YAP MING HAN'S
PORTFOLIO

Sense

Project Duration: 6 Months
Fall/Spring 2021
Y2 Student Project
Language: C++

16/04/2023

Download Link

Game Summary

Sense is a 2D narrative puzzle platformer where players go on a journey as Zumi, a cute little mouse who will soon bear the responsibilities of his late friend and guide the lost souls of the forest back to the light. Explore the beautiful world of Sense and gain unique abilities to aid in Zumi's adventure!

Introduction

Zumi had been best friends with Jizo for decades, until the trembling started. As Zumi discovers the loss of his long lost friend, he also realizes that a certain responsibility has been placed upon him to guide the lost souls of the forest around him, a task that was once Jizo's own responsibility.

Progression

Zumi awoke to the sound of rumbling and discovered the dilapidated state of the Jizo statue. Something was wrong, and spirits started flooding the forest. With Jizo's last ball of light, Zumi sets off and tries to figure out what he has to do to help h is friend.

Follow Zumi as he explores the different areas in the world of Sense, as he encounters the different guardians that once served Jizo. These statues bestow their unique abilities unto Zumi, namely the keen sense of smell, sight and hearing. Using these abilities, he helps the different entities along his way and helps the Jizo orb to guide the lost soul back to the Jizo statue.

Sense of Smell

The sense of smell bestowed upon Zumi grants him the ability to detect even the faintest smell of food. Without Jizo, the animals in the forest are unable to search for food, deterred by the lingering lost souls of the forest. With the sense of smell, Zumi is able to seek out hidden areas and find different berries for these poor animals, and in-turn they help guide Zumi on to the next area of his adventure.

Sense of Sight

The sense of sight grants Zumi the ability to see various clues hidden around the forest that aren't visible to the naked eye. Similar to how night vision works, the sight ability highlights important hints that help Zumi to solve various puzzles in order to reach the next area. We used a combination of post processing effects such as color grading and temperature to achieve the desired feel and look for the sight ability.

Sense of Hearing

The sense of hearing gives Zumi the ability to listen and find the singing spirits scattered across the level. These singing spirits, even though visible, cannot be normally heard by anyone. However, with the hearing ability, Zumi is able to hear the different tones sung by the spirits and search for them through spatial audio mechanics. Once all the spirits are interacted with, they will sing a final tune and help Zumi to open the locked gate in order to continue his journey.

A Solemn Ending

With Zumi's duties completed, Jizo was ready to let go of his place in the world. Taking a rest beneath the Jizo statue, Zumi quietly and dearly misses his precious friend.