Dreamsturbia is a 3D action-puzzle-adventure game prototype that explores the psychological and emotional depths of trauma and healing. Developed as a vertical slice, this project represents a focused snapshot of a larger vision, crafted through the collaborative efforts of the Games Development and Global Design teams. Set within a surreal dreamscape, Dreamsturbia invites players to explore the fragmented psyche of a protagonist grappling with insomnia and unresolved fears. Through a mix of intricate puzzles, fast-paced combat, and evocative visuals, the prototype showcases key gameplay mechanics and narrative elements designed to captivate and challenge players. With its low-poly art style and atmospheric music, Dreamsturbia demonstrates the potential of a full-scale game, offering a taste of its emotional depth and engaging mechanics.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About The Game
3. Key Highlights of the Prototype
4. Story and Setting
5. Features
6. My Project Contributions
7. Project Contributors
8. Tools & Technologies
9. Download Links

About The Game

Dreamsturbia is a captivating 3D action-puzzle-adventure that delves into the haunting world of insomnia and the inner demons it spawns. Step into the shoes of a protagonist tormented by traumatic memories and relentless phobias that keep sleep at bay. Plagued by nightmares stemming from a childhood marred by abuse and abandonment, she turns to a therapist for help. The therapist proposes a daring treatment: a trance-induced lucid dream where she must confront the manifestations of her deepest fears.

Key Highlights of the Prototype:

• A vertical slice focusing on core gameplay and mechanics.
• Transitions between the serene Dream World and the foreboding Nightmare World, representing the protagonist's journey.
• A showcase of puzzles, combat, and exploration to engage players in a compact experience.

Story and Setting

Dreamsturbia is a journey through the fragmented psyche of a protagonist battling insomnia, trauma, and the phobias that haunt her waking and sleeping hours. The game begins with the protagonist seeking help from a therapist to confront the deep scars left by a childhood marked by abuse and abandonment. Her father’s terrifying nightly torments and her mother’s silent complicity have left her unable to find peace, even in sleep. As a last resort, the therapist proposes an unconventional treatment: inducing a trance to plunge her into a lucid dream. Within this surreal landscape, she must confront manifestations of her fears and unresolved traumas.

The Worlds

Dream World

A calming, pastel-colored oasis symbolizing the protagonist’s fleeting moments of hope and clarity. This serene environment is filled with exaggerated and surreal features like distorted statues, giant creatures, and vibrant landscapes. However, its puzzles challenge her ability to navigate the complexities of her mind.

Nightmare World

A stark contrast to the Dream World, the Nightmare World is dark, twisted, and oppressive. The terrain is cloaked in shadowy purples and blacks, with ominous forests and grotesque figures representing her deepest fears. Here, enemies—physical manifestations of her trauma—emerge to test her strength and resolve.

The Protagonist’s Goal

To finally find peace, she must:

• Solve intricate puzzles that symbolize her need to piece together her fractured memories.
• Face shadowy enemies born from her phobias, such as her fear of darkness (Nyctophobia).
• Transition between Dream and Nightmare Worlds, confronting her fears head-on to progress toward healing and a long-deserved rest.

Features

• Genre: 3D action-puzzle-adventure
• Key Mechanics:
  • Push and Pull: Move objects and solve puzzles.
  • Dash: Break barriers and evade enemies.
  • Puzzle Integration: Use abilities to unlock paths and progress through levels.
• Visual Style: 3D Low Poly
• Game Engine: Unity
• Platform: Windows PC
• Status: Prototype

My Project Contributions

Game Mechanics

• Main Character Movement.
• Main Character Ability (Push and Pull)

Animations

• Main character’s animations implementation using Mixamo.

NPC

• Long Range Enemy NPC behaviour.

Audio

• Music and SFX implementation.

Particles

• Sand grains flowing by the wind in the desert implementation.
• Fireflies particles in the desert implementation.

UI

• Programmed the UI on the Menus.

Level Design

• Created the Dream World Scene.
• Created the Main Menu Scene.

Project Contributors:

• Nuno Teixeira (Myself) (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Daniel Martins (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Miguel Leandro (Programmer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Filipa Mendes (Designer, Game Designer, Project Manager)
• Beatriz Fernandes (Designer)
• João Oliveira (Designer)
• José Batista (Designer)
• Kateryna Mariien (Designer)
• Rita Pinto (Designer)

Roles Overview:

• Programmer: Responsible for implementing gameplay mechanics, systems, and technical elements.
• Project Manager: Oversees project scope, deadlines, and team coordination.
• Game Designer: Develops the game's mechanics, rules, progression systems, and overall player experience, ensuring balance and engagement.
• Designer: Focused on visual assets, level creation, and overall user experience.

Tools & Technologies

• Game Engine: Unity
• 3D Modeling: Blender
• Animation: Mixamo
• Project Management: Clickup
• Scripting: C#

Download Links

• Game Build
• Game Design Document
• Concept Book
• Spec Sheet
• Production Plan