Biggie Rides a Train | Design Document

Introduction

Game Summary Pitch

Biggie Rides a Train is an RPG in which my housecat, Biggie, must befriend or vanquish citizens and solve puzzles for his train ticket.

Inspiration

Off-Peak

Off-Peak is a psychedelic walking simulator and RPG. Similarly, the objective of the game is to gather pieces of a train ticket in order to board a train for a reason unknown to the player. In order to reconstruct a complete train ticket, the player interacts with the train station and its inhabitants.

Undertale

Undertale is the story of a human appearing in a world, under false control, who moves to overturn everything (for better or for worse). Undertale features a combat system where every battle can be won with either violence or compassion. Defense-mode during combat features minigames (usually resembling an enclosed bullet-hell or a rhythm game) where the PC must avoid attacking objects to prevent damage.

Platform

The game is developed to be released on Windows and Mac

Development Software

• Godot v4.2.1 for programming
• Piskel for graphics and UI
• ???? for all music and SFX

Genre

Singleplayer, RPG, Top-down

Target Audience

This game is marketed toward casual indie game players who enjoy a jaunt through a foreign world as Biggie Boy.

Concept

Gameplay overview

The player controls a PC from a 2D overhead perspective. The PC will navigate their environment interacting with walls, items, and people around. Occasionally, an event will trigger switching the player to a battle sequence. They will be presented a set of options to use against an opposing force. By choosing certain options, the PC will be deemed "victorious." Key items may be gained from the open-world or from claiming victory.

Game Experience

UI

Various RPG-esc black and white textboxes for combat and dialogue.

Controls

Keyboard

Arrow keys / WASD, spacebar

Key Items + Locations:

• Tape
• Train Ticket #1
• Train Ticket #2
• Train Ticket #3
• Train Ticket #4

Needed Audio Tracks:

• Main Menu music (Optional)
• Main Game music [Train Station]
• Therapy jazz music [Therapist Office]
• House music [Dance Club]

Combat:

• Biggie options:
  • Violence (damages physical health):
    • Attack
    • Chat
  • Passive (damages mental health [hidden]):
    • Nuzzle
    • Unique option per fight

Enemies:

• Club DJ
  • Battle sequence
• Aquarium
  • Battle sequence