Game Writing
Nightmare
(From left to right: Zamron, Ruby, Anderson, Leonard. Art by Katelyn Newkirk)
Zamron, a deranged scientist has taken his experiments one step further and let loose the monsters of horror lore into the world. As Officer Anderson, embark on a journey with a ghostly sidekick Ruby to defeat these monsters, stop Zamron, and prevent the end of the world as we know it.
Nightmare is a game script that I developed in my senior year at Champlain College. The story follows Officer Anderson, who must rise to the occasion when mutated animals and strange creatures begin appearing around town. Zamron the deranged scientist has brought the nightmares of horror movie lore into existence through his brilliant (yet horrifying) experiments. From the initial brainstorming to the countless plot revisions, character alterations and edits that this script has gone through, I’m proud to say that Nightmare is a work that I can be proud of. With Nightmare, I focused on beginning and ending a narrative that could be retrofitted into a two-dimensional sidescrolling shooter/beat-em-up. This game genre has seen little in terms of story and plot as their focus is mainly on the gameplay. Creating a refreshing story that can accompany a genre of game that typically doesn’t carry a strong story, or one at all, was a challenge that I was willing to tackle.
Characters
Officer Anderson – Anderson is a loner, but not by choice. His former partner Leonard was kicked off the force due to Zamron’s manipulation of a situation where there were several avoidable casualties. Anderson decided to remain partner-less. He has somewhat of an obsession trying to find Zamron for what he caused to Leonard. Zamron played into Leonard’s call to action and Leonard’s decisions ended in many innocent lives being lost. Although he tried to stay in touch with Leonard, his friend has fallen off the radar.
Ruby Meyer – Ruby is a ghost released as an unexpected side-effect of Zamron’s experiments. Cunning and agile (as well as able to move through walls), Ruby provides Anderson with support in his mission to stop Zamron and Leonard. In her former life, she was once an officer of the law as well.
Zamron – Once a brilliant scientist, the creature now known as Zamron has been reduced to the underground with his unethical genetic experiments upon animals, and sometimes humans. Anderson is trying to stop Zamron from unleashing the horrors of the fictional world upon the real world after finding that he has teamed up with a cloaked figure.
Leonard Carmichael – He is Anderson’s former partner. After the loss and isolation he endured after losing his job, he has become somewhat insane and wants to show the world what true evil is. A monster movie lover, he plans to incorporate this into his very own nightmare.
To download the latest version of the script, click here.
Script Sample:
Scene III: Warehouse
LOCATION
A local paper company’s warehouse. Enemies continue coming toward Anderson. Getting close to the source.
SOUND
Quiet. Too quiet.
CHARACTERS
Anderson, Zamron, cloaked figure
GAME
Gameplay continues for several more frames. Ammo and health are sprinkled around the end of the level. When Anderson reaches the back of the warehouse, there is a door.
ANDERSON (V.O.)
Looks like this is it. Might want to make sure I’m ready.
GAME
Whenever the player hits “Enter” a cutscene will begin.
ANDERSON
Police! I’m armed! Show yourselves!
ZAMRON (voice disguised)
Over here, officer! I am unarmed!
ANDERSON
Walk slowly into the light where I can see you. Hands on your head.
SOUND
Mechanical sounds come from the dark and get closer.
ANDERSON
What is that noise? I need to remind you that I am armed!
ACTION
A gigantic robot with Zamron in its seat appears in the light.
ZAMRON
I lied, Officer Anderson. I am armed as well. And it looks like I’m outfitted for the situation much better than you are!
BOSS BATTLE 1: ZAMRON MECH
ACTIONS: Clobber – throw fist down at Anderson. Fireball shot – straight shot. Can be avoided by jumping onto a nearby box. Fireball wave – can be avoided by jumping over or by jumping onto box.
WEAK SPOTS: Zamron himself, legs.
Following defeat:
ZAMRON
I’ve underestimated you, Anderson. (to cloaked figure) NOW!
ACTION: Camera zooms in on cloaked figure. His hand comes down upon a gigantic and cliché red button. In the middle of the room, a rip in the air brings forth a portal. Black plumes of smoke shoot upward from it, straight through the ceiling. Camera pans through the hole and shows the plumes scattering throughout the city.