Project 1: Idea Environments/aesthetics

The environments within Zork alter depending on what theme of book the character wishes to explore in to. Each world changes as he completes quests and objectives, which will result a progression to the next level/world. Each Hero Zork imagines himself as, the environmental world becomes relevant to that character and the theme. With this sort of idea, the player will never be bored of being in one particular place and will begin to become curious/excited about which world they'll explore next. It also gives the players a chance to explore worlds with different quests, items and treasures to collect. The action is always unpredictable and unique, making it never tedious or dull for the player.

 Here is the first visualization I had within one of Zork's imagined worlds. This particular theme is that of the 'Western' genre. Whilst painting this piece, I wanted to keep every element true to the nature of the theme. Such as wide open, dynamic skies, vast landscapes and very small details. I wanted to get that essence of the world being empty and large, like the spaces within the deserts in western films etc. I also liked the idea to paint a theme of using the sun as an asset to represent the warmth and mood of the environment. Using a sunset image, with warm tones seem appropriate to show the heath of the desert. Also from the particular sunset, I took the advantage of lighting to creating a lot of silhouette type aesthetics, such as birds, cacti and figures. This style is very similar to western paintings that used the silhouette type affect to portray the mood within an environment. Paying attention to those elements adds authenticity to the environments, making them believable for the player to engage in.

Here is another example of environment change within Zork's imaginative worlds. This particular piece represents the theme of 'Sci Fi'. I wanted to create a world that was entirely alien, unique and exciting. With Sci fi, I experimented with different colours, structures and lighting to create a 'space' type theme. To do this I produced an ocean type planet, where land is scarce and the only thing that can be seen, is old industrial constructs. Using this type of space adds a feeling of alienation on the planet, replicating the theme and adding an original flare that is unseen in present day. To also add to the effect of 'space', I focused on elements within the sky. I added multiple other planets, moons and galaxies along with various star correlations. However, the most powerful asset within this piece is that of the red type ocean. I wanted to change the colour to further enhance the originality of the planet and how it feels truly 'space' aged, or alien. Yet again, it's about paying attention to those aesthetics that sets the mood and theme appropriately for the environment, making it authentic and believable for the player. Also it will portray a lot within the Hero Zork becomes within this world.