The following is a level design exercise where I made a level pitch for a sequence in The Last of Us.

Beat 1 – Linear Narrative

Top Down

Sequence

Overview: Joel and Ellie traverse a hotel on their way to their objective: a nearby bank where Tommy is being held.

• The party drops through a hole in the wall and lands in a hotel storage room.

• Ahead lies a pool of dried blood and something scrawled on the wall, its message unreadable.
  1. Dev note: Visual storytelling elements to heighten tension.
     1. Who died? 
     2. Am I in danger?

• Turning the party catches a glimpse of the bank. Their goal.
  1. Dev note: Use of a weenie.

• After completing their left turn, they come upon a T-junction.
  1. Dev note: Option to explore.

• Turning left the party sees the rest of the storeroom and find supplies on the shelves.
  1. Dev note: Items are 1 duct tape, 1 blade and 1 part.

• Turning 180 degrees the party sees an elevator opposite them.
  1. Dev note: Blood continues as a tension breadcrumb.

• However, as they approach the elevator, they see it sealed tight, forcing them to follow the blood-stained path to the right.

• The party proceeds down the partially collapsed hallway.

Continue reading Tower Trouble – The Last of Us Exercise →