The Rookie

PITCH

This game is about a new detective, fresh out of the Academy, being placed on his first assignment. However, this is no ordinary detective. He is a white blood cell living in the body of John. John’s body has come under attack and unbeknownst to the Rookie he has just been placed on this case. The Rookie will travel through the body tracking down viruses and bacteria, getting leads, and gathering clues in order to save John from “The Flu”.

The target market for this game will be anyone who enjoys gaming. The game will be designed at the basic level. This is for younger players and those who haven’t gotten into gaming quite yet. Although the gameplay will be basic, what will draw in the more experienced players will be the story. A lot of attention will be focused on immersing the player into this world to make him feel as though he is a part of it.

An interesting benefit of this game is that it will give the players an opportunity to learn about the body and how it works. The primary intention is not for this game to be educational however, the player will be exposed to a bit of science during gameplay since it will be added into the story, levels, and information gathered throughout the game. The only extra work for the designers would be to find clever ways to teach this information to the player.

NARRATIVE DESIGN DOCUMENT

Theme –

Being stronger than you think you are.

Game Overview –

This game is going to follow a Rookie white blood cell fresh out of the Academy. The player takes control of him and assists him as he patrols the body, learns the ropes of his job, and does what he can to keep his host healthy.

World Overview –

The world is going to be inside a human body. This game will cover the brain, heart, lungs, eyes, circulatory system, and others. Each of these systems will be its own city, town, or, in the case of the nervous system, a roadway to other areas. Each will be designed with the function of that part of the body in mind and will give factual information to the player while he is there.

Story Summary –

The people of “John” (the human host) have felt that things are not in harmony; that something big is going to happen. The unrest is spreading although no one knows where it came from, and everyone is on high alert. That is where the Rookie comes in. He was at the top of his class and excels at everything, but he lacks the experience that comes with life. He has just received his first mission. He is alone and has no idea what to do. His mission: Check out a harmless rash and find out what caused it. His discovery there leads him to another case, and then another, and before he knows it he is tracking down the largest crime boss this body has ever known. It’s not the fact that he is the smallest out there, or that he is all alone, or the fact that everything he knows about the job came from books, or even that he isn’t the slightest bit intimidating. No, the worst part is that he is afraid of everything.

Characters –

• Rookie
  • Main player character

• Chief
  • The Rookie’s Captain and the one who gives the player character missions.

• Microorganisms
  • Separated into two factions:
    • Pathogens
      • These are the bad guys, out to cause trouble and wreak havoc.
    • Microbes
      • These are the moles of the group. They can be of help.

• The Flu
  • The biggest crime boss in the body. He has empires all over and is planning something big.

Storytelling Methods –

The story will be told from the player character’s point of view. Any characters met along the way who are not known to the player character will be interviewed, giving their background story at that time. Any character that is already known, or anytime the player character needs to get something across, there will be an inner-monologue that will convey the information that is needed.

Opening Cut Scene Script –

Chief – Rookie, I need you to get in here!

Rookie – Here, Chief.

Chief – It says here that you were at the top of your class and graduated faster than any other recruit.

Rookie – That’s correct, Sir.

Chief – Good. Here’s your first assignment.

Rookie – Wh…what? R…r…real…y?

Chief – Y-y-yes-s-s, really. It’s an easy assignment for your first time out, and I’ll have someone on the radio to walk you through it.

Rookie – But, Sir, why not just give me a partner?

Chief – Because the body is sick and we need every available agent out there. And guess what? You are now an agent, sooo… GET OUT THERE!

Rookie – Yes, Sir, right away, Sir.

Sound Design –

The sound design will revolve around the sounds of the body. No matter to which area the player travels, there will always be the sound of a heartbeat and breathing. Depending on what is happening to the body these sounds can slow down or speed up. Other sounds that can be used are the common sounds of the city such as cars, people, animals, and construction. Areas outside the city will use sounds such as flowing water, boats, and wind through trees, etc. The overall tone for the music of the game will be similar to that of early cop shows.