Ripple
Brief
As Product Lead and Narrative Designer, the goal for "Ripple" was to create a compelling murder mystery where player agency dictates the city’s fate. By architecting a complex, choice-driven storyline, the project explores the moral boundaries between duty and personal stakes, ensuring every decision creates a significant "ripple" effect on the final outcome.
Role
Product Lead | Narrative Designer | 2D Artist
Tags
Narrative Design, Python, 2D Animation
The Process
Phase 1: Narrative Architecture & Moral Choice Logic The process began with a deep focus on branching storytelling. I designed a narrative framework where player choices aren't just cosmetic but fundamentally alter the game's world. This involved mapping out high-stakes moral dilemmas that force players to prioritize their investigation or their personal relationships, leading to one of multiple climactic endings.
Phase 2: World Building & Asset Pipeline To ground the story in a suspenseful atmosphere, I developed a complete 2D asset pipeline. This included designing the city's architectural layout and creating custom pixel art sprites. I focused on visual punctuation—using color palettes and character expressions to reinforce the game's somber, detective-noir aesthetic.
Phase 3: Technical Implementation (GameMaker) The core mechanics were implemented using GameMaker Language (GML). I focused on object-oriented programming to build the interactive investigation systems, including crime scene analysis and the dynamic "Ripple" consequence tracker. This technical foundation ensured a smooth flow between narrative beats and gameplay loops.
Phase 4: Auditory Pacing & Sound Design The final layer of the experience involved composing an original soundtrack and designing sound effects to heighten player tension. By synchronizing the auditory landscape with the narrative pacing, I was able to create an immersive psychological environment that complements the game’s core themes of mystery and consequence.
The Results
The final product is a high-retention interactive experience that successfully blends GML programming with atmospheric pixel art and original sound design. By managing the full development cycle—from character animation to complex branching logic—the project demonstrates a proven capability to execute a cohesive artistic vision within a technical framework.