Game Name: Level Name - · Web viewSingle Player Level Design Document Gears of War Level...

Guilty PartyGears of War

Figure 1 This is the summation of the visual style for Guilty Party http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/156406638_38d262f8d3_z.jpg?zz=1

Single Player Level Design Document

Designer: Mark Williams

Document Date: 6/08/11Intended Level Delivery Date: 7/15/11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents............................................................................................................................2Document Revisions Table............................................................................................................4Quick Summary...............................................................................................................................1

GAMEPLAY.......................................................................................................................................................................1General Game Flow...................................................................................................................................................2Major Elements.........................................................................................................................................................4Objective Summary...................................................................................................................................................4

OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................................................4Campaign..................................................................................................................................................................4Mission Location.......................................................................................................................................................4Mission Difficulty.......................................................................................................................................................4Mission Metrics.........................................................................................................................................................4

Level Details.................................................................................................................................... 6LEVEL ATMOSPHERE/MOOD...............................................................................................................................................6STORY.............................................................................................................................................................................6

Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................6In-Game....................................................................................................................................................................6Extro..........................................................................................................................................................................6“60 seconds of gameplay”........................................................................................................................................7

MAJOR AREAS/VISUAL THEMES...........................................................................................................................................9Area 1: Rain Slicked Street......................................................................................................................................10

Text Description:........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10Visual References.......................................................................................................................................................................................11

Area 2: Crowded Cul-de-sac....................................................................................................................................19Text Description:........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19Visual References.......................................................................................................................................................................................20

Area 3: Ruined Church.............................................................................................................................................24Text Description:........................................................................................................................................................................................ 24Visual References.......................................................................................................................................................................................25

LEVEL OBJECTIVES...........................................................................................................................................................31CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS...................................................................................................................................................31

Area 1: Rain Slicked Street......................................................................................................................................31Area 2: Crowded Cul-de-sac....................................................................................................................................31Area 3: Ruined Church.............................................................................................................................................31

WOW MOMENTS..........................................................................................................................................................31Actors......................................................................................................................................................................32

Player: Marcus Fenix.................................................................................................................................................................................. 32Key Actors.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32Supporting Actors......................................................................................................................................................................................32

User Interface.........................................................................................................................................................33Pre-Game Information...............................................................................................................................................................................33In-Game Information.................................................................................................................................................................................33Post Game Information..............................................................................................................................................................................33HUD Elements............................................................................................................................................................................................ 33

Gameplay Details............................................................................................................................1Level Progression Chart.............................................................................................................................................1Gameplay Mechanics................................................................................................................................................1

Overview Map..................................................................................................................................2Detailed Map Descriptions.............................................................................................................6

AREA 1: RAIN SLICKED STREETS...........................................................................................................................................6Map..........................................................................................................................................................................6Gameplay..................................................................................................................................................................6Dialog........................................................................................................................................................................6Visual References......................................................................................................................................................7

AREA 2: CROWDED CUL-DE-SAC..........................................................................................................................................8Map..........................................................................................................................................................................8Gameplay..................................................................................................................................................................8Dialog........................................................................................................................................................................8Visual References......................................................................................................................................................9

AREA 3: RUINED CHURCH.................................................................................................................................................10Map.........................................................................................................................................................................10Gameplay................................................................................................................................................................10Dialog......................................................................................................................................................................10Visual References....................................................................................................................................................11

Single Player Level Design Document Gears of War

DOCUMENT REVISIONS TABLE

VERSION DESCRIPTION REQUESTOR DATE

1.0 Initial Document Prof. McCoy 6/08/11

Mark Williams Page | iv 6/08/11


QUICK SUMMARYGuilty Party is a Gears of War level that takes place before the events of Gears of War. Marcus Fenix is on the run after abandoning his post to try to save his father. The player assumes the role of Marcus after his vehicle runs out of gas during the night with a righteous thunderstorm brewing. The level is a linear path down a city street where the path guides the player by lights that the player must reach to avoid the Kryll. The level teaches the player to use lightning flashes as a way to get a head start from the attacking Kryll to reach light sources not normally accessible by the player. The level culminates in a large-scale battle where the player uses lightning flashes to reach flanking or sniping positions in order to turn the tide on an otherwise difficult battle.

GAMEPLAY The gameplay revolves around the new mechanic to use the flash of lightning blasts to move from light source to light source in order to avoid the Kryll. At the very basic level, this mechanic forces the player to think how they are going to navigate the play space. At a higher level, this mechanic creates intense combat experiences where the player can use the lightning to get access to flanks or in position to throw grenades into emergence holes. In the combat spaces, the player’s starting positions are always small and a huge disadvantage against the Locust, however with patience and using the lightning the player can turn the flow combat around to their advantage. The Kryll and Locust are just waiting for the player to slip up so they can murder the player, careful planning and patience are the keys to victory for Guilty Party.

Mark Williams Page | 1 of 51 6/08/11


General Game Flow

Figure 2 Flowchart for the level

Orange ovals: Start/End of levelGreen rectangles: Tutorial sectionBlue rectangles: Early confrontations to reinforce the tutorialPurple rectangles: Major confrontation to test the players new skillset



Figure 3 The critical path of the level with lights to better highlight the path



Major Elements Hook 1: Using lightning flashes make it to safe areas in the level that are normally inaccessible due to the

Kryll killing the player. Hook 2: Noir like lighting and setting to create a unique and cinematic gameplay experience not usually seen

in Gears of War. Wow Moment 1: The first time the player uses the lightning flash to make it to a new section of the level that

was otherwise inaccessible. Wow Moment 2: Using that same mechanic, but using it in a combat situation where the player turns the

tables on the enemy by using a flank that only the player can access. Wow Moment 3: The way the level bleaches out when the lightning flashes creating a very dramatic and high

contrast moment.

Objective Summary Objective 1: Escape the city Objective 2 (Checkpoint upon completion): Use the lightning to cross the street safely Objective 3 (Checkpoint upon completion): Defeat the Locust to get off the street Objective 4 (Checkpoint upon completion): Defeat the Locust in the cul-de-sac

OVERVIEWCampaign

Guilty Party: A level where lightning is the key to victory The level takes place before the events of Gears of War Marcus Fenix is on the run after abandoning his squad and failing to save his father. The level finds Marcus on

a stormy night in a Cog city after his vehicle breaks down thus forcing Marcus to continue his escape on foot. Cog soldiers track down Marcus and drag him to prison after the events of this level. This leads to the events

at the beginning of Gears of War.

Mission Location Theme: Noir Mood: Oppressive and claustrophobic Setting: An abandoned Cog city street Time of Day: 2:00 AM Season: Spring Weather: Thunderstorm with heavy rain fall

Mission Difficulty

Scale: 1 – 5 (5 being the hardest) Starting: 2 Simple tutorial to get the player used to the new lightning mechanic. Slight difficulty in learning

new mechanic Middle: 3 A couple of small encounters to show the player how to use the new mechanic in an encounter Ending: 4 A large-scale encounter with several enemy types and limited combat space forces the player to

stay on the move with the aid of the lightning in order to succeed

Mission Metrics Play Time: 10 – 15 minutes Physical Length/Area

o Length – 6144 Unreal units with a finish time of about five minuteso Area – 6144 Unreal units long and 2048 Unreal units wide

Critical Path Length – 6144 Unreal units New Characters – N/A Visual Themes:



o Noir like with a washed out color paletteo High contrast lighting where the lightning nearly bleaches out the level



LEVEL DETAILSLEVEL ATMOSPHERE/MOODThe theme of the level is the desperation to escape. Having the level take place at night is to heighten that sense of desperation. To put the screws to the player, the encounters are very claustrophobic where one wrong move spells the player’s doom. The player should never feel completely at ease in the level, thus sound plays an important role in the level. The lightning comes with a deafening boom; a discordant music track plays quietly in the background and swells with encounters, and the screech of kryll rises and falls during the level. This is going to create a constant mood of dread as the player makes it through the level. The final touch to tie these themes and moods together is the lighting. A washed out color palette creates a noir like look and the light sources cut through the darkness of the surrounding level. When the lightning flashes, it is going to bleach the level out to create an extreme case of contrast to unnerve the player.

STORY Introduction

Marcus is driving a Cog vehicle through a deserted Cog city in the middle of night during a thunderstorm. During the drive Marcus’s vehicle breaks down, forcing Marcus to continue on foot during a kryll filled night.

In-Game Marcus quickly realizes that kryll fill the night sky and that the Locust are around to kill him. Marcus also

realizes that he can navigate the city with the aid of lightning flashes. With this knowledge, Marcus starts making his way through the city in order to further his escape from the Cog.

Extro After a large-scale battle in a destroyed church, Marcus takes a few moments to rest. After his brief respite,

he picks up his Lancer and continues his journey.



“60 seconds of gameplay”

0:00 – 0:15: The player arrives in the ruined church and takes cover under a light source behind a pew as two emergence holes pop open

0:15 – 0:20: The player scopes out the play space and sees multiple flanks and a balcony with a sniper in it and lightning is the only way the player is getting to any of these advantages

0:20 – 0:35: The player waits for a lightning flash to run to a pillar. At the pillar, the player takes cover and waits for another lightning flash to reach the balcony.



0:35 – 0:45: The player gets to the balcony and kills the sniper. The player takes the sniper rifle and takes cover at the balcony.

0:45 – 0:60: The player starts picking off the Locust coming out of the emergence holes until a Boomer arrives to shake things up.



MAJOR AREAS/VISUAL THEMES

Figure 4 The map divided by each area labeled



Area 1: Rain Slicked Street

Figure 5 Isolated area 1 map

Text Description: The street is extremely dark except for spots of light from the last few working street lamps. Rain beats down on the street creating a shine when lights hit the street. Rows of buildings wall each side of the street to create an oppressive canyon like environment. This street was an area of old battles where wrecked cars and street barricades dot the street.



Visual References Terrain/Vegetation

Figure 6 Typical Gears like terrain http://www.aworldonfire.com/images/wallpaper/wayfaring-stranger.jpg

Figure 7 The cars are going to be a major terrain element http://www.movieroar.com/images/vanishing11.jpg


http://www.movieroar.com/images/vanishing11.jpg

http://www.aworldonfire.com/images/wallpaper/wayfaring-stranger.jpg


Figure 8 The buildings create the urban canyon that Guilty Party is going to have http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/51425703_ea9fc25bbc_z.jpg

Figure 9 Another example of an urban canyon with rain slicked streets http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1136/953702156_48a6e4f7ef_z.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/51425703_ea9fc25bbc_z.jpg


Models/Architecture

Figure 10 Storefronts and street lamps are the highlight here. Also, the claustrophobia the picture induces is great as well http://www.foreverbee.com/img/Penang/georgetown_night.jpg



Figure 11 The lighting and way the picture looks is major design goal of the level http://www.filemagazine.com/thecollection/archives/images/still-from-a-yet-to-be-rele.jpg

Figure 12 Another more destroyed look for the level to consider http://www.ushmm.org/lcmedia/photo/lc/image/10/10468.jpg



Textures/Lighting

Figure 13 The classic Noir look with great lighting and a washed out palette http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_158/1182411144qUbgcq.jpg

Figure 14 This is how the shadows are going to look in the level http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_158/1182411144qUbgcq.jpg


http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_158/1182411144qUbgcq.jpg



Figure 15 Perfect example of the lighting for the level http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/Midwest/Illinois/La_Grange/photo989702.htm



Figure 16 The murky darkness is how the level is going to look outside of the light sources http://jazno.net/recentwork/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/dark-street.jpg

Figure 17 Cool pavement texture http://theoverload.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/pavement.jpg


http://jazno.net/recentwork/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/dark-street.jpg


Characters/Vehicles

Figure 18 The vehicle that breaks down on Marcus http://gearsofwaronly.webs.com/gowb2.bmp

Figure 19 Marcus alone in a dark place. Sums up the level perfectly. http://3anime.com/gears-of-war-3-pre-order-provides-multiplayer-beta-access/2695


http://gearsofwaronly.webs.com/gowb2.bmp


Area 2: Crowded Cul-de-sac


Text Description: A large archway signals the entryway into the cul-de-sac where cars, roadblocks, and other debris surround the player. This area is crowded to keep the claustrophobic feel from the first area without using the same canyon motif. Other than the archway, there are no towering structures in this area to loom over the player. This area is going to highlight the storm going on around the player where the lightning can really bleach out the area and almost blind the player. Light and dark is going to contrast greatly in this area to add tension to the overall level.




Figure 21 A very basic layout of a cul-de-sac http://www.somersetborough.com/subdivision/drawings/culdesacstreets.jpg



Models/Architecture

Figure 22 A wonderful depiction of the rubble that inhabits Gears of War http://briters.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/20081003-081003_3772_01-2.jpg



Textures/Lighting

Figure 23 Foggy lighting is perfect for the Cul-de-sac area http://www.shorpy.com/files/images/8c04398u.preview.jpg



Characters/Vehicles

Figure 24 Wrecked car concept http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Ddestroyed%2Bcar%26b%3D169%26ni%3D21%26ei%3DUTF-8%26xargs%3D0%26pstart%3D1%26fr%3Dyfp-t-701&w=600&h=438&imgurl=www.the3dstudi



Area 3: Ruined Church


Text Description: A broken down church where large sections of the roof is missing. Debris and pews are everywhere and there is a staircase leading to a lone balcony on the east wall. The word ‘hope’ is the only adornment left on the walls and is rather ironic when the player sees while fighting the Locust swarm. The lightning pierces through the holes in the ceiling to create a very dramatic and cinematic experience.




Figure 26 A pretty good visual idea for the ruined church http://www.worldwaronecolorphotos.com/assets/images/db_images/db_83-401.jpg

Figure 27 A great example of how to clutter the church without using giant piles of debris http://efata.org/images/kotvasletters/cherredestruction2007_large.jpg


http://www.worldwaronecolorphotos.com/assets/images/db_images/db_83-401.jpg

http://www.worldwaronecolorphotos.com/assets/images/db_images/db_83-401.jpg


Models/Architecture

Figure 28 This is how the final church area is going to look in the level http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_158/1182411144qUbgcq.jpg

Figure 29 Destroyed church image http://englishrussia.com/index.php/2010/11/22/astounding-old-churches/




Figure 30 Example of an indoor balcony http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/423633398_e71ad46b5b_z.jpg

Figure 31 Another indoor balcony concept http://www.dinkmetal.com/uploads/images/large/indoor_balcony_railing_traditonal_collection.jpg


http://www.dinkmetal.com/uploads/images/large/indoor_balcony_railing_traditonal_collection.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/423633398_e71ad46b5b_z.jpg


Figure 32 Another layout idea for the church http://www.designzzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/fallen_roof_by_brandybuck.jpg



Textures/Lighting

Figure 33 Church stone wall http://www.genealogyintime.com/GenealogyResources/Wallpaper/Vintage_Stone_Wall_Series_1/images/church_stone_wall.jpg


http://www.genealogyintime.com/GenealogyResources/Wallpaper/Vintage_Stone_Wall_Series_1/images/church_stone_wall.jpg

http://www.genealogyintime.com/GenealogyResources/Wallpaper/Vintage_Stone_Wall_Series_1/images/church_stone_wall.jpg


Characters/Vehicles

Figure 34 Locust drones http://www.flickr.com/photos/25335276@N02/2507653386/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/25335276@N02/2507653386/


LEVEL OBJECTIVES Primary: Escape the city Secondary: Clear out all Locust in the way Bonus: N/A Hidden: N/A

CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTSArea 1: Rain Slicked Street

Combat: Two Locust Drones and a Locust Wretch Stealth: N/A Puzzles: Navigating the play area using lightning flashes in order to get to lighted area to avoid the Kryll Conversation: Marcus talking to himself about the presence of the Kryll and his need to escape the area Boss Battles: N/A

Area 2: Crowded Cul-de-sac Combat: A total of four Locust Drones and two Locust Wretches from an emergence hole with only two

Locust Drones and one Locust Wretch out at a time Stealth: N/A Puzzles: Using the lightning flashes again, but to get to flanking positions against the enemy Conversation: N/A Boss Battles: N/A

Area 3: Ruined Church Combat: Eight Locust Drones and four Locust Wretches appearing from two emergence holes with only three

Locust Drones and one Locust Wretch out at a time. One Locust Boomer that appears 60 seconds into the battle. One Locust Sniper on a balcony above the player, who must use lightning flashes to reach the sniper.

Stealth: N/A Puzzles: Using lightning flashes to not only flank the enemy but to also get into a sniping position to trap the

enemy Conversation: Marcus makes a few remarks upon the completion of the level about continuing to be on the

run. Boss Battles: Locust Boomer

WOW MOMENTS Moment 1 (Area 1): The first time the player uses the lightning flash to make it to a new section of the level

that was otherwise inaccessible. Moment 2 (Area 1, 2, and 3): Using that same mechanic, but using it in a combat situation where the player

turns the tables on the enemy by using a flank that only the player can access. Moment 3 (Area 1, 2, and 3): The way the level bleaches out when the lightning flashes creating a very

dramatic and high contrast moment.



ActorsPlayer : Marcus Fenix

Model(s): Marcus Fenix Inventory: Lancer Assault Rifle, Gnasher Shotgun, Snub Pistol, Bolo Grenade x2 Start Location: At the south end of a deserted street standing next to the broken down vehicle Motives/Objectives: Escape the city and to clear out all Locust that try to stop the player

Key Actors

Actor 1: Locust Drone Model(s): Locust Drone Inventory: Hammerburst Assault Rifle Motives/Objectives: Kill Marcus Fenix Starting Location: The Rain Slicked Street, Crowded Cul-de-Sac, and the Ruined Church

Actor 2: Locust Wretch Model(s): Locust Wretch Inventory: N/A Motives/Objectives: Kill Marcus Fenix Starting Location: The Rain Slicked Street, Crowded Cul-de-Sac, and the Ruined Church

Actor 3: Locust Sniper Model(s): Locust Sniper Inventory: Longshot Sniper Rifle Motives/Objectives: Kill Marcus Fenix Starting Location: Balcony in the Ruined Church

Actor 4: Locust Boomer Model(s): Locust Boomer Inventory: Boomshot Grenade Launcher Motives/Objectives: Kill Marcus Fenix Starting Location: Ruined Church

Supporting Actors

N/A



User InterfacePre-Game Information

Briefing: A cutscene plays showing Marcus Fenix driving through the city when his car suddenly breaks down leaving Marcus stranded. As Marcus climbs out of the car, he looks up to see the Kryll through flashes of lightning. Marcus grumbles to himself about his predicament and futilely shakes off the rain that is pouring down.

In-Game Information Introduction: A point of interest pops up to show the Kryll circling above the level to indicate to the player

that being in darkness is death. In-Game: Several points of interest to show players where to use lightning to navigate the level, but also

where emergence holes spawn Objectives: Escape the city and to clear out any Locust resistance along the way Conclusion

Post Game Information Debriefing: A closing cinematic of Marcus Fenix walking out the back of church with the camera pulling up

until the entire level is just a spec to the player. Stats: N/A

HUD Elements Normal Gears of War HUD



GAMEPLAY DETAILSLevel Progression Chart



Gameplay MechanicsPrerequisite Skills:

Basic shooter skills such as mouse and keyboard movement or dual thumb stick movement. Players should also know how to aim and fire guns in a third person environment

Skills Learned The player learns how to use lightning flashes to get to areas of the map that would otherwise be

inaccessible. Players also learn how to fight in small encounter spaces where the barriers is light sources instead of walls.



OVERVIEW MAP

Figure 35 Overview map in all its glory



Figure 36 A map of just the lights and lightning in the level



Figure 37 A map of just the cover nodes in the level



Figure 38 Isometric view of the map to show the archway



DETAILED MAP DESCRIPTIONSAREA 1: RAIN SLICKED STREETSMap

Figure 39 Detailed area 1 map

Gameplay Encounters

o Player Inventory: Lancer Assault Rifle, Gnasher Shotgun, Snub Pistol, Bolo Grenade x2o Locust Drone Inventory: Hammerburst Assault Rifleo Emergence Hole: Two Locust Drones and a Locust Wretch that emerge at once

Challengeso Learning the new lightning mechanico Introduction of using lightning to reach a flank in a small encounter

Dialog Marcus Fenix upon arrival and noticing the Kryll: “Shit, Kryll. Going to need to stick to the light.” Marcus upon seeing a light source he cannot normally reach: “Maybe I can use the lightning to light my way.” Default chatter



Visual References

Figure 40 3D representation of area 1



AREA 2: CROWDED CUL-DE-SACMap

Gameplay Encounters

o Player Inventory: Lancer Assault Rifle, Gnasher Shotgun, Snub Pistol, Bolo Grenade x2o Locust Drone Inventory: Hammerburst Assault Rifleo Emergence Hole: A total of four Locust Drones and two Locust Wretches from an emergence hole

with only two Locust Drones and one Locust Wretch out at a time Challenges

o A larger encounter to test the player’s ability to reach flank using lightning. There are also two flanks for the player to access.

Dialog Default chatter



Visual References




AREA 3: RUINED CHURCHMap

Gameplay Encounters

o Player Inventory: Lancer Assault Rifle, Gnasher Shotgun, Snub Pistol, Bolo Grenade x2o Locust Drone Inventory: Hammerburst Assault Rifleo Locust Sniper Inventory: Longshot Sniper Rifleo Locust Boomer Inventory: Boomshot Grenade Launchero Emergence Hole: Eight Locust Drones and four Locust Wretches appearing from two emergence

holes with only three Locust Drones and one Locust Wretch out at a time.o One Locust Boomer that appears 60 seconds into the battle.o One Locust Sniper on a balcony above the player, who must use lightning flashes to reach the sniper.

Challengeso Multiple fronts, flanks, and emergence holes to deal with along with the Kryllo Picking a flank with multiple lightning flashes needed to get to themo A Locust Boomer and Locust Sniper to add tension to the large scale battle

Dialog Upon completing the level Marcus says: “Don’t know how much longer I can keep running.” Default chatter



Visual References



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