Neon Diver

3D • 2D • UI

Targets:

iOS / Android / PC (upcoming)

Description:

Neon Diver is a game that combines my passion for deep waters, post-apocalyptic narratives, cross-section art, and puzzle games.

Software used:

Blender (modeling, rigging, animation), Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator

3D

Environments - Blender / Unity

Neon Diver offers 60 levels spanning 6 distinct areas. Each level presents players with a unique puzzle, resembling an obstacle course, that requires logic, observation, and reflexes to overcome.

The levels were created using a combination of Blender for model creation, Unity for 3D ground/collider implementation, and Photoshop & Illustrator for background illustrations, additional environment visuals, and particle effects.

Organic Area (level editor screencap): the first area of the game, many core mechanics and entity types are first encountered here to gradually introduce players to the gameplay concepts.

Organic Area (level editor screencap): the first area of the game, many core mechanics and entity types are first encountered here to gradually introduce players to the gameplay concepts.

Organic Area (gameplay screencap): an in-game moment showing game entities in action as well as shaders and particle effects active at runtime.

Organic Area (gameplay screencap): an in-game moment showing game entities in action as well as shaders and particle effects active at runtime.

Magma Area (level editor screencap): this level features a side quest where the player can help reunite the giant mother octopus with her missing baby.

Magma Area (level editor screencap): this level features a side quest where the player can help reunite the giant mother octopus with her missing baby.

Magma Area (gameplay screencap): the player is piloting the ship but they need to figure out a way to raise the submerged goal tower below.

Magma Area (gameplay screencap): the player is piloting the ship but they need to figure out a way to raise the submerged goal tower below.

Ice Area (level editor screencap): levels are completed when the player pilots their ship to the goal tower, triggering a blast wave which destroys all enemy elements on the level, returning it to an untouched, natural state.

Ice Area (level editor screencap): levels are completed when the player pilots their ship to the goal tower, triggering a blast wave which destroys all enemy elements on the level, returning it to an untouched, natural state.

Ice Area (gameplay screencap): descending through the mini-pools towards the puzzle.

Ice Area (gameplay screencap): descending through the mini-pools towards the puzzle.

Desert Area (level editor screencap): I was a huge fan of Star Wars growing up and I loved the way George Lucas made each world unique and instantly recognizable. I wanted to channel this approach to my world building across the game's six different

Desert Area (level editor screencap): I was a huge fan of Star Wars growing up and I loved the way George Lucas made each world unique and instantly recognizable. I wanted to channel this approach to my world building across the game's six different areas.

Desert Area (gameplay screencap): after discovering a sunken ship, the player must now travel through a warp tunnel.

Desert Area (gameplay screencap): after discovering a sunken ship, the player must now travel through a warp tunnel.

Jungle Area (level editor screencap): I am fascinated with cross-section illustrations and how they offer the viewer a clear view of its inner workings. This level features a water lock system as a component of the design.

Jungle Area (level editor screencap): I am fascinated with cross-section illustrations and how they offer the viewer a clear view of its inner workings. This level features a water lock system as a component of the design.

Jungle Area (gameplay screencap): the player enters a sensor-zone triggering the bio-mechanically altered fish to aggressively pursue the player.

Jungle Area (gameplay screencap): the player enters a sensor-zone triggering the bio-mechanically altered fish to aggressively pursue the player.

Render-X Area (level editor screencap): the final area of the game, Render-X Corporate Headquarters is a cold, inorganic place where the secrets of the fall of civilization are revealed.

Render-X Area (level editor screencap): the final area of the game, Render-X Corporate Headquarters is a cold, inorganic place where the secrets of the fall of civilization are revealed.

Render-X Area (gameplay screencap): there is a significant concentration of dangerous elements in this area which makes reaching the end a tricky proposition.

Render-X Area (gameplay screencap): there is a significant concentration of dangerous elements in this area which makes reaching the end a tricky proposition.

Game Entities - Blender

All characters, vehicles, and enemies were modeled, rigged, and animated in Blender before being imported into Unity for integration.

Although the main character, the Neon Diver, appears relatively small in-game, it was crucial to ensure seamless transitions between the 43 different animated states, guaranteeing a smooth visual experience.

Additionally, we implemented blend trees to smoothly transition between the default "healthy" animation set and an "injured" variant set, allowing us to represent the diver in an injured state when they sustain damage.

2D

Concept Art - Illustrator / Photoshop

The concept of Neon Diver emerged from my fascination with the mysteries concealed in the depths of the ocean. Originally, the vision for Neon Diver leaned towards a horror theme. However, as I delved into transforming the concept into a game, it became evident that shifting the focus towards exploration and puzzle-based gameplay was the ideal direction.

Concept Sketch 1: This initial illustration aims to capture the mood and fundamental game elements. During this early stage, we envisioned the project as a 2D game with a vector-art style.

Concept Sketch 1: This initial illustration aims to capture the mood and fundamental game elements. During this early stage, we envisioned the project as a 2D game with a vector-art style.

Concept Sketch 2: This second illustration showcases more detailed character designs and evolving mechanics. It also highlights the 45-degree wall design strategy employed in the final game.

Concept Sketch 2: This second illustration showcases more detailed character designs and evolving mechanics. It also highlights the 45-degree wall design strategy employed in the final game.

UI

Store Icon - Illustrator

We aimed to create a mobile store icon that captured the essence of the game. Although we explored designs featuring the Neon Diver character, we decided to focus on conveying the game's atmosphere rather than being too literal.

Incorporating the mother octopus into the icon proved effective, as she remains recognizable even at a small size on mobile devices.

Menus & In-Game UI - Unity

With Neon Diver, our approach was to minimize the in-game UI as much as possible, allowing players to immerse themselves in the puzzles and visuals of the world. To achieve this, we conveyed important information without relying on UI elements. For instance, player damage was indicated through a modified animation set for the injured character, accompanied by a blood trail particle effect.

However, we made three exceptions to this light-UI approach. The first was during storytelling moments, where UI elements were used to enhance the narrative. The second was in level complete score summary overlays, providing players with a visual summary of their performance. Lastly, the main menu serves as the hub where players can select the next level they wish to play and customize their gameplay experience.

Level Select Screen: Players can choose between unlocked levels or attempt to beat the current level to unlock new ones. This screen also allows players to track their game progress and upgrade their divers and boats.

Level Select Screen: Players can choose between unlocked levels or attempt to beat the current level to unlock new ones. This screen also allows players to track their game progress and upgrade their divers and boats.

Message In A Bottle Overlay: Keen-eyed players have the opportunity to uncover scattered bottles throughout the game, each containing survivor notes.

Message In A Bottle Overlay: Keen-eyed players have the opportunity to uncover scattered bottles throughout the game, each containing survivor notes.

Black Box Overlay: Upon discovering a sunken ship, players can activate the black box, which plays back the final thoughts of the deceased Neon Diver pilot.

Black Box Overlay: Upon discovering a sunken ship, players can activate the black box, which plays back the final thoughts of the deceased Neon Diver pilot.

Level Complete Overlay: After completing a level, players are presented with a summary of their performance.

Level Complete Overlay: After completing a level, players are presented with a summary of their performance.