Possible directions for our game:
Direction 1: Linear 2D Platformer. I would love for the player character to progress through a linear platformer encountering small enemies, hard jumps, power ups, and allies as they progress deeper into the forest. The setting gets darker until they eventually reach the heart of the forest where they find a portal home. The changing environment would give the player a sense of discovery and the simplicity would be inspire submission.
Direction 2: Top down 2D RPG. All of the world-building we are finding ourselves drawn to for this forest we are imagining is leading me to imagine a sort of Animal Crossing-style game of meeting different townspeople (anthropomorphic animals), completing their side quests, customizing your avatar, cultivating a community. The role-playing involved would definitely lean into the fantasy side of fun and all of the town and character customization would offer a chance for expression.
Direction 3: The final direction is one that allows an amalgamation of multiple gameplay mechanics and visual styles. The game as a “home base” location deep in the forest and various unique levels — one more combat-focused, another about scavenging, a pure puzzle — branching from there that you can approach in any order. Across these levels you could meet companions or gather coins with which to buy power ups. The variety of this allows us to create nearly every kind of fun, with their exciting uniqueness emphasizing discovery.
