Devlog- Alignment – A 2D Platformer Game

ALIGNMENT – Game Development Log

Summary:
ALIGNMENT is a 2D platformer game where players use time travel and collaboration with their past selves to solve puzzles. The game emphasizes the alignment of goals between the player and an evolving AI character, who learns from the player’s actions and gradually understands the need for cooperation.

Beginning of the article:

ALIGNMENT is a two-dimensional platforming game centered on time travel and collaboration between the player’s past and present selves. The game challenges players with intricate puzzles that require cooperation between their different versions, blending time manipulation with strategic gameplay.

Core Theme

The game emphasizes aligning the goals of the human player and an evolving artificial intelligence (AI) character.

Storyline

The player can travel through time within various levels, revisiting past actions to solve current puzzles. Time travel is triggered by portals, such as caves, which replay past events, allowing interaction with previous selves. The player must strategically use knowledge from both timelines to progress.

Omni-Present AI Character

An AI character accompanies the player, initially with limited intelligence. As it observes the player’s actions, such as lifting a cube to unblock a path, the AI learns cooperation and gradually contributes to solving puzzles.

Gameplay

ALIGNMENT features puzzles where the player’s past and present selves collaborate. The AI’s evolving role adds a dynamic layer of interaction, as its objectives align with the player’s.

Example Gameplay

In Level 1, the player encounters a puzzle involving a metal platform on a fulcrum. The past self stands on one side for a minute, and upon returning, the present self uses these recorded actions to solve the puzzle. Mechanics such as magnetism, electricity, and light add complexity to the puzzles, with all player interactions carefully recorded and replayed upon revisiting levels.

We look forward to future updates, including interface improvements and gameplay enhancements. Your feedback is appreciated.