Unearthed Odyssey: The Journey of Intergalactic Mechanic

A VR co-op game for a small, intimate social group of friends or family.
The puzzle that needs to be solved by the first player (who wears VR device) with the help of other player(s).
The Intergalactic Starship Repair Manuals can only be accessed by the Second Player(s) who has the manuals in PDF or printed form.
Discovering the hidden puzzle answer by using the Mechanic’s Flashlight to reveal.
Communicating and providing clues for the correct puzzle answers.
Uncover the correct answer and insert it to solve the puzzle.

Inspiration

The inspiration for this game initially came from the game 'Keep Talking and Nobody Explode.' Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes - Meta Quest 3 Launch Trailer

We believe that the concept of a VR game involving co-op players who do not use VR devices can offer a unique and enjoyable gaming experience within a small, intimate social group of friends or family.

We deliberately chose the outer space theme with the main character being an intergalactic mechanic because it offers limitless possibilities for development in terms of puzzles to solve, visuals, characters, and the story. The main character of our project - the intergalactic mechanic - was inspired by Han Solo from Star Wars.

What it does

The puzzles in the game consist of an arrangement of geometric shapes with alien symbols in them. The arrangement of the puzzle is based on Intergalactic Starship Repair Manuals.

The First Player (who wears VR device) must find the correct puzzle symbols in the surrounding environment to complete the puzzle. These symbols can be uncovered using The Mechanic's Flashlight, revealing hidden symbols.

On the other hand, Intergalactic Starship Repair Manuals are not visible to the First Player. The Manuals can only be accessed by the Second Player who has the manuals in PDF or printed form. The success of every Co-Op mission relies on effective communication and coordination among all players.

There are some obstacles in the game : oxygen limitation and the mechanic’s flashlight.

Oxygen Limitation In every mission, players are given a specific time limit that correlates with their oxygen supply. Oxygen tanks can be refilled by players by solving a mini puzzle in every room they enter.
The Mechanic’s Flashlight Player is equipped with a flashlight that serves to uncover clues. However, this flashlight can only stay on for a few seconds and requires some time to recharge before it can be turned on again.

How we built it

We began by crafting an intriguing storyline with vast potential for future development. Following this, we developed the art and 3D concept for the main character's spacecraft and the assistant, Cosmolink. In terms of puzzles, we created puzzle assets along with the key answers (Intergalactic Starship Repair Manuals) that will be utilized in gameplay. We also designed the levels for the alien spacecraft that our main character will be repairing. The 3D assets were created using Blender software. All of these assets will be integrated into Unity, and the completed puzzles will be randomized within Unity to ensure that each level design is unique.

Challenges we ran into

Developing eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing visual elements that are tailored to the specific tastes and desires of the target audience. This involves creating graphics, artwork, and overall design that resonate with the intended market's aesthetics and expectations, ensuring they find the game visually appealing and enticing.

Integrating 3D assets into Unity often poses challenges, particularly in managing textures/materials and positioning the model within the Unity environment. Ensuring that materials seamlessly align with the envisioned concept or aesthetic is crucial for achieving a unified and harmonious design. While Unity offers valuable import settings and plugins, addressing precise issues requires in-depth information to find effective solutions.

What's next for Unearthed Odyssey: The Journey of Intergalactic Mechanic

In the upcoming development phase, we plan to introduce a Single Player Mode and Mixed Reality (MR) mode. In the Single Player Mode, all alien symbols and Intergalactic Starship Repair Manuals will only become visible when the Player directs the Mechanic’s Flashlight toward them.

The MR mode will be seamlessly integrated into the storyline, offering players a blend of the virtual and real worlds, thereby enhancing their immersion and interaction within the game. MR may encompass the use of VR devices to overlay digital elements, including clues for solving puzzles, onto the player's physical environment. This integration will result in a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.