for the sake of the young child.

Sound

• Ambient sounds – Wind, Walking on different surfaces, Snow, etc.

• Character sounds – Dialogue, Weapon sounds, Grunting, etc.

Target Audience