Joy Truman and The Lost Pages
Project Duration: 2 Years
Project Status: Ongoing
Project Type: Personal
Software Used: Unity
Languages Used: C#
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Introduction
Joy Truman is a 2D RPG game that allows players to explore using the main character and engage in turn-based combat with three additional characters. This open-world game is set in a city where players can complete missions of their choosing, recruit new characters, enhance their abilities through battles, and take on side quests.
The story takes place in Lightning City. In a museum, a group of thieves stole an important gem, and a girl was kidnapped. Her only clue is scattered pages throughout the city. Joy and her friends must now investigate every corner of the city to find those responsible.
Gameplay
The game utilizes 2D movement in a top-to-bottom and left-to-right fashion, creating an aerial view of the map that facilitates exploration. The open-world gameplay involves searching the city streets for items, conversing with civilians to unlock side quests, and engaging in enemy and boss battles.
During battles, players can gain valuable experience and items while earning currency that can be used to purchase equipment to improve their attack and defense. Additionally, players can acquire health and stamina recovery items.
Combat in the game operates on a turn-based system. This means that either a player or an enemy can initiate the first attack at the start of each ordinary battle. During the player's turn, they have multiple options, including a normal attack, special abilities that unlock with each character's level up, the use of items to increase the chances of defeating strong enemies, and the chance to escape if lucky. Otherwise, the enemy will attack.
The combat system involves life and stamina stats for each character. Stamina is necessary for performing various skills, each with different costs. Upon leveling up, a character's health and stamina are fully restored.
The battle ends when you defeat all adversaries or when all characters lose their vitality, resulting in a game over. In such an event, you will be sent back to the previous checkpoint.
The game provides players with a variety of characters to use in battle, each with unique abilities that match their personalities. As players advance through the story, they will unlock more characters in their desired order.
This location includes an on-site store where you can purchase equipment and recovery items for your units, as well as the option to sell your items for additional funds.
Development
Initially built using foundational lessons from a Udemy course, Joy Truman and the Lost Pages evolved into a wholly original 2D RPG. I created all character art, environments, narrative elements, and game mechanics myself, and added new systems and features to enrich the gameplay experience. What started as guided learning became a project that fully reflects my creative identity and design choices.
The protagonist underwent several design changes, including a name change. The game was originally titled 'Gold Pen,' and the protagonist was named 'Penny Londin.' However, the final product underwent modifications, and those changes were implemented.
During the initial stages of development, I created playable and non-playable characters with unique personalities, skills, and statistics. I oversaw every aspect of their design, story, and abilities. The playable characters have pixelated designs, while the non-playable characters lack pixel art designs but are essential to the storyline.
I used the FL Studio program to create the game's music and sourced sound effects from a dedicated SFX download page. Currently, the game features two song demos created exclusively for this project, both of which are available for listening.
The combat in the game underwent several visual changes. I aimed to present it in a vibrant and thematically consistent manner, so I explored various aspects to determine the most suitable approach. It was crucial to improve the character design to enhance its aesthetic appeal and impress the user.
The map was designed to be intricate and engaging, featuring diverse scenarios that bring it to life. This allows for the development of non-playable characters and characters with secondary missions, making it a more immersive experience for players.
