Project 1: Interactive Narrative.

For this project I have to produce an interactive, narrated story/sequence for different platforms. Such as a computer or hand held device, for example the Nintendo DS or iPhone. Within being limited to a platform, gives me constraints to pixel aspect ratios, which will determine the outcome of different elements. Elements such as simplicity, artistic style and sizing of the interactive narrative. Producing a story for the correct platform, will encourage consistent material and make the overall finished product work efficiently. For example, using a lot of detail, textures and colours etc for say an iPhone platform, will greatly effect the quality of the piece and therefore is not efficient for that format. It is important to pay significant detail to that aspect when designing.

In previous projects, I have worked on art suitable for the iPhone before and therefore learned important aspects of the handheld device that suffice for my work. Such as the 960x640 pixel ratio and high retina display. Understanding the specifications of the format you want to work on will develop an understanding of the design suitable to be shown on it.

In my previous works, I have often stuck to the same artistic style and developed my own sort of 'cartoon' like feel to my drawings, especially characters. However, through recent projects I began to discover that 3D modelling seemed more like a stronger route for me to follow. It was the combined admiration for my 2D and 3D styles that made me decide to create an interactive narrative, that included both elements.

It is with that, that I also understood my target audience. Based on previous designs and artistic styles, I believe my work caters primarily to a younger generation.  I want to create a simplistic and colorful interactive experience that young children can play with. Basing my concept around a traditional fairy tale, where a young hero has to prove his worth in order to save a loved one, a mighty foe and a treacherous journey. These classic elements will combine and build a story which is easy for children to follow and understand. The inclusion of bright colours, simplistic shapes and minimal text, will prove worthy of a young audience.

The Story:

1) My interactive narrative will be a tale of a milk carton that has human like characteristics. He begins his life in a milk factory, where he was produce and manufactured with fellow milk cartons of his age. However, during his construction, a terrible malfunction occurred in the factory, causing a leak in a fuel pump to contaminate the milk substance within his cardboard, carton body. With this, Milk boy had become something more than just a refreshing beverage, he had gained a new level of strength, stamina and mobility unlike his milky companions. His new radioactive fluid, causes his aesthetic appeal to change, emitting a strange, nuclear green aura.

2) Milk boy is then dispatched to a local supermarket, where he begins his life with his brothers in a competitive retail environment. As he grew, Milk boy became tormented, teased and bullied based around his unusual glowing appearance. He begins to establish a low self esteem and often sectioned himself away from his brothers, in fear never to be loved or admired.

3) Then one day, a passing customer just so happened to pick up Milk boy! Proceeding to the checkout with his other daily shopping requirements. It is at the cashier he met someone new...a beautiful, polite cookie girl. She smiled and greeted him, unlike anyone has ever approached him before. And with that attitude towards Milk boy, he began admiring her. For once someone wanted to talk to him, acknowledge him...make him feel equal.

4) Once they arrived at their new home, the two began getting to know each other and familiarize themselves within their new surroundings. Smiling, Laughing and eventually feel in love.

5) One new day, Milk Boy and Miss. Cookie were strolling around the kitchen work surface, when a new shopping bag appeared. Blissfully unaware of this arrival, a new character emerges from the darkness. An evil sugary, soda drink named Dr. Fizz arises, noticing the relationship between Milk boy and Miss cookie. It is with his evil intent, he decides to make Miss. Cookie his own and swipes her away from the loving hold of Milk boy. He then makes an escape from the kitchen window into the back garden, where he vanishes down a drain cover.

6) Milk boy unable to react in such a short space of time, begins reflecting on the situation. Panicking, heart broken and scared. The love of his life is gone, stolen from him! The only person who ever understood and accepted Milk boy for who and what he had become. With those mixed emotions and fears, he begins to acknowledge the situation and understand he needs to do something. The pent up frustration causes Milk boy to overflow with power making his appearance and aura change. It is then, SUDDENLY Milk boy turns into a new being...Super Milk boy! He will rescue Miss.Cookie!

7) Understanding his newly found power, Milk boy gains a new personality. A character with bravery, courage and determination to prove to the world his 'defects' can save people, instead of offend. He begins his journey, tracing left evidence of Miss.Cookie and Dr.Fizz down the drain hole. However, in his desperate attempts, he encounters situations where his Super powers need more specific roles. It is in which when in that circumstance, Milk Boy develops the his strength to create powers specific for the obstacle in his way. These powers are, Fire, Ice, Rock and Ghost.

You as the player are now introduced to multiple decisions in which Milk boy must make to succeed in his journey. Depending on the scenario, you must choose the correct power in the correct situation in order to successfully proceed.