rostam's second labour

overview

Embark on a captivating 10-minute journey in "Rostam's Second Labour," a standalone gameplay level steeped in the rich tapestry of Persian mythology. This level invites players into a metaphorical desert, drawing inspiration from the epic tale of Rostam. Players are challenged to break free from a cyclical narrative, skillfully blending physical exploration with intricate mental puzzle-solving.

objective

Craft a unique gameplay experience for the Level Design course that transcends the typical use of a desert setting, turning it into a central antagonist reflective of existential challenges in Persian mythology.

key features

• mythologically rich setting: Immerse yourself in a desert deeply ingrained with Persian lore, offering a culturally authentic experience.

• environmental puzzle: Navigate the desert, a mental labyrinth urging players to discover the path to freedom.

• metroidvania-inspired design: Experience intelligent, multi-layered level design interwoven with gameplay mechanics, complemented by visually stunning scenes.

• detail-oriented level design: Explore meticulously crafted levels that enrich both the narrative and gameplay.

• intuitive tutorialization: Engage with levels designed to guide players naturally, reducing reliance on explicit tutorials.

my role

In a two-person team, I spearheaded the concept of using the desert as more than a backdrop. My design insights were pivotal in crafting the game's introductory experience and seamlessly immersing players into the challenging desert environment.

design contributions

• cultural integration: Persian mythology is intricately woven into the game, deepening the narrative.

• desert as antagonist: The desert is not just a setting but a core element of the level design, presenting mental challenges for players to decipher.

• metroidvania level design: Our Metroidvania-inspired design ensures fluid gameplay with unlockable areas based on the mechanics available to the player, adding depth to the exploration.

• level detailing: Paid an obsessive attention to environmental storytelling and ludonarrative detailing on every screen of the level.

• intuitive tutorialization: The game intuitively leads players through its challenges, showcasing sophisticated level design techniques.

• innovative use of tools: Despite the Knytt Stories Level Editor's limitations, we crafted a complex and nuanced level, showcasing our ability to push beyond basic tool constraints.

key challenges and solutions

• challenge: Designing a richly layered level within the confines of a rudimentary level editor.

  • solution: Creative design strategies were employed to fully utilize the Knytt Stories Level Editor, resulting in a level that exceeded expectations in complexity and depth.

• challenge: Elevating the desert from a mere setting to a pivotal narrative and gameplay element.

  • solution: We integrated the desert environment into the gameplay's core, making it a focal point for both physical navigation and mental challenges.

key learnings and reflections

• innovative level design mastery: Advanced my skills in crafting intricate, multi-layered levels that challenge conventional gameplay, setting a new standard for immersive level design.

• creative problem solving: Developed a unique ability to transform limitations into creative opportunities, particularly in working with restrictive tools to produce an unexpectedly complex gameplay experience.

• metroidvania mechanics: Honed my expertise in Metroidvania-style design, learning how to effectively create a gameplay environment that encourages exploration and progression through intuitive design cues.

• cultural and mythological incorporation: Enhanced my ability to integrate rich cultural and mythological themes into game design, creating an engaging, educational, and authentic gaming experience.

feedback & recognition

The level was highly acclaimed, being labeled as "far and away the best level this year" among over 50 submissions. It was celebrated for its profound understanding of level design and innovative approach in the Level Design course at Uppsala University.

download the game

Dive into the world of Rostam's Second Labour and explore its mysteries. Click below to download the game and embark on an adventure in Persian mythology. Your feedback and thoughts are highly valued.

conclusion

Rostam's Second Labour is not only a creative interpretation of mythological themes but also a demonstration of my ability to conceptualize and execute intricate level designs within technical constraints. This project is a testament to my skill in merging narrative with gameplay, resulting in an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

I warmly welcome discussions, feedback, or inquiries about this project and am enthusiastic about exploring collaborative opportunities in the gaming industry.

contact me