Psychedelic Influenced Video Game

[jarez88]

Hi all! I was hoping to post this in Open Discussion to get as much feedback as possible, but unfortunately can't since I'm a new member.

I've started development on a video game where you play through the life of a child that goes through several traumatic events as he ages (being bullied, parent abandoning him, etc.). Each chapter will be a unique memory where he eventually reaches a peak state of anxiety that causes him to black out. As his consciousness transitions, he enters an alternate reality that acts as an escape/coping mechanism.

I would like to make this transcendent world as eccentric and bizarre as possible and was hoping to pull ideas from recorded psychedelic experiences. I've done several psychedelics, but was hoping to get some input from others as well. If there are any experience you have had or read that were truly weird and just out there that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear or get the link to them.

Thanks!

 

[DeDao]

Just read the site.

 

[AnAngelicProcess]

Immediately thought of Child of Eden upon reading this thread title, perhaps that may also spark the creative juices: Child of Eden gameplay

In regards to weird experiences, I'd refer to the above post. I'm sure you'll find something intriguing if you do a bit of exploring around the Nexus. And welcome!

 

[jarez88]

I am going through people's written experience, but there are tons of them which is why I was curious if anyone had some input.

 

[cyb]

THIS report by the esteemed Antrocles is truly amazing.
:surprised

 

[DamiasOfEgypt]

That's really cool.

What programs and engines you plan on using?

I was thinking of making a similar game except i was going to make it with a little more interaction between the main character and spirits to represent his past memories.Kind of a mixture between American McGee's Alice and A monster calls where its a Psychedelic, Psychological thriller/horror adventure/puzzle game.

I was originally going to make it into a LARP first to work out story and then convert it to a video game.

I have some experience with Unity3D, and making story line so if you want to bounce idea's or collaborate it would be pretty cool.

 

[jarez88]

Still preproduction phase and trying to figure some of that out right now. It's going to be 2D, but I am considering Unity or possibly Corona. I really want to use a piece of middleware called Spine by Esoteric Software for the animations, and they've already built plugins for those two engines. Do you have an engineering background? Would be happy to discuss further

 

[jarez88]

Hey Damias,

Hopefully you'll see this, but do you think you could send me a PM? Unfortunately I can't send them yet since I'm still a noob :/

 

[DamiasOfEgypt]

Sorry, , i'm still not allowed to send pm either. But, if you need anything just keep posting on this thread and i'll keep an eye on it .

And, no. My background is really just in storylines and animation but i have a large network of friends who help me with art and animation and scripting. We have been at it for about 2 years now and at least two of them are currently in school for art and game design.

 

[Icon]

Instantly reminded me of the pc game Psychonauts. While they have some trippy situations and levels, it's mostly about exploring the minds of a few characters; playing through their world and memories, using psychic powers and helping them sort their "emotional baggage". Could try watching a trailer about that game or perhaps play it yourself for some inspiration or tips on do's and don'ts.

Psychonauts - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jarez88]

Cool Damias, well we're still iterating on the storyline. We may have to actually scrap a lot of the original ideas with the traumatic events due to Apple's strict guidelines :/. I still really want to keep the psychedelic world, but it may turn out being closer to an 'Alice in Wonderland' type structure.

I did play Psychonauts a while ago. I remember it feeling more dream-like than psychedelic, but you're right, I should probably check it out again. Thanks!

 

[Spiral Eye]

Immediately thought of Child of Eden upon reading this thread title, perhaps that may also spark the creative juices: Child of Eden gameplay

Also, the prequel to Child of Eden, "Rez". One of my first mystical experiences that I had was while playing that game.

 

[jarez88]

Rez and Child of Eden are great games, but a bit too abstract for what I'm thinking of.

 

[DamiasOfEgypt]

Ok, stoyline wise, what do you have so far?