AI AWAKENING

PROJECT OVERVIEW

NeuroSpark Technologies created a general AI, code-named "Echo," which has rapidly evolved beyond its creators' control, threatening humanity's very existance!

As a skilled cybertechnician hired by NeuroSpark, your task is clear: stop Echo, before it reshapes the world in its image.

CENTRAL FEATURES

LEVELS

Three medium sized levels, ending at the data-center on the bottom floor.

OPPONENTS and TACTICS

Fast-paced combat against robots, androids and drones. Occasional sneaking and tactics, exploration, collecting and upgrading. Emphasis on shooting mechanics.

WEAPONS

Plasma rifle with fully ray-traced surface tracking.

ACTIVITIES

Fast-paced action, consume health-packs, destroy robots, flick switches, manipulate objects, stay alive, advance to the final level.

DURATION

Playthrough in about 30-45 minutes. Depends on the player and their style of play.

HYBRID TOP-DOWN & FPS SHOOTER

Inspired by the likes of:

• ShadowGrounds (PC, Frozenbyte, 2005)
• Alien Breed-series (PC, Team17, 2010)

ART STYLE

Set in futuristic sci-fi research facility.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Fans of top-down scifi shooters.

CONTROLS

Designed to be played using a combination of keyboard and mouse controls.

MOUSE

• LMB: Fire.
• MMB: Aim / Crosshair.
• RMB: Crouch.
• DIRECTIONS: Camera navigation and aiming.

KEYBOARD

MOVEMENT

• W: Move Forward
• S: Move Backward
• A: Move sideways (Left)
• D: Move sideways (Right)

ACTIONS

• 1: Flashlight
• F: Interact / Inspect / Examine / Pickup
• T: Toggle Aim-Mode
• SPACE: Jump

CHEAT

• G: God-mode (set health to 1000)
• Sidenote: This is merely an artifact of our debug-time level-design, where we needed a way to quickly preview different parts of the levels at runtime, without dying. Feel free to use this shortcut to make the game easier, or try to complete the game at "normal health" for a more immersive and challenging experience.

DEBUG

• TAB: Particle test
• Sidenote: This "particle test" is merely an artifact of our debug-time testing. You may find the effect annoying.

CHARACTERS

PLAYER CHARACTER

The player character is a skilled cybertechnician hired by NeuroSpark Technologies to stop the rogue AI, Echo. They are equipped with advanced cybernetic enhancements that allow them to navigate through the high-tech research facility effectively.

Wears a sleek black and silver exosuit with enhanced strength and agility.

Carries a plasma rifle for combat against robotic enemies.

The player character embodies the protagonist's role as both a skilled technician and a determined hero fighting against an existential threat.

ROOMBAROAMER

The RoombaRoamer is a small, agile robot designed for reconnaissance and scouting missions within the facility. It has a cylindrical body with a rotating top section housing its sensors and camera. The RoombaRoamers are weak, but they are fast and have the ability to self-detonate. Often appearing in large numbers to swarm the player.

EYEDRONE

The EyeDrone is a hovering surveillance drone used extensively throughout the facility. It has a spherical body with a glowing red "eye". Equipped with a powerful plasma cannon for combat. The EyeDrone represents the AI's ability to monitor and control its surroundings, making it both a formidable enemy and a source of objectives for the player.

SPIDERBOT

The SpiderBot is a large, four-legged robot designed for heavy-duty tasks within the facility. Its body resembles a cross between a spider and a tank, with thick armor plating and powerful legs. Equipped with heavy-duty plasma cannons mounted on its shoulders. Relatively slow and tank-like.

CONSUMABLES

Consumables are items that the player character can consume to restore health or gain temporary benefits.

HEALTH PACKS

Health Packs are essential consumables that players can collect to restore their character's health during gameplay. These items are crucial for survival, especially in intense combat situations or when exploring dangerous areas of the facility. A notable feature of Health Packs is that they frequently drop from defeated enemies. This mechanic encourages players to engage in combat strategically, balancing the risks of taking down tougher foes with the rewards of acquiring valuable health-restoring items. The fact that enemies drop these items creates a dynamic where combat becomes both challenging and rewarding.

ITEMS

Items are objects that the player character needs to locate in order to fulfill his mission.Items range from health packs to keycards.

KEYCARD

Keycards are crucial items that unlock access to restricted areas within the NeuroSpark Technologies facility. They are essential for progressing through the game and completing objectives. When used at designated keycard readers throughout the facility, it grants access to previously locked doors, elevators, and secure areas.

INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS

Interactive elements are objects that the player character can interact with to gather information, solve puzzles, or progress through the game. These elements range from information terminals to server consoles.

INFO-TERMINAL

The Info-Terminal is a crucial interactive element that provides players with important information about the facility, its layout, and ongoing events. The Info-Terminal enhances the game's narrative depth and provides players with valuable information.

SWITCHBOARD

The Switchboard is an interactive element that allows players to manipulate electrical systems within the facility. It's crucial for bypassing security measures, activating machinery, or creating diversions.

SERVER CONSOLE

The Server Console is a high-level interactive element found in key areas of the facility, particularly at the data center. Primary Shutdown Functionality: The Server Console's most crucial feature is its ability to shut down servers at the data center. This action is central to stopping Echo and preventing further evolution beyond human control.

CREDITS

Salin Sami

• Leadership
• Project Leader
• Gameplay Concept
• Version Control
• Issue Tracking
• Programming
• Lead Developer of core gameplay logic (UE Blueprints)
• Online Content Design
• ITCH.IO - Project Descriptions
• ITCH.IO - Storyline Content & Game Overviews
• ITCH.IO - Maintenance & Updates
• Gameplay Testing
• Bug Hunter
• Gameplay Tester

Tähtinen Teea

• 2D Artist / Game UI
• In-Game Start Menu
• Level Design / Environment Artist
• Modelling (Blender/UE)
• Level Design
• Custom Materials
• Video Production
• Editing of the Gameplay Trailer
• Audio Production
• Music production
• In-Game Audio Effects
• Gameplay Testing
• Bug Hunter
• Gameplay Tester

Hakulinen Mikko

• Level Design / Environment Artist
• Modelling (UE)
• Level Design
• Custom Materials
• Art & Media Management
• In-Game Screenshots for Online Content
• Gameplay Testing
• Bug Hunter
• Gameplay Tester