Physics-based Adventure Puzzle Game
Ready, Wind-up, Fly!
Ready, Wind-up, Fly! is a 3rd person adventure-puzzle game that blends emotionally rich storytelling with inventive physics-based puzzles. Set in a whimsical world, you play as a wind-up toy pilot on a journey to help a little girl fulfill her dream of "flying".
Her bedroom becomes your playground, where you uncover your origins, piece together the girl's hopes and fears, and go through several trials to carry her dreams to the sky.
Collaborated with Rae Chen, 1 month (2024)
Role
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Tools
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Game Designer
Programmer
3D Artist
3D Rigging & Animation
2D Artist
Unreal Engine 5
Blueprints
Blender
Procreate
Photoshop
Play from a toy’s perspective, all made possible with your shrinked body size!
We are inspired by…
Puzzle design: Puzzle games that require high engagement with the environment to reveal narrative (It Takes Two)
Narrative and experience: Stories that deal with loss with positive resolution (Up!)
Our Design Goal is…
Puzzle design: Puzzles that incorporate physics and encourage creative problem-solving through discovery
Narrative and experience: Role-play a pilot who finishes their own challenges as well as getting the rewarding experience of helping others
Using the bedroom as playground, there’re 13 cutscenes and 4 areas to unlock.
Level Design
Map Design
Player Flow Chart & Beats: Narrative progression is reflected through the note pickup system.
Cabinet Area
Carpet & Desk Area
Sleep Area
Play Area
Puzzle Design
Designed a four-level puzzle experience that mirrors a pilot's journey from learning basic instruments to mastering responsibility and flight. Each level introduces a new area, a new page of note, and a new mechanic that deepens both gameplay and character growth.
Level 1: Airspeed Indicators
A pilot knows how to read airspeed indicators.
A timing-based puzzle. Players throw candy at spinning airspeed indicators, striking precisely when the needles align with target values as shown in the notebook.
Level 2: Windmill and Swing
A pilot knows how to use the power of wind.
A multi-solution puzzle. Players will use bursts of wind to create momentum and movement, thinking creatively to find a way out.
Level 3: Plane
A pilot earns their own wings.
A multi-solution puzzle. Players could reach a central hanging fruit through pushing, jumping, and exploring around.
Level 4: Shuttle Bus
A pilot needs to carry and care for their passengers.
A chain reaction puzzle. Players remote control a shuttle and drop 7 safety flags at key locations. Each triggers a set of balloons.
Core Mechanic: Throw
Throwing mechanics also can be applied at small interactive toys in the scene to add fun moments and reward precision.
As the 3D/2D artist and animator:
Animation
Lighting as hints for puzzles
