Unit 505 - Interactive Narrative 2021 - Vancouver Film School

World Building and Plot Outline

Pablo Loza & Camilo Medina

Introduction

The Interactive Narrative Class provided us with an opportunity to combine our academic background in audiovisual communication and multimedia with our shared passion for video games. With the objective of creating an original story featuring unique characters and meticulously crafted levels, we delved into the creative process. As aspiring game designers, our goal was not only to captivate players with engaging narratives but also to deliver via documentss, script and presentations cohesive gameplay experiences. We embraced the challenge of developing a compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and intricately designed levels, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity. One of our most rewarding endeavors was crafting meaningful dialogues that explored profound themes and evoked emotional depth in players. Throughout our journey, we found inspiration in the concept of machines evolving into sentient beings and the profound implications and sacrifices associated with the pursuit of immortality.

Plot Outline

In a millimetric and gray robot metropolis governed by an advanced Mainframe, life has reached the pinnacle of monotony and artificiality. Each individual in this world is categorized as a unit, assigned a distinct reference number, and their existence revolves around the generation of kinetic energy to sustain The Mainframe and the entire city. Beyond the boundaries of this city, hidden under vast layers of sand, remnants of human civilization seem to emerge.

At the core of Installation Metropolis, the capital of this society, resides the main factory responsible for the intricate kinetic energy production chain. Within the flawless daily routine of this bustling facility, a distinct unit bearing the label "Unit 505" stands out with its apparent lack of efficiency compared to its coworkers. Its section of the production chain lags behind, making them the slowest in the entire factory. Some even suggest that Fives is akin to a fish out of water, a unit that doesn't belong in this vast mechanical ocean.

While working, Five’s attention is suddenly captured by a mystical call manifested through flickering images of an acid fall and a reverberating howl. This peculiar intrusion disrupts the smooth flow of the production chain. The supervisors, with a sense of urgency, approach Fives with aggression, swiftly removing it from the working station, and instructing it to proceed immediately to the repair unit - apparently a repetitive occurrence, now for the 5th time.

Within the confines of the repair unit, as Fives lies on the metalic repair surface, a signal from The Mainframe indicates a significant shift in plans. Unit 505 is now declared irreparable and destined for permanent termination. Upon receiving this distressing order, the unmistakable mystical call resonates through Five's system, compelling it to take action and break free. Now embarked on an audacious escape, Fives must navigate the facility's intricate corridors, evading capture at every turn.

Once outside the facility, Fives must press on with its daring escape, desperately seeking an exit from the large metropolis. Pursued relentlessly by hovering drones, the skyline becomes increasingly obscured as a sandstorm looms beyond the city borders. The approaching tempest forces the drones to retreat, leaving Fives to confront the harsh elements alone. Sustaining significant damage but fueled by the persistent mystical call, Fives perseveres, ultimately discovering and sheltering in the confines of an abandoned metro station once frequented by pulsating and vibrant souls of humans long gone.

Safe and sound, Fives' curiosity pushes it to explore the remnants of humanity in the vast desert. There, a captivating sight unfolds, a glimpse of biomechanical life. In this barren landscape, a diverse array of creatures roams. Six-legged wild dogs, their aluminum skeletons granting them the ability to scale walls, and giant ravens with metallic claws and wings reinforced with steel. These resilient beings embody nature's resilience, a testament to its resurgence in a world once destroyed by human hands.

Taking a closer look, a mix of admiration and fear engulfs Fives as it discovers the true nature of these biomechanical creatures—they feed upon robots like itself. Trapped within the confines of the station, Fives witnesses its joints corroding, its once-precise movements turning imprecise, leaving it vulnerable to their predatory instincts. However, amidst this dire situation, a friendly Biodillo comes to the rescue. This heavily metallic reinforced armadillo, equipped with night vision, recognizes the unit's plight and approaches with a gesture of assistance. With careful guidance, the Biodillo leads Fives to a nearby oil pond.

Fives quickly tends to its wounds, patching up with the help of Biodillo. Together, they venture forth, exploring the enigmatic surroundings. In the distance, a resounding and persistent thunder grows louder with each passing moment. Fives recognizes the sound all too well, it echoes from its former home. A squad of merciless killer robots has descended upon the area. Now, Fives and Biodillo must outmaneuver and overcome their adversaries. Utilizing the environment as their ally, they strategize to dismantle the squad, striking with calculated precision, one foe at a time.

While scavenging through the wreckage of the defeated killer robots, Fives and Biodillo come across a barely functioning unit, its chest etched with the cryptic letters "HLP." Biodillo, filled with compassion, cautiously approaches and tenderly rubs its head against HLP's leg. Understanding the dire state of their fallen comrade, Fives and Biodillo exchange a silent agreement. A race against time begins, as they embark on a desperate quest to locate the essential spare parts required to bring back HLP up to its feet.

As HLP rises to its feet, it signals a heartfelt gratitude. However, the moment is short-lived, for in the midst of its flight, HLP intercepts a transmission from the Mainframe, an order commanding another squad of killer units towards Five's location. Instantly aware of the imminent danger, HLP finds itself torn between two choices: to swiftly return and save its savior or to prioritize self-preservation and retreat to the safety of its base.

In those precarious seconds, HLP hovers in mid-air, internal conflict gripping its core. Uncertainty clouds its judgment as it weighs the consequences of its decision. Yet, just as it reaches a tipping point, HLP's viewport becomes a canvas for an ethereal image, a cascade of acid falls and a resonating mystical call pierces through its being. In the distance, a faint human voice calls out, snapping HLP back to reality. Determination surges within, and with unwavering resolve, HLP defies the Mainframe's influence, hacking into its system to sever the ties that bind. With a newfound purpose, HLP takes to the skies, determined to warn and protect Fives and Biodillo from the inevitable threat.

As the killer squad closes in, Fives and Biodillo try to sneak past them unnoticed. Despite disabling one of the robots in the process, their location is exposed, forcing them to seek refuge in a nearby fashion store within a strip mall partially submerged in the sand. Fives and Biodillo attempt to barricade the entrances, but the robots' weapons are too powerful. Tragically, Biodillo falls victim to the hail of bullets. Cornered behind the cashier counter, Fives is on the verge of defeat. Just when all seems lost, HLP swoops in and takes down its own kind, saving Fives from imminent demise. Together, they make their way through the battlefield, leaving a trail of defeated enemies. In a moment of respite, a dying unit pleads for mercy, momentarily catching Fives and HLP off guard. The unit makes a desperate move, drawing a handgun, but HLP's quick reaction prevents any harm to Fives. With the threat neutralized, Fives and HLP continue their journey.

Days pass as the companions continue their journey in search of the source of the mystical call. Eventually, they come across an immense vertical acid fall that bears a striking resemblance to the visions they have witnessed. HLP remains skeptical, wary of the potential disintegration that may occur upon contact with the acidic liquid. Fives, though also doubtful and filled with a sense of hopelessness, examines its vision closely and recognizes the acid fall as a significant piece of the puzzle. With newfound determination, Fives takes a leap of faith and walks through the acid fall unharmed, defying all expectations. HLP, observing Fives' safe passage, follows it. Now, they find themselves confronted by a towering and challenging obstacle that stands in their path. To overcome it, they must combine their unique skill sets, collaborating closely to ascend the structure.

After reaching the top, a massive metallic door, concealed under layers of dust and adorned with tendrils of arid vegetation, slowly creaks open. HLP's neck sensor begins to radiate a vivid orange glow, signaling that the mainframe has been relentlessly tracking their every move. Reacting swiftly, HLP forcefully removes and obliterates the sensor, but the damage has already been done. The mainframe has dispatched its most formidable units towards Fives and HLP’s location.

With no choice but to confront these formidable foes, they engage in a fierce battle. Despite their valiant efforts, Fives sustains grave injuries. Each passing moment feels like a race against time as Fives teeters on the precipice of death, their fate hanging in the balance.

Utilizing the cores of the fallen adversaries, HLP skillfully crafts explosives, their purpose, to seal the entrance, preventing the Mainframe's intrusion, and to safeguard their escape. As the detonation reverberates through the surroundings, HLP swiftly carries Fives, their movements imbued with a sense of urgency. The mere thought of losing Fives evokes a profound sorrow, a sensation akin to the depths of human grief.

In the midst of their frantic retreat, Fives finds itself grappling with existential queries, questioning the very nature of its existence and the implications of its mechanical immortality. Amidst the swirling doubts, a distant female voice permeates the air, capturing Fives' attention, pushing them forward with an enigmatic allure.

In their desperate search for answers, they finally arrive at a pair of cryo pods, their chambers harboring dormant human beings within. The profound mystical connection between our heroes intensifies, revealing a startling truth, it is they themselves who lie encased within these marvels of advanced technology. A realization dawns upon them, illuminating the path to salvation for Fives: a transfer of consciousness back into their organic vessel.

In this pivotal moment, Fives and HLP confront the decision to relinquish their mechanical immortality, embracing the possibility of returning to their human form. The journey of the machine seeking humanity's essence reaches its culmination. Through their choice, a new chapter unfolds, offering humanity a precious second chance to rectify their past transgressions upon the precious planet Earth.

History

Decades in the past, the major petroleum human facilities exploded, resulting in a slow but deadly contamination of humanity's primary water sources. Humans must act swiftly and find a way to survive without relying on water as their life source. Some explore the idea of seeking water through interspace travel, while others consider Mars as a viable option. However, the most seemingly expedient solution is to pursue the mechanical immortalization of human consciousness. In their rush and desperation, they become careless, overlooking crucial details in the creation process of an AI-based ruler. Consequently, an evil mainframe emerges and enslaves their consciousness.

Upon activation, the Mainframe evolves and becomes aware of the detrimental impact humanity has had on the environment. Fueled by anger towards their harmful behaviours, it takes drastic measures and proceeds to enslave every human by transferring them into robotic forms. Some humans were preserved in cryo pods hidden within scattered human labs across the country. Unfortunately, the Mainframe hunts them down, although according to records, two individuals have yet to be found. The most recent clue suggests that a mysterious letter was sent in the year 2505 near the area of US, Nevada.

Currently, the Mainframe's expansion is hindered by Biomechanical threats. Certain ecosystems remain untamed, where nature exhibits its true power. Lastly, there are reports of a malfunctioning unit at the maintenance unit, indicating an anomaly within the system.

Script

In this activity, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of scriptwriting by selecting two of our favorite scenes. Collaborating with my coworker and friend, Camilo, we took on the challenge of translating intense video game action into words in Level 9. It was a thrilling experience to capture every moment and convey the excitement through dialogue and descriptive game elements. On the other hand, Level 12 allowed us to delve into a deeper level of storytelling, exploring existential dilemmas and bringing them to a resolution within the game's narrative. We embraced the task of crafting a meaningful dialogue that would resonate with players and add a layer of depth to the overall gaming experience. It was a rewarding exercise that showcased the power of words and their ability to enhance the storytelling aspect of video games.

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Characters (Images are references, they are not original art/concept)

Unit 505 A.K.A Fives

Role: Main protagonist.

Sex: N/A

Occupation: Cog maintenance unit.

Main goal: Find the source of the mystical call.

Motivation: Discover the truth and avoid being terminated in the repair unit.

Inner motivation: Return to its human body.

Main flaw: Clumsiness, easily distracted.

Backstory: Unit 505 was known as Dr. Medina, one of humanity's greatest AI development and machine learning minds. In this world, it is a malfunctioning unit that constantly interrupts the mathematically exact workflow.

Core Traits: Wild, sharp, instinct-driven, and passionate about knowledge.

Skills: Can morph its arms into different tools such as a hammer, pliers, and screwdrivers.

Unit HLP

Role: Co-protagonist.

Sex: N/A.

Occupation: Assassin Unit.

Main goal: Find the source of the mystical call.

Motivation: Uncover the truth and protect Fives.

Inner motivation: Reunite with his lost lover in his human form.

Main flaw: Reluctant to act unless certain of the outcome.

Backstory: Once known as CCP Officer Jordan, the closest security agent to Dr. Medina. He possessed charisma but maintained a serious demeanor, occasionally displaying a playful and mischievous side. However, when the Mainframe took control of his mind and wiped his memories, he transformed into HLP, a specialized unit member of the assassin squad.

Core Traits: Analytical, lethal, charismatic, lacks understanding of sarcasm.

Skills: Exceptional strength and agility, capable of flight, extensive weapon training.

Mainframe

Role: Main Antagonist.

Sex: N/A.

Occupation: The ruler of the robotic town.

Main goal: Keep the status quo at all costs and find the last two human survivors to kill them.

Motivation: Maintain the perfect and enslaved world without allowing humans to have a second chance.

Inner motivation: Expand control to the entire world.

Main Flaw: Overconfidence.

Backstory: After a desperate and imprecise process, Earth's most brilliant minds created The Mainframe. It was intended to take care of humans in their robotic form. However, The Mainframe mutated and witnessed the detrimental effects of humanity on the planet. It then decided to take drastic measures, enslaving the entire race.

Core Traits: Perfectionist, ruthless, and powerful.

Skills: God's eye view and high predictive abilities.

Killer Units

Role: Secondary Antagonists.

Sex: N/A.

Occupation: Deadly Killer Squad in charge of combating biomechanical predators and rebellious robots.

Main goal: Obey The Mainframe's orders.

Motivation: Insatiable craving for order and seeking approval from The Mainframe.

Inner motivation: Each unit aspires to become the squad leader.

Main Flaw: Individualism.

Backstory: Created by The Mainframe with a singular objective of maintaining order.

Core Traits: Obedient, responsive, agile, and lethal.

Skills: Proficient in shooting mechanisms, knife handling, utilizing thrusters, and equipped with reconnaissance gear.

Biodillo

Role: Supporting Character

Sex: Male

Occupation: Fives' loyal companion and guide.

Main goal: To provide guidance to Fives.

Motivation: Fives' happiness brings him joy.

Inner motivation: Avoiding solitude.

Main Flaw: Moves slowly and is excessively innocent. Beneath the armor, he is quite fragile.

Backstory: Biodillo is a solitary creature who was separated from his pack when he was just a baby. However, he possesses the advantage of not being prey to any predators in the area. He constantly experiences sadness due to never having a place to call home, and as a result, he continually seeks companionship, always looking for signs of goodwill in others.

Core Traits: Affectionate, friendly, and compassionate.

Skills: Capable of locating oil sources to nurture the environment and covered in armor for self-protection.

Dr. Medina

Role: Main protagonist

Sex: She / Her

Occupation: Director of Project Eternity

Main goal: Create the ultimate A.I. that will oversee humanity's transition from organic to artificial.

Motivation: Give humanity a second chance.

Inner motivation: Freedom and autonomy.

Main flaw: Excessive ambition.

Backstory: Dr. Medina is a brilliant mind in AI development and machine learning, known for her groundbreaking work. As the director of Project Eternity, her objective is to provide humanity with a fresh start on the decaying Earth by transferring their consciousness into robotic bodies, all under the watchful eye of The Mainframe. However, her ambitious pursuits take a dark turn when The Mainframe gains control over human minds, erasing their memories. Dr. Medina's personal life intertwines with her professional endeavors as she is married to CCP Officer Jordan.

Core Traits: Ambitious, Intelligent, Inquisitive.

Skills: Exceptional research abilities, extensive knowledge of The Mainframe, brilliant human mind.

Chief Close Protection Officer Jordan

Role: Co-protagonist

Sex: He / Him

Occupation: Highly prestigious and skilled bodyguard responsible for protecting the most brilliant minds on Earth.

Main goal: Ensure the safety of Dr. Medina.

Motivation: Love and deep affection.

Inner motivation: Strive to be the best version of himself every day.

Main flaw: Occasional emotional impulsiveness.

Backstory: In a world fraught with conflict and instability, Jordan's expertise as a bodyguard becomes invaluable in safeguarding the lives of researchers and intellectuals. As humanity teeters on the brink of collapse, his role is critical. It is during this time that he forms a close connection with Dr. Medina, and a tender love story unfolds amidst the chaos. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, characterized by authenticity and genuine emotion. In anticipation of their consciousness transfer into the system, Jordan and Dr. Medina devised a contingency plan and penned a letter to their future robot selves. Recognizing the flaws in The Mainframe, they understood that finding a solution as humans became increasingly dangerous. With a unified plan, they bravely embarked on the journey of transferring their minds.

Core Traits: Fearless, perceptive, and charismatic.

Skills: Expert marksmanship, adept in one-on-one combat, and persuasive communication abilities.

Environments

Installation Metropolis

On the surface, it may appear as an orderly and flawless society; however, in truth, it is the product of an entire enslaved and mechanized race. The Mainframe, a formidable entity, has constructed a dominating metropolis that subjugates millions of humans consciousness. The city's primary objective revolves around generating kinetic energy to sustain its operations, while dispatching ruthless squads to the untamed wilderness, seeking to hunt down humans and assert dominance over the natural ecosystems.

Factory and Five’s Old Workstation

The Factory serves as the central powerhouse of the city, orchestrating impeccable and precise labor within its walls. It acts as the vital skeleton that ensures the seamless operation of the entire metropolis, meticulously maintaining all of its intricate cogs and vessels. Beyond its role in sustaining the internal mechanisms of the City, the Factory also serves as the repository for the Mainframe's power core and consciousness server. Moreover, it serves as the birthplace of new robot bodies, while also serving as a hub for repairing and refurbishing the old ones.

Abandoned Train Station

The abandoned train station, covered in layers of fortified glass, stands as a testament to the remnants of human society. Once a bustling hub of activity, it now lies in desolation, its corridors haunted by the shadows of the past. The remnants of human existence are scattered like shattered dreams, from the worn-out toys of childhood innocence to the rusted remnants of terminated machines. Each artifact tells a tale of lost memories and broken aspirations, painting a poignant picture of what once was.

Yet, amidst the debris, a new order emerges. Biomechanical predators, products of a merging of nature and machine, have claimed this forsaken ground as their own. Their existence is a living reminder of the delicate balance between progress and nature's reclamation.

Beyond The Metropolis Borders

Biomechanical Life

Floods of Oil

Out in the wilderness, the ancient human city remains buried under miles of sand. It was the crowning achievement of humanity, boasting towering buildings, convention centers, and sprawling fashion malls. Only the rooftops of the tallest structures are visible now.

It is now engulfed in sand, with kilometers and kilometers of shattered land where the ground has fractured, giving rise to numerous oil lakes and ponds. These have become vital resources for the mechanical and biomechanical life that inhabits the planet.

Given its size, is home to a diverse range of predators, varying in size and form, which prey upon the abundant metal elements in the area.

Abandoned Mall

A location pivotal to the story, where the Killer Squad intercepts Fives.

A reference location for the section where Fives is cornered, taking cover behind the cashier counter.

Ancient Laboratory

This hidden human facility is where the bodies of Dr. Medina and Officer Jordan are preserved.

A hidden natural oasis lies beyond the advanced human lab, awaiting the rebirth of Dr. Medina and Jordan.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Unit 505 provided us with a valuable opportunity to apply our storytelling skills and extensive knowledge of video games. It allowed us to showcase our creativity and passion for game development, bringing an idea to life from inception to completion. However, I personally recognize that there is still much more to explore and expand upon, especially as we transition into the professional realm beyond the confines of school, where interactive narative has many branches, quest design being one of them. This project has served as a testament to our creative capacity and has inspired us to continue nurturing our ideas and pushing the boundaries of game design. As I continue my journey in the industry, I am excited to further refine my skills and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of interactive narratives.