Game Design Document
Polar Paradise
Legal
Polar Paradise (c) Payneful Productions (Jonathan Hallier, Mark Timmins, et al), 2007
Polar Payne (c) Team Dinky (Steve Royer, Jonathan Hallier, et al) 2003
Full legal, IP & copyright info can be found at: Legal
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Table of contents
Section 1: Project Overview
Core Gameplay:
3rd Person Action adventure - Exploring level environments, navigating around obstacles, combating various enemies.
Marketing / Positioning
i. Category: Dinky is the game industry's leading 'Arctic Avenger'.
ii. Key Attribute: Snowball-Time
Through a bizarrie quirk of evolution, Dinky's body has adapted to allow him to trigger a semi-hibernatation state, slowing down his perception of time.
iii. Additional Hooks
- Distinct cartoon style
- Humourous presentation - wacky/surreal characters and weapons
- Parody on action/platformer genre
Project Scope
i. Number of Levels:
- 1. Polar Paradise (Outside Factory)
- 2. Santa's Toy Factory (Inside Factory)
ii. Number of Distinct Characters
- 1. Dinky, The Polar Bear (The Player)
- 2. Evil Santa (The Boss)
- 3. Evil Slave Elf (Grunt)
- 4. BIG Evil Slave Elf (Sarge)
- 5. Killer Penguin Squad: -
- .. a) Exploding Penguin
- .. b) Bomber Penguin
- .. c) Factory Worker Penguin
Concept Art
iii. Number of Weapons
- 1. Melee: - Northern Style Polar Bear Kung Fu
- 2. Projectile: Snowball
- 3. Auto-shotgun: 'The Mincer' Mince Pie Launcher (can weld dual mincers)
- 4. Machine Gun: Fun-Matic Candy gun
- 5. Assault Rifle: Arctic Commando
- 5. Sniper Rifle: 'Icer' Icicle rifle
- 6. Grenade Launcher - Christmas Bauball/Ornament Grenade launcher
- 7. Rocket Launcher - Turkey Blaster
- 8. Flame thrower
Concept Art
Target Audience
Target audience is aged 16-30 to match the game's surreal humour and content.
Delivery Platform
PC Total Conversion / Modification (MOD) for the 'Max Payne' game, published by Take2/Rockstar Games.
Delivery will be in Max Payne's .mpm format + any additional files (movies, installation/manual documentation, etc)
Section 2: Story, Setting and Character
Story
i. Back Story
(WIP)
After returning home from his last adventure, Dinky returns home to find that his family have (once again) been kidnapped by the forces of evil. It seems that Santa plans to bring out a range of tinned meats and smoothies -- and Polar Bears are used for the ingredients!
Dinky sets out to save his family from a grizzly (yet seasonal) demise...
ii. Game Story
Upon returning home from work, Dinky the Polar Bear, discovers that his home has been ransacked and his family missing. Scattered around the family home is tinsel and gift wrapping; leading Dinky to suspect that Evil Santa has played a part in this foul play.
Dinky sets off toward the North Pole where Evil Santa’s Grotto is located. Along the way Dinky has to fend of the Evil Elves who try to hinder his progress. After a long battle Dinky finally reaches the Grotto. Inside the Grotto Dinky is shocked to find a production line of broken toys being reassembled by evil mechanical penguins who intend to deliver the hodgepodge toys to deprived children the world over.
Throughout his journey through the factory, Dinky is taunted by Santa through the Grotto’s tanoy system. Dinky finds and destroys the source of Evil Elf production; the Elf-o-Matic and narrowly escapes becoming a polar pancake when making his way through Santa’s death-trap maze. Unfortunately for Dinky; even after all his effort; he is saddened and angered to find his family; and the rest of the polar bear population, condensed into small boxes.
It turns out Santa is expanding his business to include polar bear meat exports.
Dinky enters Santa’s office to seek vengeance!
Characters
Dinky
i. Personality
Dinky is a polar bear with nothing to lose -- which is ironic, considering his family keeps getting slaughtered by The Forces of Evil. Like Max Payne, Dinky represents a force of pent up anger, only expressed in (comic) violence. Unlike Max however, Dinky is a bear of action and doesn’t say too much, instead favouring the ‘paws on’ approach.
ii. Look
Elf
i. Personality
Elves are cheeky and upbeat, but sinister at the same time. They sound a bit like Cartman from South Park.
ii. Look
Penguins
i. Personality
Penguins look cute and sweet, but then agian, pure evil takes many guises. These guys love to mess with electronics and are expert engineers. Rumour has it that penguin built Robot Santa.
ii. Look
Robot Santa
i. Personality
Santa looks scary, but he's always jolly and upbeat -- at least, when he's gunning you down with rapid-fire snowballs, that is.
ii. Look
Section 3: Detailed Level/Mission Descriptions
Level 1, Polar Paradise (Christmas Wonderland)
Synopsis
Dinky returns to his small house in the North Pole to discover that his house has been ransacked and his family kidnapped! A trail of devastation and Christmas decorations lead him from his house to Santa’s lair – a gigantic toy factory.
Mission Objectives
The player must follow the clues (i.e. scattered Christmas decorations, sleigh tracks, etc) left behind by the kidnappers (Santa and his horde of slave elves). Following the linear path (beating enemies on the way) leads to the entrance of Santa’s Lair, which the player must gain access to.
General Description
The level is set in a winter wonderland – supposedly the north pole. Think along the lines of the Ice Age films, and the winter levels by Rare (Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong series, etc) – lots of snow – settled and falling from the sky. It’s Christmas all year round, and almost everything in sight is decorated with brightly lit decorations.
Features:
- Several small wooden huts (see prototype screenshots), which make the village.
- A frozen lake – the top layer of this lake is sheet ice, and parts of it look very unstable. Some parts have been cut open for fishing.
- Wooden bridges – maybe partly crossing the lake
- Snowmen
- An ice cave hollowed out of ice and rock – mostly blue
- Hills and valleys formed by snow and ice
- Igloos
- The North Pole – a tower like hill structure made from snow and rock, at the top is a red and white signpost with ‘North’ and ‘South’ indicated.
- Platforms – platforms made from ice, rock and snow – sticking out of the mountains for the player to cross. Some may be unstable.
- Snow made trenches and cover – anticipating a counterattack, the elves have begun digging trenches and walls for cover out of snow. These will be used for the snowball fights.
Santa’s Lair / Grotto
Santa’s lair is hidden away inside a frozen cave against the wall of a mountain. The cave itself is a large and fairly dark room; but glows blues, greens and violets from the ice. Icicles and stalactites hang from the ceiling. There is no floor, instead just a bottomless pit – in the centre (OR on the far side) of the cave is a small island. A small rope bridge leads to the island, and at the other side is Santa’s Grotto. It looks like a small, heavily decorated cottage, with a giant Christmas hat forming part of the roof. The windows and main door make up a creepy looking face – like a monster or demon.
Colour Scheme, Sky and Lighting
The main colour scheme will use cool colours – blues, cyans, violets, etc. This is especially so inside the caves. The level is set around sunset – the sky consists of oranges, blues and pinks, which are being scattered across the level.
Layout / Map
Enemy Types Encountered
- Evil Elves –These guys make up most of the enemy ranks, and use a variety of weapons to attack Dinky. Mostly they use melee attacks (claw scratches, etc), and snowballs. Some might use more advanced weapons. (not to be confused with Evil Elvis)
- Killer Penguins – These look like your weak, cannon fodder enemy, but in actual fact are much tougher than the regular grunts. They are adept in technological warfare, and it’s common to find them kitted out with snow cannons, bombs, and such like. Some might even fly, dropping large snowballs on the player. It’s likely that the player will encounter some suicide bomber penguins when crossing the narrow bridges.
- Eskimos – Unconfirmed, but Eskimos might feature in the village area. These guys featured in the original Polar Payne mod, and used more conventional weaponry like machine guns and wet trouts.
Weapons and Powerups available
(TBC)
- Snowball – Player and Elves’ basic projectile weapon -- Infinite ammo and available from start.
- Shotgun – Available early on (village area)
- Machine gun – Available for the frosty brawl fight
- Sniper gun – This can be found at the summit of the North pole
- Snow cannon – bonus weapon, hidden somewhere in level or rewarded for performance
- Health pickups – available throughout the level – usually before or after a big fight
Level Critical Path Walkthrough
- Player starts at Dinky’s house and follows trail of decorations
- Player enters village area where he fights some elves
- Player crosses frozen lake to Frosty brawl section
- Frosty brawl is a big fight with the elves
- Afterwards, player realises that he has to climb the north pole to get to Santa’s lair
- At the top of the North pole, player crosses some bridges to Mountain peak
- At the peak of the mountain, player has to jump some platforms to access the cave entrance to Santa’s lair
- Inside Santa’s lair, player follows cave tunnel to opening, where Santa’s cottage is.
- Player (lowers then) crosses the drawbridge and enters the cottage
- Level ends.
Level 2, Polar Paradise (Santa's Toy Factory)
Synopsis
Dinky has arrived at Santa’s toy factory, despite it’s outwardly appearance the factory is quite spacious inside. Dinky, still angry at the disappearance of his family, ventures inside the factory to find Santa and kick him in the Christmas baubles!
Mission Objectives
The player must work their way through the factory to Santa’s control centre. The player will face many hardships on their journey including; worker drone penguins that are breaking toys, an army of evil elves and a death-trap maze
General Description
Santa’s factory is a hive of activity – Santa is soon to deliver his haul of broken toys to children the world over. Except; because Santa is so evil, he’s missed the delivery date. It’s already New Year’s Eve! Therefore there are lots of presents scattered around the factory floor. The elf-o-matic room emits an eerie green glow as it churns out an army of evil elves ready to perform Santa’s bidding. Up on the second floor the mood is sombre – many an elf has lost their life trying to find their way out of Santa’s evil death-trap maze!
Features:
• A toy breaking machine that can be interacted with
• A series of conveyor belts that pass each broken toy from station to station
• A dispatch area with a large stack of present boxes filled with broken toys going out to naughty children – only Santa receives a nice present this year
• Elf-pods throughout the factory that produce evil elves until they are destroyed.
• An office area and lounge where evil elves like to chill out while the penguins work away
• The elf-o-matic room which is filled with an army of evil elves
• Toilets with amusing signs on the wall
• A death-trap maze
• A nasty surprise for Dinky!
• The final showdown with Santa
Santa’s Command Centre
Santa’s command centre is full of TV equipment and computers so he can keep an ominous lazer-eye on his factory at all times – barking orders through the factory’s tanoy system. Santa’s station is an elevated platform with two sets of stairs leading to it. Beside his platform are two elf-pods that can generate any of Santa’s evil minions.
Colour Scheme, Sky and Lighting
The colour scheme will vary throughout the level. The production line will be a mixture of rust and wrapping paper, the elf-o-matic room will be hi-tech with an ominous green glow and the second floor maze will be dark and threatening.
Layout / Map
Enemy Types Encountered
- Evil Elves – These guys are produced in the toy factory so watch out! Expect to fight an army of evil elves in your quest to dispense justice to Santa!
- Killer Penguins – Player’s will encounter a new type of penguin in the factory – a worker drone penguin that has deadly machinery protruding from its body!
- Santa – The ultimate boss – Santa is one mean guy – with super tough armour plating and a gun for an arm.
Weapons and Powerups available
- Health pickups – available throughout the level – usually before or after a big fight
- Weapons – Dinky will retain all weapons collected during his journey to Santa’s toy factory
- Secret area – there is a secret area within the toy factory that provides a wealth of health and weapon pickups!
Level Critical Path Walkthrough
Dinky enters Santa’s factory. Santa - “Ho, Ho, Ho. Welcome to my factory Dinky! Please feel free to enjoy a self-guided tour”
Player runs up corridor and turns right to enter the toy breaking room.
- Player enters toy breaking room
Santa - “This is my toy-breaking room. Here we take perfectly good toys and break them!”
In this room will be evil elves – some already standing there – while others come out of the Elf-o-Matic pod. The three crushers in the toy breaking machine can be switched on and off by the player
- Player enters hodgepodge production line 1
Santa - “The hodgepodge production line is where we assemble new toys from broken parts.”
It is in this room that player’s first encounter the evil penguins – the ones with machinery attached to their heads. These penguins are scattered around the conveyer belts while another elf pod churns out evil elves.
- Player enters hodgepodge production line 2
Santa - ”My penguin drones work tirelessly to ensure no child goes without a spoilt Christmas”
More penguins – more elves.
Santa - “This is where we prepare the toys for delivery. I can see you’ve been veeeerrrryyyy naughty this year dinky. Only I have been behaving!”
More penguins – more elves.
- Player enters office area
Santa - “These are the offices, administrative duties are a terrible burden but it is one we must bear!”
- Player enters Elf-o-matic room
Santa - “The Elf-O-Matic. This contraption is capable of producing an army of Evil Elves. What was that Dinky? You’d like a demonstration? Certainly!”
When the player enters this room the entrance and exit doors lock so the player cannot leave. The elf-o-matic then begins to pump out the elves from random pods until the player manages to destroy each of the gas canisters attached to the pods. Upon doing this Santa says:
Santa - “Dinky! Do you have any idea of how long it took me to build the Elf-O-Matic?! I’m very disappointed in you Dinky!”
- Player exits the Elf-o-matic room
There are two further rooms before the lift – the showers/toilets and the locker room. There may, or may not, be an elf having a poo on the toilet. The locker room is where the player can recover health and ammo.
The lift is dynamic.
- Player enters second floor maze
Santa - “Ho ho ho! You’ve stumbled your way into my maze Dinky. In a few moments you will be a polar pancake unless you can find the exit!”
At certain points throughout the maze Santa will say things like: “Umm, polar pancake; my favourite. Ho Ho Ho!” and “Not much time left Dinky!”
The maze will have signs on the walls that point dinky in the wrong direction. Elves and bomb-penguins will be scattered throughout and there will also be a secret area hidden in the maze. The player has a certain amount of time before the ceiling comes down and crushes him.
Santa - “Damn you Dinky!”
While running the down corridor toward the Polar Processing room: “I didn’t want you to see this Dinky. The toy business just isn’t what it used to be. Smoothies are very profitable at the moment – my elves can’t get enough of it!”
- Player enters Polar Processing
Santa - “If you leave now Dinky; I’ll let you take your family home with you – they’re in the container on the right.”
In this room the player discovers the horrible truth about what has happened to all of the polar bears; including Dinky’s family.
- Player enters Santa’s command center
Santa - “This is where your tour ends Dinky!”
A battle with Santa begins – the pods in the background can chuck out penguins and elves while Santa shoots at Dinky from the elevated platform. The computer stations have glass that dinky can hide behind – ideally these will offer short term protection as Santa should be able to destroy the glass after 3 or 4 direct hits.
During the fight Santa will use a variety of catchphrases, such as “Mummy” and “I’m very disappointed in you dinky!”
Section 4: Weapons and Gameplay
Weapon Detailed Descriptions
Snowball – General Projectile
Everyone’s favourite all purpose projectile. There’s an infinite supply, and they bounce on impact. Work best when dropped down someone’s back.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: Infinite
- Clip Ammo: 4 shots
- Rate of Fire: Moderate
- Projectile Speed: Thrown speed
- Damage: Moderate
- Effective Range: Close - Medium
- Notes: Ricochets on impact, so trick shots are possible (shots around corners, etc)
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowball
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowball_fight
‘The Mincer’ – Mince pie automatic shotgun
A festive automatic shotgun. Rapidly fires high powered mince pies at targets.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 400
- Clip Ammo: 12
- Rate of Fire: Moderate
- Projectile Speed: Moderate / Fast
- Damage: Moderate/High
- Effective Range: Close - Medium
- Notes: Can wield dual mincers for double firepower. Best used at close and medium range
Reference:
http://world.guns.ru/shotgun/SH09-E.HTM
http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl15-e.htm
http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl14-e.htm
Jingle Ball Launcher – Jingle Ball grenade launcher
Compact Grenade/RPG style launcher. The launcher fires festively decorated ‘jingle balls’ that bounce around and then explode - normally to the tune of bad Christmas pop songs.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 50
- Clip Ammo: 3
- Rate of Fire: Quick
- Projectile Speed: Moderately fast
- Damage: High
- Effective Range: Medium-Long
- Notes: Explodes after 1 second. Projectiles are affected by gravity and bounce off walls. Extremely dangerous in close quarters (small rooms, etc) because the grenades bounce.
Reference:
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/home.nsf/Lookup/ratchet2x26x11x02/$file/ratchet2x26x11x02.jpg
http://www.ratchetandclankgadgets.com/
Icicle Rifle – Sniper Rifle
Liquid Nitrogen powered rifle that fires sharp pointy icicles over long distances.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 40
- Clip Ammo: 5
- Rate of Fire: slow
- Projectile Speed: Fast
- Damage: High
- Effective Range: Long to extra-long distance
- Notes: Player can switch to FPS mode to zoom in on targets, but this leaves the player vulnerable to close range attacks
Reference: N/A
Turkey Blaster 6000™ – ‘Roast Turkey’ Launcher
A rocket launcher with a twist – it fires live turkeys at your victim. This rocket launcher also has a limited sniper scope for precision aiming, and onboard Turkey-Cam™ technology.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 20
- Clip Ammo: 1
- Rate of Fire: Slow
- Projectile Speed: Very Fast
- Damage: High
- Effective Range: Medium-Long
- Notes: Explodes on impact with character or wall. Can kill player, so best used at medium/long distance. Projectile travels in straight direction, and is not affected by gravity.
Reference: N/A
Arctic Commando – Snowball Assault Rifle
Rapid-fire snowball rifle.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 400
- Clip Ammo: 32
- Rate of Fire: Medium-Fast
- Projectile Speed: Medium - Fast
- Damage: Moderate
- Effective Range: Close-Long
- Notes: Snowballs explode on impact rather than bouncing.
Reference: N/A
Fun-Matic 2000™ Practical Candy Launcher ® – Submachine gun
The Fun-Matic 2000™ Practical Candy Launcher® is designed for the professional and hobbyist alike, launching sweet-to-air missiles at a highly rapid rate. This weapon is ideal for suppression and corridor clearing.
Stats and Behaviour
- Total Ammo: 900
- Clip Ammo: 50
- Rate of Fire: Fast
- Projectile Speed: Medium - Fast
- Damage: Low-Moderate
- Effective Range: Close-Medium
- Notes: Individual candies aren’t very accurate but the spread covers a wide area at close range.
Reference: N/A
Concept Art
Section 5: Asset List
Model & Texture List
Characters
Dinky the polar bear mesh – used from existing mod ‘Polar Payne’
Dinky the polar bear texture
Bad Guys
Evil Elf mesh
Evil Elf texture 1 (red and green), 2 (blue & purple), 3 (all red)
Jumbo Elf mesh
Evil Elf texture 1 (red and green), 2 (blue & purple), 3 (all red)
Exploding-penguin mesh
Exploding-penguin texture
Bomber-penguin mesh
Bomber-penguin texture
Factory worker penguin mesh
Factory worker penguin texture
Weapons & projectiles
Weapon #1
Snowball – General Projectile Mesh
Snowball – General Projectile texture
(Projectile uses the same mesh)
Weapon #2
‘The Mincer’ – Mince pie automatic shotgun Mesh
‘The Mincer’ – Mince pie automatic shotgun texture
Mince Pie Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #2b
‘The Mincer’ Dual – Mince pie automatic shotgun Mesh
‘The Mincer’ Dual– Mince pie automatic shotgun texture
Mince Pie Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #3
Jingle Ball Launcher – Jingle Ball grenade launcher Mesh
Jingle Ball Launcher – Jingle Ball grenade launcher texture
Jingle Ball Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #4
Icicle Rifle – Sniper Rifle Mesh
Icicle Rifle – Sniper Rifle texture
Icicle Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #5
Turkey Blaster 6000™ – ‘Roast Turkey’ Launcher Mesh
Turkey Blaster 6000™ – ‘Roast Turkey’ Launcher texture
Turkey Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #6
Arctic Commando – Snowball Assault Rifle Mesh
Arctic Commando – Snowball Assault Rifle texture
Snowball Projectile - mesh & texture shared with snowball weapon
Weapon #7
Fun-Matic 2000™ Practical Candy Launcher ® – Submachine gun Mesh
Fun-Matic 2000™ Practical Candy Launcher ® – Submachine gun texture
Candy Projectile - mesh & texture
Weapon #8
Flame Thrower - From the original Polar Payne mod, made by Steve Royer
Flame is generated by fire particles
Pick-ups / aka Level Items
'Level Items' for all the above weapons share the same mesh & texture files.
Fish mesh & texture – used from the mod ‘Polar Payne’, made by Steve Royer
Animation List
The animations for Polar Paradise will be taken from Max Payne, Max Payne: Kung Fu Edition 3, and Polar Payne
New animations will be created for the Penguins, specifically:
-Standing Idle
-Walking
-Running
-Dying
Effects List
Weapon effects
Weapon effects such as muzzle flare and explosions will remain the same as Max Payne
Environmental effects
Environmental effects such as decals, footprints and bullet holes will remain the same as Max Payne
Interface Art List
Menus
An opening menu screen that features the game title and an image of Dinky.
Audio
Music
Music for levels 1 and 2 need to be implemented, plus additional stings and events for cutscenes.
Dialogue
Sound effects for dialogue need to be implemented into the game
Elf Noise - Elf makes a noise, alerting the player
Elf Group Noise - A group of Elves talking
Elf Alert - Elf spots the player 'hey! it's Dinky!' etc
Elf Group Alert - A group of Elves spot the player
Elf Death - Elf dying grunt
Santa Alert - Santa spots player
Santa Taunt - Santa taunts player
Santa Death - Santa dies
Penguin Noise - Penguin makes noise
Penguin Alert - Penguin spots player
Penguin Death - Penguin dies
Scene specific
Santa Tour 1-15 - Various dialogue of Santa explaining what each room does.
Section 6: Development Plan & Scheduling
Full development, scheduling, and risk analysis information can be found on the Development Plan page.
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