WOOF
WOOF draws you in with a warm sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood. You play as a dog on a seemingly carefree walk, but as the game progresses, underlying issues emerge, culminating in your death. Each time, you assume the role of another dog, repeating the cycle with your only option being to run.
WOOF is a 2D runner game I am solely developing – writing, 8-bit art, sound design, and coding. Inspired by the loss of my 3 dogs growing up, WOOF tackles complex themes of grief, institutional control, and the path to understanding through the simple yet evocative motif of dying dogs.
A lil bark
I explored various art styles, including watercolor and mixed media. Ultimately, the 8-bit format resonated most strongly. Its nostalgic charm and sense of warm comfort felt like the perfect canvas to tell WOOF's narrative in a way that's emotionally engaging but unassuming for something darker.
WOOF's levels are a tapestry woven from my travels - each a distinct world reflecting a memory. As you explore, the visual complexity intensifies, mirroring the emotional journey of uncovering the Patel household's hidden truth.
The Walk
The Belly Rub and Scratches
WOOF begins with a heartwarming facade - rescuing dogs. The repetitive deaths aim to use the metaphor for a dysfunctional family, to hint at a system of control beyond their reach. As Sam, the dogs' only friend, prepares to leave, the focus shifts to the dogs helping Sam gain freedom. WOOF ultimately conveys that connection, in a world lacking control, empowers us to set each other free
In WOOF, the runner genre goes beyond the chase. Its limited control scheme serves as a metaphor, mirroring the characters' struggle with the illusion of choice and their entrapment in a cycle beyond their control. Coded in Unity, this gameplay mechanic complements the narrative of loss, grief, and control.