Need for Fluff
Role
Game Concept, Design & Development
Year
2024
Tools
Processing, Adobe Photoshop
Team
Solo
Dandelion Seed
PLAYER
Patch of earth
GOAL
Bee
OBSTACLE
Sunflower
OBSTACLE
Development of an original game, independently conceived and created from scratch. Spanning the initial concept through to the visual design and technical implementation.
First, a game concept was developed: a dandelion seed flies across a meadow and must be steered precisely into holes in the ground whilst dodging obstacles such as bees and sunflowers.
In parallel with the technical implementation in Processing, a visual concept took shape: pixel graphics, a carefully selected soundtrack and a colour palette tailored to these elements give the game a retro feel.
Dandelion Seed
PLAYER
Patch of earth
GOAL
Bee
OBSTACLE
Sunflower
OBSTACLE
In ‘Need for Fluff’, the player controls a dandelion seed that flies continuously across a passing meadow. At the touch of a button, the seed can be steered left and right to avoid obstacles, collect more seeds as extra lives and reach the finish line. Two types of obstacle add to the excitement: a sunflower, in which the seed can get caught, and a bee that steals it. Either of these ends the game immediately. The aim of each level is to guide the seed safely into a hole in the ground, as this is the only place where it can grow into a dandelion and unlock the next level. The speed and the number of obstacles increase with each level.
Pixel graphics and intuitive controls make it easy to understand for children as well as experienced players. The retro style runs consistently through all elements: From the menu screens and in-game objects right through to the soundtrack. The background music features a version of "Riders on the Storm", familiar from the video game "Need for Speed Underground 2" - a reference that lends the game title "Need for Fluff" a second layer of meaning and gives experienced players a nod. The result is a game that demonstrates how designed systems work together to create a coherent and intuitive user experience.
Home Screen
Victory Status
Game Over Status
Next project
A / D or ← → to control · Enter to start · M to mute
Dodge the bees and sunflowers, or your fluff gets caught · Catch drifting seeds to grow extra lives (up to 2) · Land in a patch of earth to bloom into the next level
