Intertwined

Intertwine is a 2D game set to release on the Windows Platform, developed on the Unity Engine. It is a top down, HD rendition of Slavic folklore and locations. The players assume the roles of Yasna and Yasen, mysterious twins gifted with powers beyond that of ordinary humans. Awakened after a long, unknown period of slumber, the twin finds themselves requested by the descendant of an ancient kingdom to kill Baba Yaga, who has been plaguing the kingdom, and who also seems to have a profound connection to the twins as well. The game features hand-drawn art styles rendered in the style of 2D top downs, using high definition lighting and post-processing. The result is an art style that is unique while still remaining nostalgic for players of these types of game. The gameplay loop is heavily inspired by the roguelite gameplay, where the level is a mix of procedurally generated levels and premade arenas with well-defined objectives. The progression system is non-linear with the opportunities to retain and upgrade your characters feature over time instead of permanently losing them. The biggest feature of all is the ability to share this experience with up to one additional player (2 player roguelite). When played singleplayer, the player will be able to switch and upgrade characters seamlessly during the gameplay.

Photo: Ulf Benjaminsson / ulfben.com

Team Barely Alive Studio:

  • Quan Nguyen
  • Sanna Helsing
  • Essi Karoliina Hirvioja
  • Franciszek Ryt
  • Rajat Upadhayaya

Levels of Attraction

Levels of Attraction is a puzzle platformer, designed to be a couch co-op game. You play as two lovers, Dip and Dop. They belong together as they are trying to combine into one robot again. They are disconnected in two opposite worlds unable to combine together anymore, One dark world above the other displayed in a 3D-style art and a bright world below displayed in a 2D vector-style art. They are not capable of combining, even though they are still connected to each other by a magnetic field that pulls them together. Utilize this magnetism in different ways like slinging each other over far distances or bouncing each other far into the sky. Try to get through the level in each of your worlds and to find a world you’ll be able to reach and reconnect with your long lost other half.

Photo: Ulf Benjaminsson / ulfben.com

Team Dips and Dops:

  • Sebastian Ljungberg
  • Wilma Bergqvist
  • Laura Pham
  • Dylan Slammert
  • Eri Kutrolli

Crabstep

Crabstep is an energetic rhythm game that immerses players in the lively world of dancing crabs. Set in a vibrant oceanic environment, crabs gather on tropical beaches to organize extravagant dance parties and compete in friendly battles. The game revolves around catching falling notes in sync with dynamic music, using wireless claw controllers and dancepads for precise timing and movement. Players can enjoy various modes including Versus, Coop, and Solo, each offering a unique gameplay experience. With combo chains and fever mode amplifying scores, players strive to showcase their dancing prowess. Four distinct crab characters, each with its own personality and sound, provide diverse gameplay options. Customization allows players to personalize their crabs with accessories, enhancing their individuality. The soundscape is rich with upbeat music spanning different genres from cheerful Samba to electrifying EDM. Crabstep fosters a playful and competitive atmosphere, promoting enjoyment and camaraderie among players. Dive into the world of Crabstep and unleash your inner dancer!

Photo: Ulf Benjaminsson / ulfben.com

Team Stable Staplers:

  • Tuva Ahlander
  • Andreas Persson
  • Caroline Martijn
  • Waseem Jaynullabdeen Pavitha
  • Katarina Durtova
  • Emelie Davidsson
  • Kate Čākure

News Speak

News Speak is a puzzle simulation game set in a dystopian authoritarian nation, where players act as censors in the “Ministry of Public Happiness.” Players edit news articles by replacing sensitive words with graphic signs, affecting public perception and the state’s politics. The game is set in a post-war country under a coercive new government that controls all media. The Ministry uses semiotics to censor content, preventing dissent. Players choose from graphic signs to replace words in news texts, such as replacing “beat” with an icon of a swinging bat or flowers. These choices influence public understanding and can either obscure the news to prevent unrest or maintain a semblance of truth, affecting the nation’s future. The game mechanics are inspired by the Newspeak language from George Orwell’s “1984,” and explore semiotics theories by Charles Sanders Peirce and information theory by Claude Shannon. Players face the challenge of shaping the narrative through strategic censorship, reflecting on the impact of language and control in shaping public consciousness. News Speak integrates these elements into its gameplay, challenging players to navigate the ethical and political dimensions of information control.

Team:

  • Hao Liu
  • Ziwei Wang
  • Baoliri
  • Siyuan Zhang
  • Zihan Wang
  • Zhewen Luo
  • Zhaoxia Quan