AI
Goal:
Create a constant source of tension that encourages stealth and careful exploration.
System:
The AI patrols the environment, chases the player when detected, and searches the player's last known location after losing sight. If the search is unsuccessful, it returns to its patrol route.
Design Decisions:
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Encouraged players to remain cautious after escaping detection by implementing a search state.
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Encouraged quick player feedback through a detection audio cue.
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Encouraged use of the hiding mechanic to lose sight
Outcome:
The AI acts as the game's primary obstacle, creating a gameplay loop of exploration, detection, pursuit, and evasion.
Key Pad Lock
Goal:
Encourage environmental exploration while controlling player progression.
System:
Players must discover a hidden keypad code by solving riddles and enter it correctly to unlock a door leading to a new area of the house. Incorrect code entries trigger an audio cue that alerts the enemy AI to the player's location.
Design Decisions:
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Encouraged players to search the environment for clues rather than relying on trial and error.
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Encouraged careful decision-making by associating incorrect code entries with enemy investigation.
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Used the locked door as a progression gate to control pacing and narrative discovery.
Outcome:
The mechanic creates a risk-and-reward loop where players balance exploration and puzzle-solving against the possibility of attracting the enemy AI.
Flashlight
Goal:
Support the horror atmosphere by limiting player visibility and creating tension during exploration.
System:
Players can activate a flashlight to illuminate dark areas of the environment. While active, the flashlight's energy gradually drains over time. When turned off, the energy slowly regenerates, allowing players to reuse it later.
Design Decisions:
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Encouraged players to manage flashlight usage instead of relying on constant illumination.
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Encouraged cautious exploration by limiting visibility when flashlight energy is depleted.
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Balanced drain and recharge rates to create periods of safety and uncertainty throughout gameplay.
Outcome:
The mechanic increases tension during exploration and creates a simple resource-management decision where players must balance immediate visibility against future availability.
Note & Clue System
Goal:
Encourage environmental exploration while delivering puzzle clues, narrative information, and world-building details.
System:
Players can interact with notes placed throughout the environment to read clues, riddles, and lore. These notes provide information required to solve puzzles and progress through the game.
Design Decisions:
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Encouraged exploration by distributing important clues throughout the environment.
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Encouraged player observation and problem-solving by embedding puzzle hints within readable notes.
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Encouraged intentional interaction by requiring players to return notes to their original location before continuing exploration.
Outcome:
The system supports both narrative delivery and puzzle-solving, creating a connection between exploration, environmental storytelling, and progression.
Hiding Mechanic
Goal
Create tense stealth encounters by giving players a defensive option against the enemy AI without removing the sense of danger.
System
Players can interact with designated hiding spots to conceal themselves from the enemy AI after successfully breaking line of sight. Hiding spots provide temporary safety and can be used to avoid direct encounters.
Design Decisions
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Encouraged strategic use of hiding spots by preventing players from hiding successfully during an active chase.
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Encouraged players to break line of sight and plan escape routes rather than relying on hiding as a guaranteed solution.
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Integrated the mechanic with the enemy AI's detection and search behaviours to support stealth-focused gameplay.
Outcome
The mechanic creates moments of tension and relief during exploration, reinforcing the horror experience while encouraging thoughtful decision-making under pressure.
