INstructed by Luisa Pereira
Art DEsign: Yuxuan Wu
Music: Andy Tai
Video game demo | 2025
Game Design | Programming
Software: Unity Engine
Thesis Archive link:
https://itp.nyu.edu/thesis/archive/2025/11656-shimeng-zhou/
The story follows a cat whose consciousness has been divided between these worlds, existing in a state of quantum superposition. To restore their true form, the separated entities must solve entangled puzzles and locate their missing master—the only one capable of collapsing their dual existence into a unified reality.
In the ultimate challenge, they face a heart-wrenching decision: can they merge into one, or must one sacrifice their existence for the other?
MECHANISM
THE PULLEY ROPE
When only one side is attached, it shifts toward that side; when both sides are attached, it stays balanced; and a player attached to it can swing using the rope’s tension and gravity.
THE SEESAW LIFTS
When one side becomes heavier, it goes downward while the lighter side rises; equal weights keep it level, and carrying extra weight causes imbalance and movement.
THE UMBRELLA TOGGLE
When both hold umbrellas, one automatically opens while the other closes; an open umbrella shields from acid rain, while a closed one serves as a weapon to poke enemies.
RESPAWN REQUEST
Allows players to propose returning to the last checkpoint when stuck — both must agree for it to activate; if one declines, it’s canceled, creating both a cooperative tool and a source of interpersonal tension.
ART DESIGN
The game uses pixel art for its nostalgic charm and efficient animation workflow, emphasizing clarity and key gameplay elements. A split-screen mirrored layout with complementary colors highlights the players’ connected yet opposing actions, reinforcing the theme of parallel worlds. Environmental design like reflections at checkpoints that favor the stronger player encourages competition and the decayed buildings, contaminated water, toxic rain, absence of human grounds the game in a post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
INSPIRATIONS