The Journey & Drinks of Elliot Fig
Elliot Fig, Narrative RPG, 2023
Lead Gameplay Designer, Narrative Designer
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS PROJECT?
Game Marco Writing
Game Flow Design
Media Assests List
Paper Prototype
Yarn Spinner
Drink Mixing
Narrative Game Design
Playtest and Iteration
Unity 2.5D
MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS
Game Design: Crafted the game's storyline and core gameplay mechanics, completing the Game Macro. Actively conducted playtests during the development process and iterated on the design based on feedback.
Technical Design: Utilized Unity to implement gameplay features such as NPC behaviors, narrative sequences, interactive pickups, and enhanced the visual presentation of game environments.
KEY FEATURES
Inspiration
The game was inspired by two serendipitous elements — Figs and a Bar!
Paper Prototype and Iterartion
Gameplay
Ingredients
During a brainstorming session, one of our team members brought in figs she had purchased from a Farmer's Market. This led me to think about how the unique characteristics of figs — flowers that bloom inward — could intertwine beautifully with our story. It mirrors the revelation our protagonist, Elliot, comes to understand: the secret to delicious wine lies not in the ingredients but in the dedication and care one pours into it from within.
NPCs
During the mixology section, players must complete word puzzles based on the requests of NPCs, using specific ingredients to craft drinks for them.
Ending 2
Additionally, a visit to The Death & Co bar sparked the idea of incorporating cocktail mixing as a gameplay mechanic. This not only supports the narrative but also enriches the gameplay experience, making it more engaging and interactive.
We quickly established the game's story outline, focusing on two core gameplay mechanics: word puzzles based on mixology and platformer segments during the adventure. I took the lead in writing and creating paper prototypes for the narrative and designing levels for the platforming sequences. Concurrently, the art team finalized the character designs.
During playtesting, our innovative setting, engaging mixology gameplay, and profound narrative received positive feedback from players. However, the platformer element felt disjointed to them. We compiled player feedback into a spreadsheet for analysis, which helped us pinpoint the direction of our future development efforts.
The game cycles between two core gameplay elements: the mixology section and the exploration section. The narrative progresses through this cycle, ultimately leading to the conclusion.
Mixwell
Prompt Example
Players need to drag the required ingredients into Elliot's head — shake the mouse — and a drink is made!
Ending 3
Elliot received friendship, and managed his bar with the companions he met along the way together.
During the production process, we conducted multiple rounds of playtesting to ensure the game’s experience met our experience goals.
The Journey and Drinks of Elliot Fig is a 2.5 relaxing narrative game where players play as Elliot Fig, a space bartender.
In Collaboration with: Bernice Wang | Cecil Boey | Shelby Zhang
https://bernwang.itch.io/the-journey-and-drinks-of-elliot-fig
Elliot runs his late family's spacecraft bar. As he searches for his mysterious Grandmother Fig, Elliot meets unique customers, makes their favorite drinks, and explores quaint landscapes.
LiquorLeaf
Alcohol - Confidence
Syrup - Love
Garnish - Independence
Muti-Ending
Ending 1
Elliot's death on the Muddler Planet
Drink Mixing
Narrative & Gameplay Loop
The outcome of these creations is reflected in the NPCs' affinity towards the player — if the player fails multiple times, they will lose all favor with that NPC, who will then cease to appear, thereby affecting the game's ending.
Elliot returned alone to Fig Planet.
I created the game's Macro and Media Assets list during the development process. Meanwhile, to facilitate understanding among team members, I also developed a game flowchart on Figma to organize and clarify the logical relationships between processes.
Exploration
Production
Neatly
“I could really use a drink that gives me some confidence and some excitement!”
There are 4 ingredients in the game, each of which will be obtained at different stages.
Each ingredient corresponds to an emotion:
Soda Water - Excitement
In the exploration section, players land on planets to explore, following clues to find more ingredients, uncovering and revealing the game's finale.
