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Prototypes
For Remnants, I figured the best means of prototyping would be to focus in on the exploration aspect, and the 'flipping' mechanic whereby players would flip between the simulation and the real world.
I ended up using Minecraft, as it was the easiest and most efficient means of putting prototyping these elements.
Landmark Discovery
If the player assumes the role of a new species without knowledge of the planet they are on, I figured it would be helpful to the player to have important locations show as a pop-up when the player enters the near proximity of said location.
Once the player has been to the location, it would then show up on their map, as demonstrated in the top right corner of the screen.
The landmarks would also relate back to the current objective of the player, which is demonstrated here by a book.
Objective Update
The next important step was to make sure that the players are kept up to date with their objectives visually. Whenever they come across something or do something that progresses their objective, this will show visually on screen, and the players inventory/book will update in accordance.
The next objective is also shown subsequently.
Entering Simulation - Uploading
To demonstrate how the player would flip between the simulation and the real world, I set up a prototype in which the player would simply interact with an item (or interface depending on situation), and they would be 'uploaded' into the simulation.
This 'upload' is shown visually by particle effects and an 'uploading...' message on screen, so that players can understand what is happening, and that their reality is shifting.
Entering Simulation - Downloading
This clip showcases how the player would then 'download' into the simulated reality. The player would 'teleport' into the last location they loaded into, or the first possible location.
The same particles as before accompany this shift in location, and the player is greeted by the simulation in the form of a message that states 'welcome, unknown_user'. This message is to let players know that the transition between reality and simulation has completed.
Objective Highlight
Another method I thought of to allow players to better understand their direction was to create 'highlights' or 'focus points' that look out of place enough to capture the players attention. In doing so, the player is drawn to the location and thus steered down the pathway of the narrative.
I do question whether or not this is necessary however, as I feel as though this might compromise the feeling of relief and satisfaction one may get from discovering progression on their own.
Objective Highlight Tests
Here are some test effects I created before settling on the highlight effect shown above.
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