Echo of Nine Lives

*Best played in fullscreen*

Game Intent

Echo of Nine Lives is a 2D platformer that explores themes of self-discovery, memory, and connection. Set in a dreamlike state during the player's final moments, the game follows a journey to recover the fragments of the self that have been embodied as cats (the player's most beloved thing) scattered throughout the world. By seeking out and conversing with the manifestations of the player's mind, they gradually rebuild their sense of identity and belonging before their time comes to an end.

Narrative Structure

The game takes place in a surreal, dreamscape environment representing the protagonist's consciousness, the player wakes up in a massively inescapable forest. As the player traverses the world, they encounter cats that each represent different aspects of their former self - memories, emotions, personality traits, and relationships. Each interaction with a cat unlocks a fragment of the player's identity through dialog, gradually piecing together who they once were and what mattered to them. The journey concludes when all fragments are collected, allowing the player to return from their dream with a new sense of belonging.

Mechanics

• Platforming Movement: Standard 2D platformer controls allow players to run, jump, and navigate the world they are thrown into.
• Cat Interactions: When near a cat, players can press 'E' to initiate dialog.
• Dialog System: Text-based conversations with cats reveal hints to why the player is here.
• Parallax Background: Multiple layered backgrounds create depth.
• Death and Respawn: Players respawn at the beginning if they fall below a certain point.
• Portal Interaction: A stone portal at the end of the journey...

Aesthetics

The game features a melancholic yet peaceful visual style with:

• Multiple parallax background layers creating depth and movement
• Diverse cat sprites representing different aspects of the self
• Custom UI elements for dialog boxes featuring cat portraits
• Pixel art tiles and props constructing a surreal landscape

The overall aesthetic balances between nostalgia, introspection, and the bittersweet acceptance that comes with finding oneself.

Asset Attributions

Thank you to :

• Tileset and Background Art: [Karsiori - Pixel Art Woods Tileset and Background]
• Cat Sprites: [Luiz Melo - Pet Cats Pixel Art Pack]
• UI Elements: [Black Hammer - Fantasy Wooden GUI]
• Font: [Lady Liefy - Olde Tome]
• Player Model: [Luiz Melo - Martial Hero]