🎃 Happy Halloween! A Peek Behind the Vines: Creating "The Curious Case of the Gourd Guardian"

It's finally here! Happy Halloween, everyone! The air is crisp, the scent of autumn leaves is all around, and it's the perfect day for candy, tricks, and treats! We're having so much fun with this spooky day, and it's the perfect time to share a first look at a mini-game concept I’ve been developing: The Curious Case of the Gourd Guardian.

This is a third-person puzzle adventure game, think Luigi's Mansion for its

charmingly spooky exploration, combined with the logic puzzles of a game like Tunic. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and show off some key creations that bring this world to life.

But first, we're thrilled to announce that we're looking forward to an exciting event this month! We'll be at the To the Moon Expos, where The Vampire's Manor will be showcasing their amazing game called Foques! We can't wait to see so many incredible people and meet all of you there. It's going to be a fantastic opportunity to connect and share our passion for gaming.

Meet Our Hero: Jasper!

No Halloween adventure is complete without a hero, and ours is ready for anything this spooky season throws his way!

This is Jasper, our "Mini-Me" character, looking sharp in his patterned suit and cape, ready to tackle any mystery. He’s armed with his trusty glowing book and, of course, a jack-o'-lantern for all those essential Halloween treats. Jasper isn't your typical adventurer; his domain is deduction, his weapon, a sharp mind honed by countless enigmatic patterns in everyday life. He's here not just for the mythical pumpkin spice doughnut, but for the satisfaction of solving the manor's legendary mysteries.

Welcome to Pumpkin Patch Manor

Every great spooky story needs an equally great spooky setting. Meet Pumpkin Patch Manor, the central location for our game.

This isn't just any old haunted house. It's a character in its own right. As Jasper, you'll navigate its labyrinth of dusty hallways, creaking floorboards, and shadowy rooms. The manor is a puzzle box, holding secrets in its Library of Whispers, its Peculiar Pantry, and even its Grand Ballroom of Echoes. The goal? To solve the manor's legendary mysteries and find a mythical pumpkin spice doughnut baked only once a year.

Pumpkin Patch Manor, What lies inside is an spooky magical adventure.

Meet the Gourd Guardian

But the manor isn't empty. Oh, no. The path to the legendary doughnut is protected by a formidable, enigmatic figure: The Gourd Guardian.

This colossal creature isn't a mindless monster; he's the gatekeeper, the test-giver, and the heart of the game's mystery. His voice rumbles like damp earth and cinnamon, and his goal is to test our hero's "Wits, Taste, and Logic."

As Jasper explores the manor, the Gourd Guardian will be his constant challenger, booming riddles from outside windows and setting up trials that Jasper must overcome. He’s the one who stands between you and that sweet, sweet victory.

WIP Gourd Guardian, ready to challenge Jasper

Overcoming Challenges

Creating The Curious Case of the Gourd Guardian has certainly been thrilling, yet it has not been without its obstacles. Life events have sometimes slowed our progress, but they have also taught me invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

Creativity often thrives in adverse situations. Each challenge has pushed me to adjust my approach and think creatively. For instance, when faced with time constraints, I learned to prioritize aspects of game design that would have the most significant impact on player experience. This knowledge has deepened my appreciation for the creative process and reinvigorated my commitment to the game.

What's the Story?

In The Curious Case of the Gourd Guardian, you'll step into the shoes of Jasper, a detective of deduction and taste. Drawn by the legend of the ultimate Halloween treat, he arrives at Pumpkin Patch Manor on Halloween Eve, only to be challenged by the towering Gourd Guardian.

To succeed, Jasper must:

• Solve clever environmental puzzles.

• Deduce flavour profiles in the haunted kitchen.

• Unravel riddles hidden in forgotten books.

• Outsmart mischievous spirits that flit through the halls.

It's a story of charm, intellect, and just a hint of spooky magic. I'm so excited about how these visual assets anchor the entire game concept, from the imposing, gothic feel of the manor to the fiery, autumnal menace of the Guardian, and of course, our brilliant hero Jasper!

Thanks for checking out this first look! Happy Halloween, and we can't wait to share more as this mini-game world comes to life and to see you all at the To the Moon Expos!