The Journey & Drinks of Elliot Fig
A 2.5D relaxing narrative game where players play as Elliot Fig, a space bartender, mixing drinks and exploring planets to uncover a heartfelt story.
In Collaboration with: Bernice Wang | Cecil Boey | Shelby Zhang
- ROLE
- Lead Gameplay & Narrative Designer
- TEAM SIZE
- Team project
- ENGINE
- Unity · PC
- DURATION
- 2023
itch.io
What I Learned From This Project?
Main Contributions
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Game Design： Crafted the game's storyline and core gameplay mechanics, completing the Game Macro. Actively conducted playtests during the development process and iterated on the design based on feedback.
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Technical Design： Utilized Unity to implement gameplay features such as NPC behaviors, narrative sequences, interactive pickups, and enhanced the visual presentation of game environments.
Key Features
Inspiration
The game grew from two serendipitous sparks — figs and a bar — which eventually intertwined into Elliot’s interstellar mixology journey.
During a brainstorming session, a teammate brought in figs she had bought from a Farmer’s Market. This drew our attention to the fig’s unique trait — flowers that bloom inward — which echoed our story beautifully and captured the lesson our protagonist, Elliot, comes to learn: the secret to a great drink lies not in the ingredients, but in the dedication and care poured into it from within.
A visit to The Death & Co bar then sparked the idea of making cocktail mixing the core gameplay mechanic. It not only anchors the narrative but also makes the experience more engaging and interactive.
Paper Prototype & Iteration
We quickly settled the story outline, with gameplay built on two core mechanics: word puzzles based on mixology, and platformer segments along the adventure. I led the narrative writing and paper prototyping, and designed the platforming levels; meanwhile, the art team finalized the world concept and character designs.
Paper Prototype Script
Paper Prototype Feedback
Paper Prototype Analysis
World Concept
Character Design
Platformer Levels
During playtesting, our innovative setting, engaging mixology, and profound narrative all drew positive feedback; however, the platformer element felt disjointed from the overall experience. We compiled and analyzed the feedback, which helped us pinpoint where to focus future development — on mixology and narrative.
Gameplay
The game cycles between two core sections: the mixology section and the exploration section. The narrative deepens through this loop, ultimately leading to the conclusion.
Design Document
Drink Mixing
During the mixology section, players complete word puzzles based on each NPC’s request, using specific ingredients to craft a drink for them.
NPCs
Prompt Example
“I could really use a drink that gives me some confidence and some excitement!” — Mixwell
Drink Mixing
Players drag the required ingredients into Elliot’s head — shake the mouse — and a drink is made!
Ingredients & Emotions
There are 4 ingredients in the game, each obtained at a different stage. Each ingredient corresponds to an emotion:
- Alcohol — Confidence
- Soda Water — Excitement
- Syrup — Love
- Garnish — Independence
Narrative & Gameplay Loop
Multiple Endings
The outcome of each creation is reflected in the NPC’s affinity toward the player — if the player fails repeatedly, they lose all favor with that NPC, who then stops appearing, thereby affecting the game’s ending.
Exploration
In the exploration section, players land on planets to explore, following clues to find more ingredients and gradually uncovering the game’s finale.
Production
Game Macro
Media Assets List
Final Dialogue Script
Documentation & Flowchart
Throughout development I maintained the game’s Macro and Media Assets list. To keep the team aligned, I also built a game flowchart in Figma, mapping out how the various sections connect.
Playtesting
During production, we ran multiple rounds of playtesting to ensure the game met our experience goals.
Gallery
