Sweet Dreams

Missed deadline Synty Studio Spooky GameJab submission (2024)

Versions:

v0.1 the original zip after 2+ hrs of waiting for assets to migrate to WebGL build target (too many audio files in the library and didn't get to put many to use), interrupted a build process breaking the project for a bit so couldn't make a quick fix for a level (recoverable, but too many assets and not enough time to reload the project).

v0.1.1 fixed an issue in Porcelain Shuffle that caused the game start to immediately fail, effectively making the level unplayable.

V0.1.2 Fixed an issue (for real) in Porcelain Shuffle (during the project restore process edits were lost in a prefab and the rush-to-fix 0.1.1 missed double checking. The game would start, but wouldn't be possible to complete in a positive or negative sense.

Known Bugs:

• Touchpad mouse control is very sensitive, use a mouse
• Quirky animation states
• Flashlight doesn't shine in mirror
• General sparse levels
• Where's the flashlight held? O_o
• Seldom model phasing through Camera
• Flashlight off click sound triggers on scene load

Takeaways:

• Double-check your build target
• Don't overload on assets
• Don't interrupt the build process
• Murphey's Law

Concept

Survive the challenges of various nightmares in this first-person horror-comedy game. Each nightmare has its own unique scenario and challenges to solve. However, failing the puzzles or succumbing to nightly horrors will reset your progress. 

Can you hop through these haunting dreams and see how long you can survive?

Hint: The light is often your friend.

Controls

• W, A, S, D - Move
• Mouse - Look around
• E - Interact
• Shift - Hold to run
• Ctrl - Hold to crouch
• F - Use your flashlight (limited charge: collect batteries and bask in certain light sources to recharge)

Nightmares

The game includes four nightmare scenarios, each with a distinct challenge:

1. Night Terrors - Try to fall asleep to the rhythm.
2. Creepy Garden - Stay in the light and find the lost key.
3. Porcelain Shuffle - Track the chosen goal.
4. Haunted Halls - Discover the puzzle, flip the levers with matching symbols, and find your way out.

Missed Goals:

• Porcelain Shuffle is supposed to start at 3 objects and progress in difficulty and shuffle groups based on the number of Dreams visited (each scene transition)
• Sleepiness mini-game not implemented (tired eyes animation just exists without any positive/negative effects). The goal was to randomly have to pass the rhythm game from Night Terrors to not get the level interrupted.
• Other planned levels not implemented (Dangerous Driving, Nonsensical Test, Hunter and Prey, and various other puzzles based on light effects).
• Fleshed out levels where there are more challenges/distractors. (Very few lose conditions)
• Walkie-Talkie audio comments/help