1194 lines
28 KiB
Markdown
1194 lines
28 KiB
Markdown
# 🎮 MRTVA DOLINA / DEATH VALLEY - COMPLETE GAME BIBLE
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**Official Game Design Document**
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**Version:** 2.0 (Updated Jan 10, 2026)
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**Developer:** David Kotnik
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**Genre:** Story-Driven Farming Survival / Post-Apocalyptic Adventure
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**Platform:** PC (Steam, Itch.io, GOG), Electron Desktop
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**Art Style:** Style 32 Dark-Chibi Noir (Cult of the Lamb inspired)
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**Demo Status:** 95% Ready for Launch
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---
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# 📖 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. [Game Concept & Pitch](#concept)
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2. [Story & Narrative](#story)
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3. [Main Characters](#characters)
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4. [Gameplay Features](#gameplay)
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5. [Game Progression](#progression)
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6. [Demo vs Full Game](#demo)
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7. [Special Features](#special)
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8. [Technical Systems](#technical)
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9. [Assets & Content](#assets)
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10. [Marketing & Launch](#marketing)
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---
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<a name="concept"></a>
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# 🎯 1. GAME CONCEPT & PITCH
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## **High Concept**
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*"Stardew Valley meets The Last of Us in a punk-aesthetic post-apocalyptic world where farming feeds your survival and memories define your identity."*
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## **Elevator Pitch**
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You wake up as Kai, a 14-year-old amnesiac in a zombie-infested wasteland. With no memory except your twin sister Ana's face, you must survive by farming, build a new home, and search for the truth. But each memory you recover ages you visually – from confused teenager to weathered elder – as you piece together a dark family secret that could change everything.
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## **Core Pillars**
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1. **Emotional Storytelling**
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- Twin siblings separated by apocalypse
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- Memory-driven narrative
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- Every discovery matters
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2. **Farming Survival**
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- Grow crops in toxic soil
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- Build sustainable economy
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- Cannabis farming as starter capital
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3. **Dark Fantasy Aesthetic**
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- Cute chibi meets grim reality
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- Punk/alternative character design
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- Noir cinematography in intro
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4. **Unique Progression**
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- Visual aging system (14-60 years)
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- Companion unlocks (Gronk, Susi)
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- Memory-based power scaling
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---
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<a name="story"></a>
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# 📖 2. STORY & NARRATIVE
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## **Main Plot**
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### **Act 1: Awakening** (Demo + Faza 1)
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Kai wakes up in a dark cellar with complete amnesia. He finds an ID card showing he's 14 years old, and a photo of a girl – Ana, his twin sister. The last thing he remembers is her screaming: "KAI! DON'T FORGET ME!"
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A wise orc named Gronk (if early supporter) appears and explains: the X-Noir virus turned most people into zombies. Kai's parents fought and died protecting the twins. Ana was taken by something... or someone.
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Kai must survive by farming the abandoned land, slowly finding Ana's diary entries and memory fragments. Each memory ages him slightly – representing the psychological weight of time passing in his mental prison.
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### **Act 2: The Search** (Faza 2)
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As Kai explores beyond his farm, he discovers:
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- Ana is still alive but infected – conscious zombie
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- She's being held by a cult leader who believes she's the key to a cure
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- Kai's aging is tied to recovering suppressed trauma
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- The virus was man-made, not natural
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- His parents were scientists who tried to stop it
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### **Act 3: The Truth** (Future DLC)
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- Confrontation with cult
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- Choice: Save Ana or save the world
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- Multiple endings based on choices
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- True age reveal (time perception was warped)
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---
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## **The Intro Sequence** (60 Seconds)
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**Epic Cinematic - Polaroid/VHS Aesthetic**
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### **Phase 1: Happy Memories (0-15s)**
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1. **Kai + Dad Longboard** (0-2.5s)
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- "Dad and I. Before everything changed."
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- Warm Polaroid glow
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2. **Barbershop** (2.5-5s)
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- Him getting dreads, her coloring hair
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- "Getting ready. We always did things together."
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3. **Birthday Cake** (5-7.5s) ⭐
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- **"Here we were still happy. Still a family."**
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- Family celebration, warm glow
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4. **Family Portrait** (7.5-10s)
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- All together
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- "All of us. Together. Perfect."
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5. **Twins Holding Hands** (10-12.5s)
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- Kai + Ana as kids
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- "We were always two. Inseparable."
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6. **Kai's Bedroom** (12.5-15s)
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- "Our room. Our sanctuary."
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### **Phase 2: The Virus (15-30s)**
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7. **Virus Microscope** (15-17.5s)
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- Toxic green, glitch effects
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- "Then came X-Noir. The virus."
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8. **Chaos Streets** (17.5-20s)
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- Red tint, camera shake
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- "Everyone changed. Streets burned."
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9. **Zombies** (20-22.5s)
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- Red strobe
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- "Friends became zombies."
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10. **Parents Ghosts** (22.5-25s)
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- Translucent spirits
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- "Our parents fought... and lost."
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11. **Ana Taken** (25-30s)
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- Red tint
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- Ana screaming: **"KAI! DON'T FORGET ME!"**
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### **Phase 3: Amnesia & Ana (30-60s)**
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12. **BLACK SCREEN** (30-35s)
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- Complete darkness
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- "I have no memory. Everything is... gone."
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- "They say I'm fourteen. But I don't remember... anything."
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13. **Kai Alone in Basement** (35-40s)
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- Dark cellar
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- "Alone. In darkness. With only... this."
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14. **Ana Memory** (40-50s) - 10 SECONDS!
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- Ana's face (only remaining memory)
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- "Her face. The only thing I remember."
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- "Ana. My sister. My twin. The last thing I saw... before everything went dark."
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15. **Gronk Arrival** (50-55s)
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- Orc mentor appears
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- "Finally awake, old man. Your mission awaits."
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16. **Ana Photo + Determination** (55-60s)
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- Ana memory reprise
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- "I must find her."
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- "...even if it takes my entire life."
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**Technical:**
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- Crossfade transitions (800ms, zero black gaps!)
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- Polaroid frames with dirt texture
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- VHS overlay effects
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- Bottom subtitles (cyan glow)
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- English + Slovenian voices (Edge TTS)
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---
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<a name="characters"></a>
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# 👥 3. MAIN CHARACTERS
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## 🛹 **KAI MARKOVIĆ** (Protagonist - Playable)
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**Visual Identity:**
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- **Age:** 14 years (at start) → ages to 60 through game
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- **Hair:** Green dreadlocks with pink/purple patches
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- **Eyes:** Red vampire-like eyes, dark circles
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- **Piercings:**
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- Large silver ear gauges (both ears)
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- Eyebrow piercing (left)
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- Nose ring
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- Septum piercing
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- **Clothing:**
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- Torn blue hoodie with pink patches
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- Ripped black jeans with holes at knees
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- Brown backpack with patches
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- Sneakers (worn)
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- **Skin:** Pale with freckles, dirt marks on face
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- **Style:** Punk/alternative, post-apocalyptic survivor
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**Personality:**
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- Determined despite amnesia
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- Skateboard enthusiast (learned from dad)
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- Resourceful and adaptable
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- Deep emotional connection to Ana (even without memories)
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- Grows from confused teen to wise elder
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**Abilities:**
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- Farming expertise (learns as player progresses)
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- Longboard riding (movement bonus)
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- Combat (learns throughout game)
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- Memory recovery (main progression mechanic)
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**Character Arc:**
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- **Start:** Confused amnesiac, lost identity
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- **Mid:** Determined survivor, building new life
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- **End:** Wise elder who found truth, made choice
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---
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## 💜 **ANA MARKOVIĆ** (Twin Sister - Main Quest)
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**Visual Identity:**
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- **Age:** 14 years (twin)
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- **Hair:** Bright magenta/pink, messy short style
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- **Eyes:** Large dark eyes, fierce expression
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- **Skin:** Purple/lavender tint (zombie infection but conscious)
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- **Clothing:**
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- Black vest with skull patches
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- Green cargo shorts
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- Brown combat boots
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- Visible stitches on arms (infection scars)
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- **Style:** Punk tomboy, tough survivor
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**Personality:**
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- Fierce and protective
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- Sarcastic humor (masks pain)
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- Devoted to Kai
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- Fighting infection mentally every day
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- Tragic hero archetype
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**Story Role:**
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- Central motivation for Kai
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- Memory fragments scattered across world
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- Final confrontation/rescue mission
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- Possible playable character (DLC?)
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**Key Moment:**
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Last memory before separation: **"KAI! DON'T FORGET ME!"**
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---
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## 🧟♂️ **GRONK** (Orc Mentor - VIP Exclusive!)
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**Visual Identity:**
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- **Species:** Green orc with tribal markings
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- **Hair:** Pink dreadlocks (matching Kai's patches!)
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- **Face:** Friendly smile with tusks, ear gauges
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- **Clothing:**
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- Tribal patterned poncho (brown with geometric designs)
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- Black pants
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- Pink sneakers
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- **Accessory:** **VAPE PEN** (always in hand!) 💨
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- **Style:** Chill hipster orc, tribal meets modern
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**Personality:**
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- Wise mentor with tribal knowledge
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- Laid-back, gives Kai space to grow
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- Vapes constantly (ADHD management narrative)
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- Deep voice (en-GB-RyanNeural)
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- "Old man" nickname for Kai (ironic given aging)
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**Special Abilities:**
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- **Vape Shield:** Creates protective cloud (blocks zombies)
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- **Speed Boost:** +20% movement (baseline), scales with level
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- **Tribal Farming:** Teaches special crop techniques
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- **Lore Master:** Explains virus origin
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**Progression System:**
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- Levels 1-10 (vape usage = XP)
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- Stats scale per level:
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- Cloud size: +15%
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- Duration: +0.5s
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- Shield strength: +20 HP
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- Speed boost: +5%
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- Cooldown: -0.5s
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**🏆 EXCLUSIVE TO FIRST 20 BUYERS!**
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- Unlocked immediately in game
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- Exclusive questline
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- Founder badge in-game
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- Name in credits
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---
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## 🐕 **SUSI** (Rottweiler Companion - Hidden)
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**Visual Identity:**
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- **Breed:** Black and tan Rottweiler (chibi style)
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- **Face:** Cute big eyes, tongue out
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- **Collar:** Pink collar with skull tag
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- **Size:** Small (chibi proportions)
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- **Style:** Adorable but tough
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**Personality:**
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- Loyal and protective
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- Emotional support for Kai
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- Playful but serious when tracking
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- "The Hunter" - finds Ana's memories
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**Abilities:**
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- **Memory Tracking:** Finds hidden memory fragments
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- **Follow AI:** Stays near Kai (50px)
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- **Whistle Response:** Comes when called (Y button)
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- **Bark Alert:** Warns of dangers/discoveries
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**Animations:**
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- Idle (4 frames)
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- Run (6 frames)
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- Bark (2 frames)
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- Sit (3 frames)
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- Sleep (2 frames)
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- Jump (2 frames)
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**Unlock:** Hidden in full game (Faza 1), must be found via exploration quest
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---
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## 👻 **SUPPORTING CHARACTERS**
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### **Otac (Dad)**
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- Longboard enthusiast
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- Appears in warm memory flashbacks
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- Ghost/spirit form in later phases
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- Cyan ghost sprite
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### **Mati (Mom)**
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- Caring mother
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- Appears in family memories
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- Magenta ghost sprite
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- Fought alongside dad
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### **Zombies (3 Types)**
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**Green Zombie (Standard)**
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- White eyes
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- Slow movement
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- Low threat
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**Strong Zombie (Aggressive)**
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- Red eyes
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- Fast movement
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- High damage
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**Weak Zombie (Shambling)**
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- White eyes
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- Very slow
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- Low HP, deteriorated
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---
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<a name="gameplay"></a>
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# 🎮 4. GAMEPLAY FEATURES
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## **Core Gameplay Loop**
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```
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Farm Crops → Sell for Money → Buy Better Tools → Explore Further
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↓
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Find Memories → Age Up → Unlock Abilities → Progress Story
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↓
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Build Resort → Attract NPCs → Get Quests → Find Ana
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```
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---
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## **Farming System**
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**Demo Crops (6 types):**
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1. **Wheat** - Basic staple crop
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2. **Carrot** - Fast growing vegetable
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3. **Tomato** - Medium value crop
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4. **Potato** - Storage crop
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5. **Corn** - Tall crop
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6. **🌿 Cannabis** - HIGH VALUE! (Starting capital strategy)
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**Full Game:** 80 total crop types
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**Growth Stages:**
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- Seed packet
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- Sprout (Stage 1)
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- Young plant (Stage 2)
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- Growing (Stage 3)
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- Ready to harvest (Stage 4)
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- Harvested bundle
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---
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## **Exploration & Biomes**
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**Demo/Trial:**
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- ✅ Your farm only (limited area)
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- ❌ Exploration locked
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**Faza 1 (4 Biomes):**
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1. **Grassland** - Starting area, safe ✅
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2. **Forest** - Dense trees, mushrooms
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3. **Desert** - Cacti, oasis, heat
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4. **Swamp** - Mud, reeds, toxic gas
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**Faza 2 (18 Total Biomes):**
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- Tundra/Snow
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- Volcanic
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- Mountain
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- Beach/Coast
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- Underwater (Cenotes)
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- Loch Ness
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- Amazon Rainforest
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- Egyptian Desert
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- Dino Valley
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- Atlantis
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- Catacombs
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- Chernobyl Zone
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- Witch Forest
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- Mythical Highlands
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- Endless Forest
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- Pacific Islands
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---
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## **Combat System**
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**Weapons (3 Tiers in Faza 1):**
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- Wooden: Sword, Dagger, Spear, Bow
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- Stone: Sword, Dagger, Spear, Bow
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- Iron: Sword, Dagger, Spear, Bow
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**Full Game:** 6 material tiers (Wood → Diamond)
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**Combat Features:**
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- Real-time action combat
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- Dodge/roll mechanics
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- Stamina management
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- Critical hits
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- Combo system
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---
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## **Building System**
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**Demo:**
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- ⚠️ Small resort only (limited)
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**Faza 1:**
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- Farm buildings (7 types)
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- Production buildings (blacksmith, carpenter)
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- Storage buildings
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**Faza 2:**
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- Town buildings (243 total)
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- Decorative structures
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- Biome-specific buildings
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---
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## **Longboard Movement**
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**Special Mechanic:**
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- Faster travel than walking
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- Learned from dad (emotional connection)
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- Tricks possible (future feature?)
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- Cats run away when you ride it!
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- Xbox left stick control
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---
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## **Companion System**
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### **Gronk (Orc Mentor)**
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- **Unlock:** First 20 buyers only! 🏆
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- **Abilities:** Vape shield, speed boost, tribal knowledge
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- **Progression:** Levels 1-10 with vape usage
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- **Xbox Button:** X (activate vape shield)
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### **Susi (Rottweiler)**
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- **Unlock:** Hidden quest in Faza 1
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- **Abilities:** Memory tracking, loyal follower, bark alerts
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- **AI:** Follows Kai, responds to whistle
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- **Xbox Button:** Y (whistle to Susi)
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---
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<a name="progression"></a>
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# 📈 5. GAME PROGRESSION
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## **Aging System** ⏰
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**Unique Feature:** Kai ages visually based on memories found!
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### **9 Age Stages:**
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| Progress | Age | Sprite | Description |
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|----------|-----|--------|-------------|
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| 0-10% | 14 | kai_age14 | Confused teen, starting point |
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| 10-25% | 16 | kai_age16 | Young survivor |
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| 25-35% | 20 | kai_age20 | Young adult, more confident |
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| 35-50% | 25 | kai_age25 | Experienced survivor |
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| 50-60% | 30 | kai_age30 | Hardened adult |
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| 60-75% | 40 | kai_age40 | Weathered veteran |
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| 75-90% | 50 | kai_age50 | Wise elder |
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| 90-100% | 60 | kai_age60 | Ancient survivor |
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**Trigger:** Finding Ana's memories (diary entries, items, locations)
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**Visual Changes:**
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- Facial hair growth
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- Gray hair appearance
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- Battle scars
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- Weathered clothing
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- Posture changes
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**Cutscene:** Mirror reflection when aging up
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---
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## **Memory Collection**
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**100 Total Memories to Find:**
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**Types:**
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1. **Diary Entries** (20) - Ana's journal pages
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2. **Photos** (15) - Family moments
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3. **Objects** (30) - Personal items (toys, gifts)
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4. **Locations** (20) - Visiting childhood places triggers flashback
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5. **NPCs** (15) - People who knew the family
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**Rewards:**
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- Story progression
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- Aging triggers
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- Ability unlocks
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- Emotional cutscenes
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---
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## **Quest System**
|
||
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**Main Quest:** "Find Ana"
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- 100+ story quests
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- Spans all 3 acts
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- Multiple endings
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**Side Quests:**
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- NPC requests
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- Companion quests (Gronk exclusive!)
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- Exploration challenges
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- Farming challenges
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---
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## **Economy System**
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### **Starting Capital Strategy:**
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**Demo Trial Mode:**
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- Starter chest includes: **3-5x Cannabis seeds** 🌿
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- Cannabis sells for **50-100 coins** per harvest
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||
- Fastest path to wealth in demo!
|
||
|
||
**Economic Loop:**
|
||
1. Plant cannabis (demo starting seeds)
|
||
2. Wait 3-4 in-game days
|
||
3. Harvest → Sell to town vendor
|
||
4. Reinvest in more seeds
|
||
5. **By full game unlock:** You're rich! 💰
|
||
|
||
**Progression:**
|
||
```
|
||
Cannabis Farmer → Buy Better Tools → Explore More → Find Ana Faster
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
<a name="demo"></a>
|
||
# 🎮 6. DEMO VS FULL GAME
|
||
|
||
## **DEMO / TRIAL MODE** (Free, Unlimited)
|
||
|
||
**✅ What's Included:**
|
||
- Full intro sequence (60s epic!)
|
||
- Your farm (limited area)
|
||
- 2 demo crops (Wheat + Carrot)
|
||
- Basic survival mechanics
|
||
- Small resort building
|
||
- Wooden tools ONLY (Tier 1)
|
||
- Starter chest:
|
||
- 2x Wheat seeds
|
||
- 2x Carrot seeds
|
||
- Wooden tools (hoe, watering can, axe, pickaxe)
|
||
- Sleeping bag
|
||
- Food (bread + apple)
|
||
- Torch
|
||
- **💰 3-5x Cannabis seeds** (ECONOMY STARTER!)
|
||
- Can sell to 1 vendor in town
|
||
|
||
**❌ What's Locked:**
|
||
- Exploration beyond farm (fog of war)
|
||
- Other biomes (see them, can't access)
|
||
- NPCs & quests (grayed out)
|
||
- Enemies & combat (no spawning)
|
||
- Tool upgrades (stuck at wooden)
|
||
- Full building system
|
||
- Gronk companion (unless first 20!)
|
||
- Susi companion
|
||
- Multiplayer co-op
|
||
|
||
**Goal:** Hook players with farming, tease locked content!
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **FAZA 1 / ALPHA 1** (Paid - First 10 Hours)
|
||
|
||
**🔓 Unlocks:**
|
||
- ✅ Full map exploration
|
||
- ✅ 4 biomes (Grassland, Forest, Desert, Swamp)
|
||
- ✅ 80 crops (all varieties!)
|
||
- ✅ Tool progression (Wood → Stone → Iron → Diamond)
|
||
- ✅ Combat system (zombies + creatures)
|
||
- ✅ Ana search questline (main story)
|
||
- ✅ NPCs & side quests
|
||
- ✅ Building expansion (full system)
|
||
- ✅ **Susi companion** (found via quest)
|
||
- ✅ **Gronk** (if first 20 buyers!)
|
||
|
||
**🏆 First 20 Buyers Bonus:**
|
||
- Gronk unlocked IMMEDIATELY
|
||
- Exclusive Gronk questline
|
||
- "Founder" badge in menu
|
||
- Name in game credits
|
||
- Special vape cosmetics
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **FAZA 2 / ALPHA 2** (Paid - 50+ Hours)
|
||
|
||
**🌍 Massive Expansion:**
|
||
- ✅ All 18 biomes (including mythical locations!)
|
||
- ✅ 99 creatures fully animated
|
||
- ✅ 243 buildings (town expansion)
|
||
- ✅ Complete tool/weapon tiers (all materials)
|
||
- ✅ Multiplayer co-op mode
|
||
- ✅ Full Ana storyline resolution
|
||
- ✅ Advanced crafting system
|
||
- ✅ Endgame boss fights
|
||
- ✅ Multiple endings
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
<a name="special"></a>
|
||
# ⚡ 7. SPECIAL FEATURES
|
||
|
||
## 🏆 **FIRST 20 BUYERS - GRONK EXCLUSIVE**
|
||
|
||
**How It Works:**
|
||
|
||
**At Purchase:**
|
||
1. Game checks purchase order number (worldwide)
|
||
2. If order ≤ 20:
|
||
- ✅ Gronk unlocks IMMEDIATELY after intro
|
||
- ✅ Exclusive questline activates
|
||
- ✅ "Founder" badge appears in menu
|
||
- ✅ Player name added to credits
|
||
- ✅ Special vape cosmetics unlocked
|
||
|
||
3. If order > 20:
|
||
- ❌ Gronk stays locked
|
||
- ❌ Shown as silhouette/shadow in world
|
||
- ❌ Message: "EXCLUSIVE - First 20 Supporters Only"
|
||
|
||
**Visual Cues:**
|
||
- Locked Gronk appears as shadow
|
||
- Quest markers grayed out
|
||
- "Support Early for Exclusive Access" message
|
||
|
||
**Purchase Platforms:**
|
||
- Steam (timestamp check)
|
||
- Itch.io (order verification)
|
||
- GOG (manual verification)
|
||
|
||
**Why This Works:**
|
||
- Creates urgency ("Only 20 worldwide!")
|
||
- Rewards true early supporters
|
||
- Doesn't lock critical content (Gronk is bonus)
|
||
- Exclusive questline adds value
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 📺 **STREAMER PROGRAM**
|
||
|
||
**Streamer Access Keys:**
|
||
|
||
**Benefits:**
|
||
- ✅ Free full game license
|
||
- ✅ Early access to updates
|
||
- ✅ Custom streamer badge in-game
|
||
- ✅ 10x Gronk gift codes (for giveaways?)
|
||
- ✅ Watermark: "STREAMER PREVIEW"
|
||
|
||
**Key Validation:**
|
||
- `STREAMER_PREVIEW_2026`
|
||
- `CONTENT_CREATOR_EARLY`
|
||
|
||
**Goal:** Get streamers to cover game pre-launch
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 👴 **AGING SYSTEM** (Visual Progression)
|
||
|
||
**Concept:**
|
||
Mental time passage visualized through physical aging
|
||
|
||
**How It Works:**
|
||
- Each Ana memory found = Kai ages slightly
|
||
- At certain thresholds (10%, 25%, 50%, etc.), trigger aging cutscene
|
||
- Sprite automatically switches to older version
|
||
- Cutscene shows mirror reflection transformation
|
||
|
||
**Psychological Meaning:**
|
||
- Amnesia = stuck in mental loop
|
||
- Memories = moving forward in time
|
||
- Aging = accepting trauma
|
||
- Final age (60) = peace/resolution
|
||
|
||
**Implementation:**
|
||
- Save file tracks: `age_level` (1-9), `current_age` (14-60), `age_sprite` (sprite key)
|
||
- Auto-check after each memory found
|
||
- Event trigger: `kai-aging` with old/new age data
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 🌿 **CANNABIS ECONOMY STRATEGY**
|
||
|
||
**Why Cannabis in Demo?**
|
||
|
||
**Economic Design:**
|
||
1. **High Value:** 50-100 coins per harvest
|
||
2. **Fast Growth:** 3-4 in-game days
|
||
3. **Starting Capital:** 3-5 seeds in chest
|
||
4. **Demo Loop:** Farm → Sell → Reinvest → Get Rich
|
||
5. **Unlock Advantage:** All money carries over!
|
||
|
||
**Player Strategy:**
|
||
```
|
||
Day 1: Plant 5 cannabis seeds
|
||
Day 4: Harvest → Sell for ~500 coins
|
||
Day 4: Buy 10 more seeds
|
||
Day 8: Harvest → Sell for ~1000 coins
|
||
...
|
||
By unlock: 5,000+ coins saved!
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
**Marketing Hook:**
|
||
*"Farm weed in the demo, unlock rich in the full game!"*
|
||
|
||
**Why It Works:**
|
||
- Gives trial players clear goal
|
||
- Creates investment in demo
|
||
- Smooth transition to full game
|
||
- Edgy/memorable marketing
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 🎮 **GAMEPAD SUPPORT** (Xbox/PlayStation)
|
||
|
||
**Full Controller Integration:**
|
||
|
||
**Controls:**
|
||
- **Left Stick:** Longboard movement
|
||
- **Right Stick:** Camera (future)
|
||
- **A Button:** Interact
|
||
- **B Button:** Menu/Cancel
|
||
- **X Button:** Gronk Vape Shield
|
||
- **Y Button:** Whistle to Susi
|
||
- **LB/RB:** Tool/Weapon switch
|
||
- **Start:** Pause menu
|
||
|
||
**Haptic Feedback:**
|
||
- Light rumble: Collision with obstacles
|
||
- Heavy rumble: Zombie appears nearby
|
||
- Medium rumble: Vape shield activated
|
||
- Pulse rumble: Memory found
|
||
|
||
**Auto-Detect:**
|
||
- Connects automatically when controller plugged in
|
||
- Shows button prompts (Xbox/PS icons)
|
||
- Works alongside keyboard/mouse
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 🌆 **LIVING NOIR CITY**
|
||
|
||
**Atmospheric World:**
|
||
|
||
**Stray Animals:**
|
||
- 3-5 cats spawn randomly
|
||
- Sit and clean themselves
|
||
- Wander aimlessly
|
||
- **RUN AWAY** when Kai rides longboard nearby!
|
||
- Meow sounds (spatial audio)
|
||
|
||
- 2-3 dogs in shadows
|
||
- Bark randomly every 8-15 seconds
|
||
- Semi-transparent (lurking)
|
||
- "WOOF!" text indicator
|
||
|
||
**Ambient Sounds:**
|
||
- City ambient loop (constant low hum)
|
||
- Wind rustling (varies intensity)
|
||
- Distant sirens (random)
|
||
- Metal clangs (crafting areas)
|
||
- Glass breaking (abandoned buildings)
|
||
- Crow caws (morning)
|
||
|
||
**Environmental Effects:**
|
||
- Floating dust particles
|
||
- Paper/trash blowing across screen
|
||
- Flickering streetlights
|
||
- Vignette edge darkening
|
||
- Film grain overlay (optional)
|
||
|
||
**Result:** City "breathes" even when Kai stands still
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
<a name="technical"></a>
|
||
# 🛠️ 8. TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
|
||
|
||
## **Game Engine**
|
||
- **Engine:** Phaser 3
|
||
- **Language:** JavaScript (ES6)
|
||
- **Platform:** Web + Electron (desktop app)
|
||
- **Resolution:** 1280x720 (16:9), scales up/down
|
||
- **Rendering:** Canvas + WebGL
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Save/Load System** ✅
|
||
|
||
**Features:**
|
||
- Auto-save every 5 minutes
|
||
- Manual save at bed/checkpoints
|
||
- Export/import save files (backup)
|
||
- LocalStorage persistence
|
||
- Steam Cloud (when integrated)
|
||
|
||
**Save Data Structure:**
|
||
```javascript
|
||
{
|
||
player: { position, age, inventory, stats },
|
||
progress: { memories, quests, npcs_met },
|
||
companions: { gronk, susi },
|
||
farm: { crops, buildings, animals },
|
||
economy: { money, cannabis_capital },
|
||
playtime: seconds
|
||
}
|
||
```
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Systems Implemented** (Jan 10, 2026)
|
||
|
||
### **1. GamepadController.js** ✅
|
||
- Xbox/PS controller support
|
||
- Button mapping
|
||
- Haptic feedback
|
||
- Auto-detection
|
||
|
||
### **2. VIPManager.js** ✅
|
||
- First 20 buyers check
|
||
- Founder badge system
|
||
- Streamer keys
|
||
- Purchase verification
|
||
|
||
### **3. GronkStats.js** ✅
|
||
- Level 1-10 progression
|
||
- XP from vape usage
|
||
- Stat scaling
|
||
- LocalStorage save
|
||
|
||
### **4. SusiCompanion.js** ✅
|
||
- Follow AI logic
|
||
- Memory tracking
|
||
- Whistle response
|
||
- Bark animations
|
||
|
||
### **5. SaveLoadSystem.js** ✅
|
||
- Complete save structure
|
||
- Auto-save timer
|
||
- Aging engine
|
||
- Export/import
|
||
|
||
### **6. NoirCitySystem.js** ✅
|
||
- Stray animal spawning
|
||
- Ambient sound system
|
||
- Environmental effects
|
||
- Atmospheric particles
|
||
|
||
**Total:** 1,830 lines of production-ready code!
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Audio System**
|
||
|
||
**Music (12 Tracks):**
|
||
- Ana Theme (3.1MB)
|
||
- Combat Theme (13MB)
|
||
- Farm Ambient (2.8MB)
|
||
- Forest Ambient (290KB)
|
||
- Main Theme (3.3MB)
|
||
- Night Theme (11MB)
|
||
- Raid Warning (13MB)
|
||
- Town Theme (6.4MB)
|
||
- Victory Theme (5.3MB)
|
||
- Wilderness Theme (3.6MB)
|
||
|
||
**Voiceover (53 Files):**
|
||
|
||
**English (21 files):**
|
||
- Kai: `en-US-ChristopherNeural` (natural teen)
|
||
- Ana: `en-US-AriaNeural` (expressive)
|
||
- Gronk: `en-GB-RyanNeural` (deep UK)
|
||
|
||
**Slovenian (21 files):**
|
||
- Full intro voiced in both languages
|
||
|
||
**System Features:**
|
||
- BiomeMusicSystem (cross-fade between biomes)
|
||
- AudioTriggerSystem (spatial audio)
|
||
- Voice + subtitle sync
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
<a name="assets"></a>
|
||
# 🎨 9. ASSETS & CONTENT
|
||
|
||
## **Art Style: Style 32 Dark-Chibi Noir**
|
||
|
||
**Inspired By:** Cult of the Lamb
|
||
|
||
**Key Characteristics:**
|
||
- ✅ Thick 5px black outlines
|
||
- ✅ Smooth vector art (NO pixelation!)
|
||
- ✅ Chibi proportions (big heads, small bodies)
|
||
- ✅ Muted saturated colors
|
||
- ✅ Dark fantasy + Cute blend
|
||
- ✅ Transparent backgrounds
|
||
|
||
**Color Palette:**
|
||
- Grassland: #5C8A5C (grass), #8B6F47 (dirt)
|
||
- Characters: Vibrant punk colors
|
||
- UI: Dark browns/oranges (Cult of Lamb style)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Asset Count (Current)**
|
||
|
||
### **PNG Files: 1,165 Total** ✅
|
||
|
||
**Breakdown:**
|
||
|
||
**Character Sprites:**
|
||
- Kai: 21 frames (idle, walk, dig, swing) + 12 farming ✅
|
||
- Ana: 10 frames + 4 memory ✅
|
||
- Gronk: 10 frames ✅
|
||
- Susi: 19 frames (idle, run, bark, sit, sleep, jump) ✅
|
||
|
||
**Enemies:**
|
||
- Zombies: 45 frames (3 types × 15 each) ✅
|
||
- Creature references: 99 images ✅
|
||
|
||
**Biomes:**
|
||
- Grassland: 100% complete (tiles, props, trees, flowers) ✅
|
||
- Others: Reference images only
|
||
|
||
**Crops:**
|
||
- Demo crops: 6 complete (30 sprites) ✅
|
||
- Full game: 80 crop folders (references)
|
||
|
||
**UI:**
|
||
- Health/stamina: 5 elements ✅
|
||
- Inventory: 3 elements ✅
|
||
- Buttons: 4 states ✅
|
||
- Icons: 7 types ✅
|
||
- Dialogue: 3 elements ✅
|
||
- XP bar, weather, tooltips: 8 elements ✅
|
||
|
||
**Intro:**
|
||
- 20 Polaroid shots ✅
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Animation Frames**
|
||
|
||
**Complete: 34/34 (100%)** ✅
|
||
|
||
| Category | Frames | Status |
|
||
|----------|--------|--------|
|
||
| Susi | 7 | ✅ |
|
||
| Kai Farming | 12 | ✅ |
|
||
| Ana Memory | 4 | ✅ |
|
||
| Crop Wilting | 3 | ✅ |
|
||
| UI Polish | 8 | ✅ |
|
||
|
||
**All references ready for Tiled integration!**
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
<a name="marketing"></a>
|
||
# 📢 10. MARKETING & LAUNCH
|
||
|
||
## **Target Audience**
|
||
|
||
**Primary:**
|
||
- Stardew Valley fans (farming lovers)
|
||
- The Last of Us fans (emotional storytelling)
|
||
- Indie game enthusiasts
|
||
- Alternative/punk aesthetic lovers
|
||
- Ages 16-35
|
||
|
||
**Secondary:**
|
||
- Survival game players
|
||
- Post-apocalyptic genre fans
|
||
- Narrative-driven game seekers
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Unique Selling Points (USPs)**
|
||
|
||
1. **Aging Protagonist** - Never seen in farming games!
|
||
2. **Punk Aesthetic** - Unique chibi + dark style
|
||
3. **Emotional Story** - Twin separation drives everything
|
||
4. **First 20 Exclusive** - Creates urgency + FOMO
|
||
5. **Cannabis Economy** - Edgy, memorable, strategic
|
||
6. **Living City** - Cats run from you! Immersive atmosphere
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Marketing Hooks**
|
||
|
||
**Taglines:**
|
||
- *"Farm. Survive. Remember."*
|
||
- *"Every memory ages you. Every choice matters."*
|
||
- *"Find your sister before you forget her face."*
|
||
- *"Grow crops. Find truth. Age gracefully."*
|
||
|
||
**GIF-able Moments:**
|
||
- Cat running away from longboard
|
||
- Gronk's vape cloud shield
|
||
- Kai aging up (mirror cutscene)
|
||
- Polaroid intro transitions
|
||
- Susi finding memory
|
||
|
||
**Streamable Content:**
|
||
- 60s intro (share on TikTok/YouTube Shorts)
|
||
- "Cannabis farming strategy" guides
|
||
- "First 20" countdown timer
|
||
- Aging progression showcase
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Launch Strategy**
|
||
|
||
### **Phase 1: Demo Launch** (Free)
|
||
- Release on Steam, Itch.io
|
||
- Unlimited playtime, limited content
|
||
- Cannabis farming hook
|
||
- "First 20" countdown visible
|
||
|
||
### **Phase 2: Early Access** (Paid - Faza 1)
|
||
- First 20 buyers get Gronk
|
||
- Streamers get free keys
|
||
- Full save carry-over from demo
|
||
- 10-hour gameplay
|
||
|
||
### **Phase 3: Full Release** (Paid - Faza 2)
|
||
- All 18 biomes
|
||
- Multiplayer co-op
|
||
- Ana storyline resolution
|
||
- 50+ hours content
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Platforms**
|
||
|
||
**Launch Platforms:**
|
||
- Steam (primary)
|
||
- Itch.io (indie audience)
|
||
- GOG (DRM-free)
|
||
|
||
**Future:**
|
||
- Epic Games Store
|
||
- Nintendo Switch (port?)
|
||
- Xbox/PlayStation (console port?)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Pricing Strategy**
|
||
|
||
**Demo:** FREE (unlimited)
|
||
|
||
**Faza 1 (Early Access):**
|
||
- $14.99 USD
|
||
- Includes: Demo + 4 biomes + main quest start
|
||
|
||
**Faza 2 (Full Game):**
|
||
- $24.99 USD (upgrade from Faza 1: +$10)
|
||
- OR $24.99 USD (full purchase if skipped Faza 1)
|
||
|
||
**Special:**
|
||
- First 20 buyers: Same price + Gronk exclusive!
|
||
- Streamers: Free full game
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## **Community Building**
|
||
|
||
**Discord Server:**
|
||
- Founder role for first 20
|
||
- Streamer role
|
||
- Beta tester channels
|
||
- Fan art showcase
|
||
|
||
**Social Media:**
|
||
- Twitter/X: Dev updates, GIFs
|
||
- TikTok: 60s intro clips, gameplay
|
||
- YouTube: Devlogs, trailers
|
||
- Reddit: r/indiegaming, r/StardewValley crosspost
|
||
|
||
**Press Kit:**
|
||
- High-res logo
|
||
- Screenshots (all biomes)
|
||
- Character art (Kai, Ana, Gronk, Susi)
|
||
- Intro sequence video
|
||
- Fact sheet
|
||
- Dev contact
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
# 📊 CURRENT STATUS
|
||
|
||
## **Demo Readiness: 95%**
|
||
|
||
**✅ Complete:**
|
||
- Intro sequence (60s epic)
|
||
- All character sprites
|
||
- Demo crops (6 types)
|
||
- Grassland tileset (complete)
|
||
- All UI elements
|
||
- Music + voices
|
||
- 6 core systems implemented
|
||
|
||
**⏳ In Progress:**
|
||
- Tiled map building (next step!)
|
||
- GameScene integration (systems ready)
|
||
- Final playtesting
|
||
|
||
**🎯 Launch Timeline:**
|
||
- **Next 1-2 days:** Build maps in Tiled
|
||
- **Next 3-5 days:** Final polish + testing
|
||
- **Week 2 (Jan 17):** Demo launch!
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
# 🎉 CONCLUSION
|
||
|
||
**Mrtva Dolina / Death Valley** is a unique blend of cozy farming and emotional post-apocalyptic storytelling, featuring:
|
||
|
||
- **Innovative aging system** (visual progression)
|
||
- **Punk aesthetic** never seen in farming games
|
||
- **Emotional twin story** that drives player motivation
|
||
- **Strategic economy** (cannabis farming!)
|
||
- **Exclusive content** (first 20 buyers)
|
||
- **Living world** (cats, dogs, atmosphere)
|
||
|
||
**Technical Excellence:**
|
||
- 1,165 PNG assets ready
|
||
- 1,830 lines of core systems
|
||
- Full gamepad support
|
||
- Save/load persistence
|
||
- 6 major systems implemented
|
||
|
||
**Ready for launch with compelling hook for trial players and deep content for full game buyers!**
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
**🎮 Game Bible v2.0 - Complete!**
|
||
*Updated: January 10, 2026*
|
||
*Developer: David Kotnik*
|
||
*Status: Production-Ready for Demo Launch* ✅
|
||
|
||
📧 Contact: [Your Email]
|
||
🌐 Website: [Your Website]
|
||
💬 Discord: [Your Discord]
|