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Revised Animation storyboard
Final Game Design Document
To view the Game Design Document in PDF Form, Click Here: Unicorns_GameDesignDocumentFinal
Overview
Introduction
Working Title: Unicorns
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Platform: PC
“Haven’t you ever wondered why unicorns are so rare? “ Unicorns is a PC fantasy and adventure game striving to bring to light the problem of poaching through the eyes of different unicorns in the medieval ages. Journey through three different environments and learn about the ways poaching affects not only endangered species, but also indigenous people and conservation efforts.
Description
In Unicorns, you begin with the unicorns of the Iraq desert and move through their story where you are introduced to their lives and what challenges they face from poaching.
As you play as the Samaran unicorn, you get to see how the animal survives in the harsh desert environment and how to collect food and water and find other unicorns. But you also witness the horror of poaching and unicorns are captured and run down in order to take their magical horns. Through your choices and the quests you decide to take on, you can take a stand against this horrendous act and fight back against the poachers and try to save the Samaran Unicorn.
Depending on your actions, your unicorn might choose to leave the desert and migrate somewhere else to live, which begins your journey to the next type of unicorn: The Bergen Unicorn. This unicorn lives in the snowy mountains of Russia and also deals with poaching. But this time it isn’t coming from just poachers. There are also indigenous people who live in the mountains that rely on the unicorn population for food and resources. So for this part of the story, you deal with a more complex problem. But again, it is your actions as you play through that decide the outcome and lead you to part three of the unicorn species.
The third and final unicorn type is the Bavria Unicorn who takes home in the forest and plains of Europe. This unicorn type deals with poaching but not for resources. Instead, these unicorns face their young foals being captured and taken away to be sold to high-ranking nobles. It is up to you to use your resources and herd members to help end the poaching and save the species.
Story and Concept
The first story begins with a young desert unicorn who stumbles upon another unicorn trying to outrun a band of poachers. After helping him escape, he takes you to a hiding place full of unicorns who cower in fear at the mention of poachers. Declaring war on the poachers, you and a band of unicorns form a defense against the poachers and go to war. Seeking out and killing the poachers, it is up to you to fight and make the desert a safe haven once more.
The Bergen unicorn’s story deals with you trying to find a mate in a snowy land filled with poachers. Though you must be quick on your feet and fight to survive, you do find allies in the indigenous people, who are being pushed out of their native land because of the lack of food and resources brought on by the poachers. If you are successful, then you may find a mate and help the indigenous people push the poachers from the mountains.
For the final story, you play as the alpha of a large group of plain unicorns who thrive in the forest and fields of Europe, who are rudely awakened one day to a group of poachers surrounding the herd with swords and shields. Fighting your way out and helping the herd escape, the poachers follow, picking off unicorns one by one and capturing the younglings. Once you have gotten your herd out safely, you retrace your steps to see the carnage of the poachers. Hearing the cries of younglings, you find that the poachers are not far away, and begin your journey to find and bring back the young one and take revenge on those who have killed your herd. Through your journey, you’ll encounter many problems and obstacles to overcome as you try to reunite your young ones with the rest of your herd.
Environments and Characters
European Plains
The plains are located across northern Europe running from Spain to Russia. Covered in mostly flat lands, the plains are spotted with small forests and an abundance of wildlife and running brooks and streams. This makes for the perfect environment for the Bavria Unicorn. In game, the environment allows for players to recover health by drinking out of rivers or by finding wild berries that grow in abundance on the plains. The weather may also change at times, meaning it may be sunny, rainy or cloudy throughout the game.
Pictured Above: Great European Plain highlighted in grey
Russian Mountains
Located in the Ural Mountains, This environment is cold and covered in a blanket of snow with large trees and hardy plants. Wildlife is scarce but a few species thrive including mountain goats, snow foxes, rabbits and of course, the Bergen Unicorn.
Because vegetation is scarce, players can use tree bark to recover health. In terms of weather, the snow may become violent and cloud the player’s vision at certain times or it may stop altogether, letting the sun shine on the snowy mountaintop.
Pictured Above: the Ural Mountains, home of the Russian unicorn, highlighted in grey
Iraq Desert
The Iraq desert covers most of Iraq and is very expansive. Mostly barren, with shrubs and small pools of water, this desert is filled with rocky outcrops and flat land that makes a great home for many lizards and small reptiles. The desert is also home to various deer and wild horses as well as the Samaran unicorn.
While the weather does not change much in-game and stays mostly hot. The scarcity of shrubs, makes it harder to find food sources to regain health.
Pictured Above: Iraq Desert highlighted in grey
Quests and In-game interactions
Quests
Story-line quests
To progress through the game, the player must complete the main quests. These quests can range from simply finding food, to defeating poachers in battle. Each one is different and unique and get progressively harder as you progress through each part of the game. Depending on what choices the player makes in the game, the quests might be changed or some may be skipped all together. Completing story-line quests can give EXP points to level up a player’s statistics or items that may help the player during certain quests.
Side quests
While side quests don’t necessarily change or progress the story but they do allow a player to better explore each environment or increase relationships with other characters. Side quests vary in difficulty and subject but some may involve things like saving another unicorn, finding certain objects or fighting a certain villain. By completing these side missions, a player can gain extra EXP or getting certain items as well.
Communication
Throughout the game, a player will communicate with multiple beings, some human and some not but these communications and what a player can do with them differs depending on the situation and being.
Unicorn Communication
As a unicorn, the player can easily communicate with any unicorns he or she comes across. Some may simply give you helpful information, while other may offer your quests. Sometimes, a player will be given options on what to say or how to answer when talking to a unicorn depending on how the player answers, the unicorn may become friendly or trust the player more. This can come in handy and allow the player to gain access to certain items or certain quests.
Human Communication
None of the unicorns can directly communicate with the humans but the Bergen mountain unicorn is able to somewhat communicate with the local indigenous people because of their respect for the unicorns. This leads to a few quests that require the player to seek help from the indigenous people but because they cannot communicate directly, the player must find ways to make them understand.
Animal Communication
Unicorns can communicate with other animals. These can range from squirrels in the plains to goats in the mountains and what the animals say or do varies. Some may give you items, while other may provide hints or tricks for improved gameplay. While it is not essential that a player speak to most of the animals, it can enhance a gameplay and create a better experience overall.
Fighting
While not every unicorn has the same abilities, all three types of unicorns can fight and use magic in order to survive.
Attacks
All three unicorns can attack enemies using these moves:
- Horn Jab: The unicorn lowers it head and jabs the enemy with its horn.
- Horn Thrust: A powered up version of the horn jab.
- Stomp: The unicorn uses its front legs to stomp the enemy.
It is possible to learn new moves, but each move is different depending on the type of unicorn.
Magic
All unicorns know and can use magic, but some types have a better affinity for magic than others or use it for different reasons.
The Samaran unicorn has high amounts of magic and uses it mostly for finding food. However it can be used in fighting as well.
The Bergen unicorn can also use magic, but mostly for light. These unicorns cannot use magic quite as well and prefer more physical attacks for battle.
The Bavria unicorn uses magic for finding food and keeping track of other unicorns like young foals. These unicorns are very skilled at adapting their magic to different situations.
Fleeing
When battling enemies, unicorns do have the option to try and flee but it may not always be successful. If it is successful, the player may need to come back if the battle is essential to moving the story forward.
Concept Art
Screen design
The screen interface consists of a map tracker, health bar and a stamina bar. The health can be seen in red, while stamina is seen in green. The map encircles the upper left portion of the screen and allows the player to see where he or she is are and what areas can be discovered in the vast world of Unicorns. There is also a small icon that when clicked will pull up a larger menu that can give the player information about what quests are currently in progress, inventory items and stats (health, stamina ,defense, attack and magic).
While the interface remains the same from region to region, some minor details change to fit each area. Leaves may encircle the interface on the European plain, but snow might replace the leaves in the Russian mountains or sand in the desert. This allows the player to use the same interface from story to story but while changing the aesthetics to fit each region.
From top to bottom: the interface for the desert enviroment, the interface for the forest enviroment and the interface for the mountain enviroment
An example of what the player will see on the screen
Environment art
While each story takes place in a different climate, they are all shown in a similar style. From the vast desert to the snowy mountains, the landscapes will be vast and created with a more stylistic approach than a realistic approach. Instead of large amounts of detail, each environment will be done with large brush strokes of color and small outlines to create a simplified version of the real thing. Colors will be natural, with earthy brown colors in the desert, lush greens on the plains and snowy whites and greys on the mountaintops. This combination of realistic and stylistic will make the game pleasing to the eye but not overly detailed.
From top to bottom: Iraq desert design, Russian mountains design, and the European plain design
Character designs
Each unicorn design is specified for the unicorn’s environment and contains a description of the traits that make each unicorn so unique.
Bavria Unicorn
Bavria unicorns are long-legged and agile, with a light-brown to dark-brown coat and various markings. Hair color can also vary, but these unicorns tend to grow their hair fairly long, using their magic to tie it and keep it out of the way of brambles. Bavrians tend to be very herd-oriented, feeling more confident in large groups. While they may be beautiful, these unicorns are also quite deadly, especially when protecting their own. They are fiercely loyal and headstrong, which can often lead to them exhausting themselves in certain situations.
In terms of physical capabilities, Bavria unicorns are very agile but not incredibly fast. They do have decent magical skills, which can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes reaching food, communicating with other unicorns, protection from predators and other uses. The long horn of the Bavria unicorn is very sharp and is known to pierce armor. This combined with the strength of their kicks makes for quite the battle for anyone who wrongs this unicorn.
Samaran Unicorn
Samaran unicorns are smaller than other unicorns and extremely fast. Their flat hooves allow for fast turns and movements on the hot desert sand and their slimmer bodies are great for fitting through tight spaces in rocks to get away from predators. These unicorns have shorter, wider horns that can store water and nutrients for later use in the desert heat. Their coats range from spotted, painted or grey with varying markings and mane colors.
Because of their speed, Samaran unicorns prefer to run and hide instead of fighting but when cornered, their legs and fast hooves combined with their sharp horn can make them small but deadly. Samarans are well-versed in magic, using it not only to find food in the barren desert but also to fight, lifting heavy objects or weapons when attacked.
Bergen Unicorn
Bergen unicorns are large, heavy set unicorns that live in mountains of Russia. They tend to have shaggy white and grey coats to help them blend in with the snow and keep them warm in the cold temperatures. These unicorns are very cautious and highly intelligent, using their wits more than their magic to survive.
Their large horn is often used to scrape the ground or trees to find food, mark territories and used for attacking predators. Russian unicorns do not tend to travel in packs and instead are lone wolves, only seeking out others when mating season comes around. When fighting, the Bergen unicorn uses brute strength over magic, kicking and stomping with all four legs with tremendous power.
Props
As the player ventures through each story he or she will encounter various items that can be used as weapons as well as items to replenish health or stamina. While the availability of certain items may change depending on which story the player is progressing through, some of the most common props include rocks and various natural fauna. Berries on the plains, tree bark in the mountains, and shrubbery in the desert are all items that when found can help the player replenish health and heal any wounds. Rocks can be used as weapons to be thrown at poachers or other enemies in all regions of the game.
Swords and shields however, are only found in the Samaran and Bavria unicorn storylines. In both stories, these items can only be obtained by killing poachers and may not always be easy to find or use.
Game Controls
There are four main controls that are used by the player. This includes controls for movement, attacks, jumping and open the start menu. While this will be customizable for each player, there will be starting controls if the player does not want to customize. The beginning controls are as follows:
- W,A,S,D: allows the player to move up, down, left and right
- G,H: Allows the player to attack with either a horn jab, horn thrust or stomp
- J: Allows the user to pick up items
- O: opens the starting menu to show the player’s stats and items
- Spacebar: Allows the player to jump
Final Game Props
As the player ventures through each story he or she will encounter various items that can be used as weapons as well as items to replenish health or stamina. While the availability of certain items may change depending on which story the player is progressing through, some of the most common props include rocks and various natural fauna. Berries on the plains, tree bark in the mountains, and shrubbery in the desert are all items that when found can help the player replenish health and heal any wounds. Rocks can be used as weapons to be thrown at poachers or other enemies in all regions of the game.
Swords and shields however, are only found in the Samaran and Bavria unicorn storylines. In both stories, these items can only be obtained by killing poachers and may not always be easy to find or use.
Final Game Characters
Bergen unicorns are large, heavy set unicorns that live in mountains of Russia. They tend to have shaggy white and grey coats to help them blend in with the snow and keep them warm in the cold temperatures. These unicorns are very cautious and highly intelligent, using their wits more than their magic to survive.
Their large horn is often used to scrape the ground or trees to find food, mark territories and used for attacking predators. Russian unicorns do not tend to travel in packs and instead are lone wolves, only seeking out others when mating season comes around. When fighting, the Bergen unicorn uses brute strength over magic, kicking and stomping with all four legs with tremendous power.
Bavria unicorns are long-legged and agile, with a light-brown to dark-brown coat and various markings. Hair color can also vary, but these unicorns tend to grow their hair fairly long, using their magic to tie it and keep it out of the way of brambles. Bavrians tend to be very herd-oriented, feeling more confident in large groups. While they may be beautiful, these unicorns are also quite deadly, especially when protecting their own. They are fiercely loyal and headstrong, which can often lead to them exhausting themselves in certain situations.
In terms of physical capabilities, Bavria unicorns are very agile but not incredibly fast. They do have decent magical skills, which can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes reaching food, communicating with other unicorns, protection from predators and other uses. The long horn of the Bavria unicorn is very sharp and is known to pierce armor. This combined with the strength of their kicks makes for quite the battle for anyone who wrongs this unicorn.
Samaran unicorns are smaller than other unicorns and extremely fast. Their flat hooves allow for fast turns and movements on the hot desert sand and their slimmer bodies are great for fitting through tight spaces in rocks to get away from predators. These unicorns have shorter, wider horns that can store water and nutrients for later use in the desert heat. Their coats range from spotted, painted or grey with varying markings and mane colors.
Because of their speed, Samaran unicorns prefer to run and hide instead of fighting but when cornered, their legs and fast hooves combined with their sharp horn can make them small but deadly. Samarans are well-versed in magic, using it not only to find food in the barren desert but also to fight, lifting heavy objects or weapons when attacked.
Revised Animation Pitch Bible
To view the pitch bible, click here: AnimationDocumentFinal
Animation Pitch Bible Draft
View here: AnimationDocument
Revised Animation Script
View the PDF version here: AWolfInSheepsClothing
FADE IN:
EXT. a path in the middle of a beautiful, green forest.
ABIGAIL, a pink, fluffy herd creature with large ears and a huge fluffy tail, is walking in the middle of the herd, looking bored. As the herd walks, a butterfly flies in front of Abigail and she begins to follow it, wandering away from the herd.
Up in the sky above the herd, ASH, a serious cattle herder with a long tail and large feathered wings spots Abigail leaving the herd and flies down to follow her.
Occupied with the butterfly, Abigail walks right into Ash, who looks at her sternly and says,
ASH
“Go back to the herd Abigail”
Abigail obeys and begrudgingly walks back to the herd.
EXT. the middle of the forest, with a small creek running through the middle of the path.
The herd of cattle walk through the water and keep moving down the path, Abigail follows behind.
As Abigail enters the water, she begins to splash and play in the stream, jumping and bouncing, making huge splashes.
Meanwhile Ash, seeing Abigail lagging behind from the rest of the group, lands near the stream and stares at Abigail as if getting ready to speak.
Abigail Notices Ash and clearly annoyed, leaves the stream and continues with the rest of the herd.
EXT. a bright sunny meadow in the middle of the forest.
As the herd walks into the meadow to settle down, the Sheppard leans against a tree watching. Ash, flying overheard lands beside the Sheppard.
SHEPPARD
“Good work Ash, I can always count on you to watch the herd, especially that Abigail, and she can be a handful”
Across the meadow, Abigail is kicking rocks at the edge of the herd, bored. She kicks one rock and it falls into the grass out of sight with a weird *CLINK* *CLUNK* noise. Intrigued, Abigail gets up to check it out.
Ash sees her from across the meadow and says,
ASH
“Abigail, stay away from that hole, it’s dangerous”
Abigail peers in, getting close to the edge. Under her feet, the edge of the hole begins to crumble.
ASH
“Abigail! Look out!”
Ash jumps from his spot and flies over to catch Abigail, but instead become entangled with Abigail as they both fall down the hole.
As they fall, they hit the sides of the hole, bumping from side to side and eventually popping out of the hole, falling on either side.
ABIGAIL
“Ow, I think I hit my head”
ASH
“Good, maybe a little pain will teach you to listen to me and stay with the herd.”
Abigail
“At least I have a sense of adventure, unlike some people”
ASH
“You and I both know you’re adventures just cause problems”
O.S., the Sheppard begins to whistle
SHEPPARD
“Come on Abigail, time to round up the herd and go home!”
ASH
“Wait, did he just say…”
BOTH
“Abigail?”
They both turn to look at the Sheppard and the herd, only to find that the herd is no longer filled with cattle like Abigail, but with creatures like Ash, with long tails and feathery wings.
The Sheppard motions for Abigail and says,
SHEPPARD
“I see you found old Ash, bring him back to the herd and we can all go home.”
ASH
“Wait…I…This is definitely not the herd. And where do you think you’re going?”
Abigail begins to walk towards the Sheppard, saying
ABIGAIL
“Well the Sheppard called me. Sounds like you’ve been replaced”
Approaching the herd, Abigail looks at the Sheppard who motions for her to gather up the herd.
ABIGAIL
“It’s okay, just do what Ash does.”
Abigail begins to circle the herd and successfully herds them towards the meadow entrance.
ABGIAL
“Huh, that wasn’t so hard. I don’t see why Ash says his job is so difficult.”
The herd begins to exit the meadow, with Ash angrily walking at the end, followed by a prancing, happy Abigail.
Suddenly, Ash thinks of an idea and begins to walk away from the herd, calling out to Abigail,
ASH
“Oh Abigail, I’m feeling a little adventurous.”
Abigail begins to walk towards Ash, confused.
ASH
“Catch me if you can”
Ash spreads his wings and jumps high into the sky, flying hastily away.
ABIGAIL
“Wait, where are you going?”
SHEPPARD
(O.S.)
“Looks like Ash is at it again, you better run after him!”
ABIGAIL
“Oh great”
Abigail chases Ash through the forest, but Ash is too fast for her and keeps flying away. Once Abigail is out of breath, Ash settles down next to her, smirking.
ASH
“See what I mean, Adventures just cause problems.”
ABIGAIL
(Puffing and huffing)
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry for causing you problems. I guess I never really thought about how hard your job is.”
ASH
“Well, Apology accepted. And truthfully, I think I can understand why you want to run off so much. Being in that herd is really boring, there’s not much to do.”
ABIGAIL
“Yea and when you do find something to do, you get yelled at.”
Abigail eyes Ash in a mischievous manner,
ASH
“Alright, I’ll try to let you have some fun but only if you promise to stop looking in random holes.”
ABIGAIL
“Deal!”
ASH
“Then let’s go home. I want my job back!”
ABIGAIL
“But how do we get home? Everything is different here.”
ASH
“Well, this all started with the hole in the meadow, maybe we should go back through there.”
Both begin to walk back toward the hole.
EXT. the opening of the hole, ABIGAIL and ASH are huddled around the hole.
ABIGAIL
“So, do we just jump in or what?”
ASH
“I guess. On three?”
ABIGAIL and ASH
(Together)
“One, two, three!”
They both jump into the hole, and tumble through the hole once again, landing on the other side.
ASH
“Did it work?”
ABIGAIL
“I think so, I don’t see any…”
Turning around to look at each other, they both freeze. Abigail is no longer pink, but is now green and Ash has inherited Abigail’s Pink Hue.
ABIGAIL
(Giggling)
“Uhh…I don’t think Pink is your color”
ASH
“I think we need to go back through the hole.”
FADE OUT
Draft Animation Storyboard
Animation Draft Script
View the PDF version here: AWolfInSheepsClothing
Below is a modified transcript:
FADE IN:
EXT. Meadow in a beautiful, green forest.
The SHEPPARD enters the meadow from inside the forest’s edge, looks at the meadow and turns behind him and whistles. O.S. a BARKING is heard, along with what sounds somewhat like the BLEATING of sheep.
CUT TO
From inside the forest comes a huge herd of furry, medium sized animals. A winged, stout creature follows near the back of the heard, flying overhead. The flying creature drives the herd into the meadow and settled down beside the Sheppard. The Sheppard pets the creature on the head.
SHEPPARD
“Great job as always ASH, Right on the money.”
Ash growls happily in reply as the Sheppard yawns and stretches.
SHEPPARD
“YAWN, I think I’m gonna rest for a little bit,
Watch the herd while I nap okay?”
The SHEPPARD walks O.C. and settles under a tree near the edge of the meadow. ASH continues to watch the herd as they graze of the tall grass.
CUT TO
The herd, GIGGLING is coming from in it. Two long ears stand up out of the herd, moving through it sneakily toward the edge of the herd. Two heads pop up, snickering at each other and one another in the direction of the moving ears. A head pops up, attached to the large ears and scopes out the herd and looks to see where ASH is. Bobbing back into the crowd, the creature sneaks to the edge and out of the herd, and tip toes towards the forest before breaking into a sprint and running O.C.
CUT TO
The creature runs towards the forest, with her friends cheering her on from inside the herd. As the creature runs, a shadow descends over it and ASH lands in front of the runaway animal, just before the edge of the forest. The creature stops in its tracks and begins to saunter up to ASH as if nothing is wrong.
ABIGAIL
“Ooh hey ASH, funny running into you here”
ABIGAIL CHUCKLES unconvincingly, looking down at ASH.
ASH
“You know the rules ABIGAIL, stick with the herd
and don’t run off on your own.”
ABIGAIL frowns and sits in the grass.
ABIGAIL
“Aw, come on ASH, it was just a dare. We were just having fun! No need to be so uptight about it.”
ASH hovers in the air so he is at eye level with ABIGAIL and says sternly-
ASH
“Go back to the herd ABIGAIL.”
ABIGAIL turns back towards the herd, pouting. ASH lands and follows close behind her.
ABIGAIL
“Why can’t you just let me have a little bit of fun? Just one romp around the forest and then straight back, the girls would be so jealous-”
ASH
“I’ve told you before Abigail, it’s too dangerous for you to go out by yourself. There’s hunters and traps and wild animals-”
They approach the edge of the herd, ABIGAIL turns around to face ASH, smiling.
ABIGAIL
“Sounds to me like you’re just scared.”
ASH
“That’s not what I meant. Besides, I have a job to do.”
ASH Flies off to sit far away so he can see the entire herd while Abigail is left sulking in the grass, imitating ASH in a mocking voice.
Abigail
(Mockingly)
“Nyeh nyeh nyeh, ‘cause I have a job.”
She sticks her tongue out at ASH when he is not looking, but quickly retracts it when he looks in her direction and acts innocent. ASH Rolls his eyes and goes back to work surveying the heard. Still pouting, ABIGAIL begins to kick the nearby grass, kicking a rock hard out in front of her where it lands in a patch of particularly tall grass. The rock lands out of sight and a couple of deep CLUNKS are heard, followed by a splash.
ABIGAIL
“What the-“
Cocking her head to one side in curiosity, ABIGAIL begins to walk towards the odd sounds, approaching the spot wearily.
Out of the corner of his eye, ASH sees Abigail approaching the hole.
ASH
“ABIGAIL, what are you doing?”
She comes across a deep hole in the ground, lined with bricks and water near the bottom. She peers deep into the hole, sticking her whole head in.
ASH begins to stand up, watching ABIGAIL closely.
The edge of the hole begins to crumble an ASH quickly flies over, trying to save ABIGAIL before she falls.
ASH
“ABIGAIL! Move!”
HE tries to shove her out of the way, but instead they both become entangled, falling down the hole together.
INT. INSIDE THE WELL, DARKLY LIT
Unknown to ABIGAIL AND ASH, they have switched bodies, but because of the dark lighting, they cannot see.
ABIGAIL
“Ow, I think I hit my head”
ASH
“Yea, well that’s what you get for trying
To sneak off again, I told you to stay with the heard.”
ABIGAIL
“For you information the hole was near the herd,
so technically-“
ASH
“Okay, Okay, fine. Hold on to my tail and
I’ll fly us out.”
ABIGAIL
“Yea, yea, alright…geez you’re fluffier than
I remember”
ASH GRUNTS loudly, trying to use his wings.
ASH
“I-I think I hurt my wings in the fall.
I can’t feel them.”
ABIGAIL
“Well then how do we get out of this hole?
It’s cold in here.”
ASH
“Stop complaining, get on my back and see if you can reach the edge.”
ABIGAIL
“But I’ll crush you!-“
ASH
“Just do it, I’ll be fine.”
ABIGAIL
“Okay, okay”
EXT. Outside of the top of the hole.
ASH
(O.C.)
“Okay. Ready, Three, two, one!”
ABIGAIL pops up out of the hole, and easily crawls over the edge, but begins to realize something is wrong. She stares at her paws, and flaps her new wings.
From inside the hole, ASH cries out-
ASH
“Okay, now go and get the Sheppard, he’ll be able to
Get help. ABIGAIL…ABIGAIL?”
Flapping her new wings and smiling, ABIGAIL calls down to ASH.
ABIGAIL
“Oh, we don’t need the Sheppard to get you out of there.”
ASH
“Wait, what? ABIGAIL!”
Abigail Jumps into the air, flying straight into the hole and triumphantly and emerges holding ASH by the scruff, but now ASH is inside ABIGAIL’s body. Looking petrified, ABIGAIL sits him down in the grass, and stands next to him looking smug.
ASH
“What the- How did…WHAT?”
ABIGAIL stares at him smugly as O.S., the Sheppard whistles O.S.
SHEPPARD
O.S.
“ASH, c’mon boy, time to move the herd.”
ASH glowers at ABIGAIL.
ASH
“Don’t. You. Dare.”
ABIGAIL
(Smugly)
“Sorry, but I have a job to do. Go have some fun.”
ABIGAIL trots O.S. towards the Sheppard as ASH watches.
ASH
“I guess that makes me part of the herd.”
EXT. the forest, on a dirt path. ABIGAIL flies overhead and ASH walks with the herd.
ASH looks up at ABIGAIL and tries to get her attention.
ASH
“ABIGAIl! Hey, I know you can hear me!”
ABiGAIL
(Sarcastically and overdramatic)
‘Oh, I’m sorry, but I’m too busy doing my job.”
In the background O.S. the Sheppard whistle’s at ABIGAIL, trying to get her attention.
Sheppard
“ASH! We got a straggler, left side, swerve him back!”
Looking around the herd, Abigail sees one of the animals falling back from the herd. She flies over and swoops low. The animal gives a BLEET, and pushes back into the herd.
ABIGAIL
“Huh, that wasn’t so hard.”
Down below, ASH hears ABIGAIL’s comment and rolls his eyes. The two animals from before walk up to ASH and begin talking to him.
KATIE
“Oh my god I can’t believe you did that Abbie.”
JENNIFER
“Yea you go way farther than I thought you would.”
ASH
“Oh uh, thanks.”
KATIE
“Geez you okay? You seem kinda, different. Did you hit your head or something when you feel down that well?”
ASH
“Wait, you saw that? Why didn’t you help?”
JENNIFER
“Hey, calm down. We figured Mr. Serious would get you out.”
KATIE
“Yea, no way he would leave you in that hole.”
JENNIFER
“When we get to the next field, we were going play rock kick, you want to join?”
ASH
“Rock kick?”
KATIE
“Yea, rock kick! C’mon please, it’s always better with more people.”
ASH
“Okay sure. Why not.”
As the herd enters another part of the forest, the Sheppard whistles once more, but ABIGAIL doesn’t pay attention, making the Sheppard whistle louder and harsher. Hearing the second whistle, ABIGAIL tries to figure out what the Sheppard was trying to say.
ABIGAIL
“Uuhh, what does ASH do? What does ASH do?”
Thinking quickly, ABIGAIL circles the herd, and they slow down. She keeps circling and they eventually stop completely but hey break off into two sections, going in separate directions. Less confident than before, Abigail begins to circle the stray section of the herd as the Sheppard shout commands and tries to help.
Meanwhile, ASH is playing kick the rock with KATIE and JENNIFER. Since he’s new to the game, he’s not doing very well, but is still starting to have fun.
KATIE
“Getting a little rusty ABBIE?”
Katie laughs and kicks the rock in ASH’s direction, but ASH misses and after retrieving the rock, kicks it to JENNIFER.
For the first time in a while, ASH is having fun and not worrying about the herd.
ABIGAIL However, is having trouble keeping the herd together but eventually gets all the animals settled and lands beside the Sheppard.
SHEPPARD
“a little tired are we? Don’t worry, we’ll go home after this stop.”
The Sheppard pats ABIGAIL’s head and goes to sit down. ABIGAIL stares nervously at the herd and spies ASH playing with her friends. She begins to walk over, but the Sheppard stops her saying-
SHEPPARD
“No ASH, I need you to stay here.”
The Sheppard walks farther away and ABIGAIL tries to get ASH’s attention.
ABIGAIL
“Psst, ASH. Hey AASSSH.”
Pretending not hear, ASH looks over at Abigail non-chalantly.
ASH
“Oh, hi ABIGAIL, I didn’t see you there.
How’s your new job going?”
ABIGAIL
(Whispering)
“Ha-ha very funny. Help me! I can’t do this I want my own
life back!”
ASH
“And why should I help you? I kind of like this nonchalant life your living.”
ABGIAIL
“Look, I’m sorry I made fun of you. I didn’t mean it, I just-…I didn’t realize your job was so hard. I-I’ve never had to do anything like this before.”
ASH
“That’s because your life is all play. You go through day by day with no responsibilities and no worries. It’s just games and dares 24/7.”
ABIGAIL
“We’ll your life is the total opposite. It’s never-ending rules and responsibilities! No wonder you’re so uptight.”
ASH frowns at her.
ABIGAIL
“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I just-I think I understand you better now.”
ASH
“Thanks.”
ABIGAIL
“So does that mean you’ll give me my own life back?”
ASH
“Yea I guess, but I’m going to miss relaxing like this. It was…fun.”
ABIGAIL
“I’ll make you a deal, if you promise to lighten up and play kick the rock with use every once in a while, I will stop running away and try to help get the rest of the herd to make your job easier.”
ASH
“You can do that?”
ABIGAIL
“I have my ways.”
Abigail sticks her tongue out at ASH playfully.
ABIGAIL
“So how do we change back?”
ASH
“I think we need to get back to the hole. That’s where this whole things started. Maybe if we go back, we can reverse whatever made us switch places”
ABIGAIL
“Then how do we get there? We can’t exactly just get up and leave.”
ASH
“Oh really?”
ASH stands up and begins to overdramatically sneak away from the herd, ABIGAIL watches him, confused. BLEETING, ASH begins to run away from the herd, in the direction of the well. Hearing ASH, the SHEPPARD turns to see ASH running away.
SHEPPARD
“Abbie’s on the run again boy, round her up before
she gets too far!”
ABIGAIL
“Oh! I get it!”
ABIGAIL begins to chase after ASH through the forest back to the well.
EXT. the opening of the well, ABIGAIL and ASH are huddled around the hole.
ABIGAIL
“So, do we just jump in or what?”
ASH
“I guess. On three?”
ABIGAIL and ASH
(Together)
“One, two, three!”
They both jump into the hole, and a SPLASH is heard.
ASH
“Did it work?”
ABIGAIL
“I don’t know, I can’t tell. It’s too dark in here.”
ASH
“Hold on a minute.”
ASH flaps his wings and flies out of the hole, shouting triumphantly.
ASH
“I’m back! It worked!”
ABIGAIL
“That’s great, but can you please get me out of this hole?”
ASH dives into the hole and flies back out with ABIGAIL hold onto his tail. They land on the grass and ABIGAIL turns in circles, checking herself.
ABIGAIL
“It worked! Oh thank god it worked!”
Cheering, they both make their way back to the herd and settle back into their respective places. Ash settles back with the Sheppard, who pats him on the head for a job well done and ABIGAIL settles back in to the herd.
SHEPPARD
“Alright, now that you back, let’s head home.”
The Sheppard whistles and ASH begins to round up the herd. In the herd, ABIGAIL whispers to her friends, who fan out among the herd. The herd begins to round itself up and start towards home much to the surprise of ASH. Flying overhead, ASH looks down at ABIGAIL, who winks as they continue home.
FADE OUT
Animation Characters
Abigail
Abigail is a spunky herd animal who was raised and bred to be the best of the best. She’s lived with the herd for most of her life. Raised to be a show animal, Abigail is a very proud animal who has a lot of self-confidence. But because she doesn’t have much experience other than in the herd or the show ring, she can be a little naive at times. She loves to play with her friends and have fun, but isn’t use to much responsibility because of her upbringing as a show animal.
Ash
Ash is a hard-working cattle herder who works day and night to keep the animals safe. When he was born, he was quickly separated from the rest of his litter to begin training to be a herder, so he has no close relatives or family other than the Sheppard who trained him. Ash has a serious nature and puts work before play, which can often lead to him obsessing over his job. He is very attentive and finds it hard to relax when he is working, which is almost always.
Animation Pitch Ideas
Idea #1
Concept statement: Some tasks are much easier done together than alone.
Short Premise: Two magical roommates find an injured baby dragon and try to nurse it back to health underneath the nose of their rule-abiding hall Adviser.
Expanded Premise: Two wizards and a Dragon is a short, animated film for all ages about two roommates who try to raise a magical dragon under the nose of their hall ad visor.
The short takes place in a magical land where wizards, magical animals and regular people live in harmony. Students with magical ability are taught at a young age and magical subjects like potions and animal care are taught alongside math and reading. When children graduate high school, they can continue their studies by going to university, where they can study a specific magical profession. This is where our main characters currently reside, living in one of the university dorms. Alexa and Rachel are roomates with totally different personalities. Rachel is studying spell casting and is very assertive and good under pressure. Alexa is studying potions and has a more laid-back personality. Together, they are very different but their differences just might help them after they find a baby dragon alone and injured on the way back from class.
Traditonally animated and digitally composed, Two Wizards and a Dragon is a heartwarming tale that brings to life good morals in the set of a magical land.
Idea #2:
Concept Statement: Be happy with the life you live.
Short Premise: In the magical countryside, a unisheep and a dragon dog are complaining about each other, bothering their poor Sheppard. He uses his magic to let them switch bodies and live the other’s life, where they find out a little bit more about each other and their roles.
Expanded Premise: A Dragon in Sheep’s Clothing is a short animated film for all ages about a unicorn-sheep and a dragon dog who believe that the other animal has a better life.
In a magical kingdom where magical creatures are used for food and supplies a young magician herds a flock of Unicorn-sheep among the hills with his trusty dragon-dog. As the sheep graze on the grass and the dragon-dog watches the sheep while the magician sleeps shade. One Unicorn-sheep is annoyed at the dragon-dog and believes he is being unfair. The dragon-dog on the other hand is annoyed that the Unicorn-sheep is complaining about the easy life that he has. After they both bicker and wake the magician, he uses his magic to switch their minds so that they can learn to get along. The sheep and the dog both get to try out the other person’s life.
Traditionally animated and richly colored, A Dragon in Sheep’s Clothing tries to capture the colorful and vividness of a magical fairytale world with a light hearted animation style.
This short film aims to not only entertain the audience with a wonderful story but also aims to start a dialogue about various topics including greed, judgment and sympathy.
Idea #3:
Concept Statement: Family always comes first
Short Premise: A small chicken is born and we watch him grow from a naïve chick to a strong, brave rooster.
Expanded Premise:
Chick is a short animated film about the life of a chicken as he grows from egg to a full-blown rooster.
The film takes place in modern times on a small farm in Ohio where a family of four raises chickens and grows crops. The chickens themselves live in a most size coop an have free reign of the farm, from the fields to the hen house. This includes the tiny chick that become the main character as we watch him grow from hiding under his mother’s wing, to protecting his family from raccoons. He always looks out for his family, even if it means putting his own ambitions on hold.
Animated in a traditional 2D style, this film uses light watercolors to create vivid backgrounds and characters that stand out well.
Family is something that many people put second or push aside as they grow older. This film aims to bring back the importance of family.
Revised PSA Storyboard
PSA Storyboard
This is an updated version of the PSA Storyboard that aims to bring to light the problem of buying rabbits for children during easter time.
*Click to enlarge*
Final Game Screen Designs
Fig.1: The interface for the desert environment
Fig.2: The interface for the Russian mountains
Fig.3: The Interface for the forest Environment
Fig.4: A mock up of what the interface will look like when integrated into the environment
These interfaces and screen designs were created as part of the Unicorns game design. to view the full document, click here.
Final Game Environments
FIG.1 The Iraq Desert, home to the desert Unicorn.
FIG2. The snow landscape of the Russian Mountain Unicorn
FIG3. The forest, home of the European Unicorn
Unicorn Environments
Each one of these environments was created as part of the development of the Unicorns game design. To view the full Game design document, click here.
PSA Storyboard
Full Storyboard:
Individual Frames:
PSA Storyboard Script
Read the script here or, read below in an edited format:
FADE IN:
EXT. PET SHOP – DAY
Out of the glass door of a small pet shop, a woman and young girl walk out. The little girl holds a little grey rabbit in her arms.
GIRL, young child 6 to 7 years old walks out of the pet shop followed by her mother. She tightly clutches the rabbit to her body as the camera cuts to a close up of the rabbit sleeping in her arms.
RABBIT, small with grey fur and large ears, begins to wake up, noticing he is being carried.
GIRL (O.C.)
Oh thank you mommy! Thank you!
MOTHER, late 30s, places her hand on her daughter’s shoulder as they walk.
MOTHER (O.C.)
Of course sweetheart, happy Easter!
The rabbit smiles and nudges into the little girl’s arms, happy to be taken home.
INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY
A nicely decorated living room with a couch, television and coffee table. A rug covers the floor between the couch and television.
The rabbit hops into frame, jumping around the coffee table as the little girl GIGGLES off screen.
The girl comes into frame, facing away from the camera as the bunny hops towards her.
GIRL
(Giggling)
Silly bunny.
The girl begins to sit as the rabbit hops around her playfully, eventually sitting next to her nuzzled against her leg.
GIRL
Good bunny. Want a treat?
The girl offers the rabbit a carrot, which the rabbit takes willingly. The rabbit munches on the carrot as the girl CHUCKLES and pets the rabbit on the head.
MOTHER (O.S.)
(shouting from the kitchen)
Put the rabbit away sweetie it’s
time for dinner!
GIRL
Okay Mom!
The rabbit looks up at the little girl as the girl gets up and picks up the rabbit.
INT. GARAGE – LATE EVENING
The camera faces a tool bench near a small window with a cage on top. In the cage is a small dish with food and a waterer is attached to the outside.
A door opens up off screen, lighting up the cage and showing the silhouette of the young girl holding the rabbit.
The girl walks into frame, opening up the cage and placing the rabbit inside. Confused, the rabbit tries to jump back out, but the girl closes the cage.
GIRL
Don’t worry, I’ll be back
Tomorrow, then we can play
some more.
The rabbit smiles and nods understandably and the little girl walks away closing the door, leaving the rabbit in the darkness.
The rabbit waits patiently for the girl to return as we see time fade from day to night to night again. Each time, the rabbit changes position as he waits for the girl to return.
Eventually the rabbit curls up in the middle of the cage facing away from the camera. Off camera, muffled talking can be heard as the door opens and lights up the cage, showing the silhouette of the girl.
GIRL
I’m feeding him right now mom!
The girl approaches the cage facing away from the camera.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN
Displayed across the shot in white letters: “Easily Bought, Easily Forgotten”.
GIRL (O.S.)
(sounds of cage opening)
Hi bun- GASP Moooom…
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN
Displayed across the shot in white letters “This Easter, stick to stuffed animals”.
FADE OUT
Game Design Document
Overview
Introduction
Working Title: Unicorns
Genre: Fantasy Adventure 
Platform: PC
“Haven’t you ever wondered why unicorns are so rare? “ Unicorns is a PC fantasy and adventure game striving to bring to light the problem of poaching through the eyes of different unicorns in the medieval ages. Journey through three different environments and learn about the ways poaching affects not only endangered species, but also indigenous people and conservation efforts.
Description
In Unicorns, you begin with the unicorns of the Iraq desert and move through their story where you are introduced to their lives and what challenges they face from poaching.
As you play as the Iraq unicorn, you get to see how the animal survives in the harsh desert environment and how to collect food and water and find other unicorns. But you also witness the horror of poaching and unicorns are captured and run down in order to take their magical horns. Through your choices and the quests you decide to take on, you can take a stand against this horrendous act and fight back against the poachers and try to save the Iraq desert Unicorn.
Depending on your actions, your unicorn might choose to leave the desert and migrate somewhere else to live, which begins your journey to the next type of unicorn: The Russian Mountain Unicorn. This unicorn lives in the snowy mountains of Russia and also deals with poaching. But this time it isn’t coming from just poachers. There are also indigenous people who live in the mountains that rely on the unicorn population for food and resources. So for this part of the story, you deal with a more complex problem. But again, it is your actions as you play through that decide the outcome and lead you to part three of the unicorn species.
The third and final unicorn type is the European Plain Unicorn who takes home in the forest and plains of Europe. This unicorn type deals with poaching but not for resources. Instead, these unicorns face their young foals being captured and taken away to be sold to high-ranking nobles. It is up to you to use your resources and herd members to help end the poaching and save the species.
Story and Concept
The first story begins with a young desert unicorn who stumbles upon another unicorn trying to outrun a band of poachers. After helping him escape, he takes you to a hiding place full of unicorns who cower in fear at the mention of poachers. Declaring war on the poachers, you and a band of unicorns form a defense against the poachers and go to war. Seeking out and killing the poachers, it is up to you to fight and make the desert a safe haven once more.
The Russian unicorn’s story deals with you trying to find a mate in a snowy land filled with poachers. Though you must be quick on your feet and fight to survive, you do find allies in the indigenous people, who are being pushed out of their native land because of the lack of food and resources brought on by the poachers. If you are successful, then you may find a mate and help the indigenous people push the poachers from the mountains.
For the final story, you play as the alpha of a large group of plain unicorns who thrive in the forest and fields of Europe, who are rudely awakened one day to a group of poachers surrounding the herd with swords and shields. Fighting your way out and helping the herd escape, the poachers follow, picking off unicorns one by one and capturing the younglings. Once you have gotten your herd out safely, you retrace your steps to see the carnage of the poachers. Hearing the cries of younglings, you find that the poachers are not far away, and begin your journey to find and bring back the young one and take revenge on those who have killed your herd. Through your journey, you’ll encounter many problems and obstacles to overcome as you try to reunite your young ones with the rest of your herd.
Environments and Characters
European Plains
The plains are located across northern Europe running from Spain to Russia. Covered in mostly flat lands, the plains are spotted with small forests and an abundance of wildlife and running brooks and streams. This makes for the perfect environment for the European Plain unicorn.
In game, the environment allows for players to recover health by drinking out of rivers or by finding wild berries that grow in abundance on the plains. The weather may also change at times, meaning it may be sunny, rainy or cloudy throughout the game.
Pictured Above: Great European Plain highlighted in grey
Russian Mountains
Located in the Ural Mountains, This environment is cold and covered in a blanket of snow with large trees and hardy plants. Wildlife is scarce but a few species thrive including mountain goats, snow foxes, rabbits and of course, the Russian mountain unicorn.
Because vegetation is scarce, players can use tree bark to recover health. In terms of weather, the snow may become violent and cloud the player’s vision at certain times or it may stop altogether, letting the sun shine on the snowy mountaintop.
Pictured Above: the Ural Mountains, home of the Russian unicorn, highlighted in grey
Iraq Desert
The Iraq desert covers most of Iraq and is very expansive. Mostly barren, with shrubs and small pools of water, this desert is filled with rocky outcrops and flat land that makes a great home for many lizards and small reptiles. The desert is also home to various deer and wild horses as well as the Iraq desert unicorn.
While the weather does not change much in-game and stays mostly hot. The scarcity of shrubs, makes it harder to find food sources to regain health.
Pictured Above: Iraq Desert highlighted in grey
Quests and In-game interactions
Quests
Story-line quests
To progress through the game, the player must complete the main quests. These quests can range from simply finding food, to defeating poachers in battle. Each one is different and unique and get progressively harder as you progress through each part of the game. Depending on what choices the player makes in the game, the quests might be changed or some may be skipped all together. Completing story-line quests can give EXP points to level up a player’s statistics or items that may help the player during certain quests.
Side quests
While side quests don’t necessarily change or progress the story but they do allow a player to better explore each environment or increase relationships with other characters. Side quests vary in difficulty and subject but some may involve things like saving another unicorn, finding certain objects or fighting a certain villain. By completing these side missions, a player can gain extra EXP or getting certain items as well.
Communication
Throughout the game, a player will communicate with multiple beings, some human and some not but these communications and what a player can do with them differs depending on the situation and being.
Unicorn Communication
As a unicorn, the player can easily communicate with any unicorns he or she comes across. Some may simply give you helpful information, while other may offer your quests. Sometimes, a player will be given options on what to say or how to answer when talking to a unicorn depending on how the player answers, the unicorn may become friendly or trust the player more. This can come in handy and allow the player to gain access to certain items or certain quests.
Human Communication
None of the unicorns can directly communicate with the humans but the Russian mountain unicorn is able to somewhat communicate with the local indigenous people because of their respect for the unicorns. This leads to a few quests that require the player to seek help from the indigenous people but because they cannot communicate directly, the player must find ways to make them understand.
Animal Communication
Unicorns can communicate with other animals. These can range from squirrels in the plains to goats in the mountains and what the animals say or do varies. Some may give you items, while other may provide hints or tricks for improved gameplay. While it is not essential that a player speak to most of the animals, it can enhance a gameplay and create a better experience overall.
Fighting
While not every unicorn has the same abilities, all three types of unicorns can fight and use magic in order to survive.
Attacks
All three unicorns can attack enemies using these moves:
- Horn Jab: The unicorn lowers it head and jabs the enemy with its horn.
- Horn Thrust: A powered up version of the horn jab.
- Stomp: The unicorn uses its front legs to stomp the enemy.
It is possible to learn new moves, but each move is different depending on the type of unicorn.
Magic
All unicorns know and can use magic, but some types have a better affinity for magic than others or use it for different reasons.
The Iraq desert unicorn has high amounts of magic and uses it mostly for finding food. However it can be used in fighting as well.
The Russian mountain unicorn can also use magic, but mostly for light. These unicorns cannot use magic quite as well and prefer more physical attacks for battle.
The European plains unicorn uses magic for finding food and keeping track of other unicorns like young foals. These unicorns are very skilled at adapting their magic to different situations.
Fleeing
When battling enemies, unicorns do have the option to try and flee but it may not always be successful. If it is successful, the player may need to come back if the battle is essential to moving the story forward.
Concept Art
Screen design
The screen interface consists of a map tracker, health bar and a stamina bar. The health can be seen in red, while stamina is seen in green. The map encircles the upper left portion of the screen and allows the player to see where he or she is are and what areas can be discovered in the vast world of Unicorns. There is also a small icon that when clicked will pull up a larger menu that can give the player information about what quests are currently in progress, inventory items and stats (health, stamina ,defense, attack and magic).
While the interface remains the same from region to region, some minor details change to fit each area. Leaves may encircle the interface on the European plain, but snow might replace the leaves in the Russian mountains or sand in the desert. This allows the player to use the same interface from story to story but while changing the aesthetics to fit each region.
An example of what the player will see on the screen
Environment art
While each story takes place in a different climate, they are all shown in a similar style. From the vast desert to the snowy mountains, the landscapes will be vast and created with a more stylistic approach than a realistic approach. Instead of large amounts of detail, each environment will be done with large brush strokes of color and small outlines to create a simplified version of the real thing. Colors will be natural, with earthy brown colors in the desert, lush greens on the plains and snowy whites and greys on the mountaintops. This combination of realistic and stylistic will make the game pleasing to the eye but not overly detailed.
From left to right: Iraq desert design, Russian mountains design, and the European plain design
Character designs
Each unicorn design is specified for the unicorn’s environment and contains a description of the traits that make each unicorn so unique.
European Plains Unicorn
European plain unicorns are long-legged and agile, with a light-brown to dark-brown coat and various markings. Hair color can also vary, but European unicorns tend to grow their hair fairly long, using their magic to tie it and keep it out of the way of brambles. European unicorns tend to be very herd-oriented, feeling more confident in large groups. While they may be beautiful, these unicorns are also quite deadly, especially when protecting their own. They are fiercely loyal and headstrong, which can often lead to them exhausting themselves in certain situations.
In terms of physical capabilities, European plain unicorns are very agile but not incredibly fast. They do have decent magical skills, which can be used for a variety of purposes. This includes reaching food, communicating with other unicorns, protection from predators and other uses. The long horn of the European unicorn is very sharp and is known to pierce armor. This combined with the strength of their kicks makes for quite the battle for anyone who wrongs this unicorn.
Iraq Desert Unicorn
Iraq desert unicorns are smaller than other unicorns and extremely fast. Their flat hooves allow for fast turns and movements on the hot desert sand and their slimmer bodies are great for fitting through tight spaces in rocks to get away from predators. Desert unicorns have shorter, wider horns that can store water and nutrients for later use in the desert heat. Their coats range from spotted, painted or grey with varying markings and mane colors.
Because of their speed, desert unicorns prefer to run and hide instead of fighting but when cornered, their legs and fast hooves combined with their sharp horn can make them small but deadly. Desert unicorns are well-versed in magic, using it not only to find food in the barren desert but also to fight, lifting heavy objects or weapons when attacked.
Russian Mountain Unicorn
Russian mountain unicorns are large, heavy set unicorns that live in mountains of Russia. They tend to have shaggy white and grey coats to help them blend in with the snow and keep them warm in the cold temperatures. These unicorns are very cautious and highly intelligent, using their wits more than their magic to survive.
Their large horn is often used to scrape the ground or trees to find food, mark territories and used for attacking predators. Russian unicorns do not tend to travel in packs and instead are lone wolves, only seeking out others when mating season comes around. When fighting, the Russian unicorn uses brute strength over magic, kicking and stomping with all four legs with tremendous power.
Props
As the player ventures through each story he or she will encounter various items that can be used as weapons as well as items to replenish health or stamina. While the availability of certain items may change depending on which story the player is progressing through, some of the most common props include rocks and various natural fauna. Berries on the plains, tree bark in the mountains, and shrubbery in the desert are all items that when found can help the player replenish health and heal any wounds. Rocks can be used as weapons to be thrown at poachers or other enemies in all regions of the game.
Swords and shields however, are only found in the desert and European unicorn storylines. In both stories, these items can only be obtained by killing poachers and may not always be easy to find or use.
Revised Character/Main Features Design
Game 1: Unicorns
Introduction: “Haven’t you ever wondered why unicorns are so rare? “ Unicorns is a PC fantasy/adventure game striving to bring to light the problem of poaching through the eyes of a unicorn in medieval England. In the game, you play as a unicorn who experiences harmful poaching first hand and decides to fight back.
Description: In Unicorns, you choose one unicorn in a certain region to play as: a Russian Mountain Unicorn, a Great European Plain Unicorn, or an Iraq Desert Unicorn. Once you choose your unicorn, you are introduced to the life that it lives.
In the beginning of the game you are given simple tasks like finding food or finding your mother in order to learn the basic controls (running, walking, picking up objects, using your magic). Once you have completed these small tasks, you get to see the horrible side of poaching depending on which unicorn you chose at the beginning of the game. While you will eventually get to see each Unicorn and the struggle they face with poaching, each herd deals with a specific problem at the beginning of the game. For example, the European Plain Unicorn deals with captivity and the idea of mother and babies being separated and the Russian Unicorn deals with Poaching from the side of indigenous people, who use Unicorns for ceremonies and food. So depending on which unicorn you choose, your adventure changes. But a few things will stay the same throughout each adventure. Including your ability to fight back.
Each Unicorn is equipped with certain abilities that can be enhanced as the game progresses as well as armor and weapons that can be found. The way you acquire these items will change depending on your Unicorn, but they will be available. For example the Plains Unicorn can get food and water (which can heal your unicorn) from other animals on the plain but Russian Mountain Unicorns must forage for their own food. You also will encounter enemies with each Unicorn as you progress through your adventure although each one has different types of enemies. As you kill enemies, you can acquire different armors and protect your unicorn and you can upgrade your abilities and use the armor and resources from those you kill to protect your unicorn. If you use the multiplayer feature, you can even form a herd of your own who can join you on missions to complete quests and help protect your herd.
Key Features:
- Online Multiplayer option, allowing you to take down poachers with your friends and grow your battle herd.
- See the effects of poaching from the perspective of an endangered species.
- Have a different and unique expierince depending on your choices.
Genre(s): Fantasy/Adventure
Platform: PC with Multiplayer options
Game idea Design Document
Introduction: “Haven’t you ever wondered why unicorns are so rare? “ Unicorns is a PC fantasy/adventure game striving to bring to light the problem of poaching through the eyes of a unicorn in medieval England. In the game, you play as a unicorn who experiences harmful poaching first hand and decides to fight back.
Description: In Unicorns, you play as a young unicorn who grows up in a herd and lives in the forests of medieval England. In the beginning of the game you are given simple tasks like finding food or finding your mother in order to learn the basic controls (running, walking, picking up objects, using your magic). Once you have completed these small tasks, you get to see the horrible side of poaching. after your herd walks into a trap, many of your friends and family members are killed or captured, but you escape and run away with a few other unicorns. Hiding in the woods, you eventually sneak back to the place where the herd was attacked, only to find the carnage left over from the attack. as you look, a few other unicorns come back, but quickly run away. This begins your next task in the game: finding what is left of your herd. As you travel through the forest, you must use clues to find the other unicorns. Once you find the other unicorns, you must rally together and find a place to spend the night. once you complete these tasks, the game moves forward in time to about a week later. you have become the leader of what is left of your herd and you help them find food and water. but as soon as you settle down, the poachers are back, trying again to kill unicorns and steal their horns. but this time, you decide to fight back (this gives you the ability to attack with lunges of your horn). You kill one of the poachers and the other one runs away. This is when you realize that you can fight back, beginning the second half of the game. In this part of the game, you take a more direct approach to the poaching that is killing your people. Using the resources gained from the poacher you killed, you become the fighter for your people. Use clues to find other poachers in the forest and eventually move out of the forest to take down the boss in charge of the those poaching unicorns in your small forest. As you progress through the different levels, you can upgrade your abilities and use the armor and resources from those you kill to protect your unicorn. If you use the multiplayer feature, you can even form a herd of your own who can join you on missions to protect the unicorns of the forest.
Key Features:
- Online Multiplayer option, allowing you to take down poachers with your friends and grow your battle herd.
- See the effects of poaching from the perspective of an endangered species.
Genre(s): Fantasy/Adventure
Platform: PC with Multiplayer options