Our project is a 2D Metroidvania set in a fantasy world on Earth focusing on our protagonist Kirei who lives in a small village named Saku. The village is a peaceful location where residents respect nature and the forest they live near. A law that the villagers must uphold; balance between humans and the forest must always be maintained. Until one day that balance is lost.
Kirei finds herself in the midst of all unbalance within the forest when she finds her companion dog missing.
Our team of 6 consists of myself completing the Narrative Design and Production side of development. We have a single Programmer, Musician, Level Designer, 2D Character Artist and 2D Environmental Artist.
We aim to complete this game within a 3-4 year timeframe with the hope to release by late 2026 or early 2027.
Below are some early concept art designs for Kirei and the villagers who protect the forest known as the Guided Ones
Our core focus for this project boils down to three main game pillars. These are our fundamental parameters that encapsulates the overall concept and direction of our game.
Our Game Pillars: Exploration, Gameplay, Puzzle Solving.
As a team we all found these were areas within games that we really enjoy and wanted to explore these within our project. Creating a Metroidvania meant that a staple pillar had to be Exploration as this is what this type of game sets the player up to do. We also wanted a focus on Puzzle Solving that would allow the player to get lost in the world while wanting to explore every crevice. Finally, one element within any game that always brings player satisfaction is quality Gameplay. Ensuring the player has enjoyment with the way the character feels, moves and initiates within combat is crucial to our design for Project Paw.
Some concept art for our creatures the Kirei will have to overcome.
Environmental Art Concept Designs:
The current save point that will be located throughout the forest part of the game.
Narrative Design:
Narrative Direction, Character Concepts, Story Design, Worldbuilding, Lore, Dialogue and Mechanics.
Production:
Help manage team members for each area of game development and throughout all production phases. Ensuring the quality and timelines for all roles within our team are achieved, this involves having an understanding of what each area entails for all members. These areas include: Narrative Design, Level Design, Programming, Concept Art, 2D Character Artist, 2D Environmental Artist, Music (Composing & SFX).
Vella Narrative 