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Chapter 3
Icy Pond
This scene represented my magnum opus at Deck Nine, where I took full ownership of the design and execution to create a thrilling, high-stakes chase sequence within a narrative adventure framework. The goal was to immerse players as Max, pursuing her alternate self in a relentless, fast-paced chase that pushed the narrative and mechanics to their fullest potential.
Key to the scene’s impact was the innovative integration of the Entangle mechanic, enabling Max to shift the lake's state between two timelines. This feature provided an opportunity to showcase mastery of mechanics with gameplay and narrative, adding a good conclusion to this part of the story.
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To achieve the right balance of intensity and flow, I developed a variety of gameplay scenarios, including a boss fight element, which added a climactic sense of danger and immersion. Over four distinct greybox iterations, I refined pacing, structure, and key transitions to ensure a seamless and captivating experience. These extensive iterations allowed the scene to reach its final version before my departure from Deck Nine.
Level Map
Icy Pond Level Map
Icy Pond Level Map
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Start
The level opens with Max discovering her doppelganger snooping in her home, prompting an intense chase through the forest. As the pursuit unfolds, the doppelganger narrowly escapes by crossing a log, which collapses behind her, creating a physical and emotional barrier between them. Injured but undeterred, Max presses on, driven by a need to confront this darker version of herself. This moment sets the tone for the entire level, framing it as a relentless chase and hunt, where Max must navigate obstacles and hazards while tracking down her elusive counterpart.
Stalking Gameplay
The player discovers a "shift point," allowing travel to an alternate timeline where the fallen log is still intact, enabling them to cross and continue the pursuit. However, with no additional shift points nearby, the player must rely on the "pulse mechanic" to track Evil Max’s movements. Using this ability, players catch fleeting glimpses of her presence in the other timeline as she attempts to escape, unaware that they are tracing her through time and space. This mechanic not only heightens the suspense but also reinforces the connection between the two versions of Max, adding a unique layer of tension and immersion to the chase.
Ambushed
At the end of the path, the player encounters Evil Max, resting and vulnerable from her injuries. Spotting a nearby shift point, the player returns to the original timeline to confront her directly. Cornered and with nowhere left to escape, Evil Max makes a final attempt to flee, only to find herself trapped in a dead end. This sets up the climactic confrontation, building the tension to its peak as the player faces off against their elusive and dangerous counterpart, bringing the chase to a powerful conclusion.
Climax
In the climactic moment, the two Maxes grapple and tumble down a cliffside, landing on an icy lake. Evil Max slips beneath the surface, only for Max to pull her to safety. As they struggle to escape, the ice begins to crack beneath them, adding urgency to the scene. Here, players engage with the "entangle mechanic," which allows Max to shift the state of objects between timelines. One where the ice is dangerously fracturing and another where it’s solid. This mechanic becomes pivotal as players strategically switch states, navigating the treacherous ice to reach safety, heightening the tension and showcasing mastery of mechanics to the player.
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