SHIFT

Welcome to "SHIFT," an innovative 2D platformer that invites players into a world where scale and perspective shift as dramatically as the stakes. In this game, players assume the role of a nimble cat tasked with scaling the Tower of the Inverse Proportional Function—a mystical structure that houses the Core of Scales. This core, when under malevolent control, can manipulate the world's scale at will, threatening to plunge it into chaos.

Game Overview:

"SHIFT" currently features two meticulously designed levels, each presenting unique environments and challenges that test both the player's reflexes and strategic thinking:

• Central City (Cyberpunk Theme): A neon-lit urban sprawl that blends futuristic technology with dystopian elements.

• Sand Land Ruins: Explores ancient surface ruins and deep subterranean chasms known as the Abyss.

Core Mechanics:

At the heart of "SHIFT" is the ability to manipulate the game's map through an inverse proportional function. This is represented by five control buttons corresponding to specific points on the function. These controls allow players to alter the map’s proportions:

• Left Buttons: Stretch the map, narrowing large horizontal gaps and opening new passageways.

• Right Buttons: Squash the map, altering vertical pathways and reach.

These transformative abilities are fueled by energy cubes. Each cube enables an adjustment that has a scale of 1 on the function, adding a layer of resource management that demands careful planning and tactical use of the available energy.

(Note: In the current version, scale can only be adjusted one level at a time.)

"SHIFT" is crafted by our dedicated team of high school enthusiasts from Beijing, China. We entered this contest to showcase our talents and passion for game development, gain experience, and have fun challenging ourselves creatively. Though this is our first game jam and many things remain unpolished, this marks a first step into game development and we learned a lot from this experience. 

Team Members:

 • Alex Wei: Our lead programmer responsible for coding and assembling the game. Alex, in his own words is: the computer potato who sits in his chair for 48hrs without moving. He made our dreams to life.

• Sophie Sun: Handles the design for three crucial levels—Tutorial Level, Sand Land Ruins, and Foreign Holy Land. Sophie also manages the character CGs, applying skills to create visually captivating artwork.

• Corry Luo: Designs two dynamic levels—Central City and the Underground Complex. In addition to level design, Corry develops the game's engaging music and intuitive user interface.

Together, we have created "SHIFT," a game that explores the intriguing concept of dimensional manipulation through a blend of engaging gameplay, creative design, and compelling musical scores.

It should be noted that while currently only two levels are complete, we aim to finish all six levels in the future. Witness our progress as we expand "SHIFT" to its full potential.

Please play this prototype and share your feedback with us. It has been a great opportunity to publish our game, and we are committed to continuously improving "SHIFT."