I was trying to create an emotionally-driven 2D platformer that could tell a deep, personal story without relying on combat. I wanted the game to explore profound human values – love, curiosity, and kindness – through mechanics, level design, and narrative. The game needed to reflect an emotional journey that players could feel, not just play.

Because I believe games can be more than just entertainment – they can make people reflect, feel, and connect. I wanted to challenge the conventions of platformers by removing violence and focusing instead on empathy and discovery. The story of Klaus and Elissa allowed me to combine narrative depth with mechanical exploration, and it was the perfect setup for experimenting with meaningful player choices and symbolic storytelling.

I wanted players to experience a story that feels personal – where gameplay and emotional stakes are intertwined. My goal was to create an atmosphere that invites introspection, and to design environments that speak through metaphors. I also wanted to prototype mechanics that support this – like health-restoring herbs, destructible environments, and breakable platforms – that reflect emotional vulnerability and growth.

• I chose Elissa as the main character because her perspective brought a deeply emotional lens to the story – she’s not just a follower of Klaus’s mission; she is the mission now.

• I removed combat to focus on puzzle-solving and exploration, making every interaction intentional and non-violent.

• I created symbolic environmental storytelling, like the jungle representing the element of love, split into three themes: the Devoted, the Self-Absorbed, and the Existent.

• I designed enemy AIs and level elements that metaphorically represent challenges humans face – fear, protectionism, exploitation – all without losing the player’s emotional engagement.

• I structured the levels as philosophical journeys, where each area represents a theme rather than just a place.