The 4th Jump

First Prototype (2018)

'The 4th Jump' is a game born from my aspiration to craft an experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. Originating from my early days in 2017 with Game Maker Studio, the project draws inspiration from the groundbreaking 'Undertale' by Toby Fox, particularly in its innovative approach to breaking the fourth wall. The game's title reflects this ambition, symbolizing a leap into uncharted interactive storytelling.

The 4th Jump' features a looping narrative where police officer Markus investigates a murder case with a twist. Each time Markus meets an untimely end, the game restarts, with Markus retaining his memories. The experience is heightened by moments where an unseen being directly addresses the player, even in menus, cleverly breaking the fourth wall and adding a unique layer to the storytelling.

Second Prototype (2021)

In 2021, with my growing experience in Unity, I revisited 'The 4th Jump' to enhance it with improved animations and effects. This updated version featured a more atmospheric setting and enriched dialogue, alongside a rudimentary weapon system. The protagonist also shifted from Markus to Saul, an average person unexpectedly stranded in a forest by a small town, introducing a fresh perspective to the game's narrative.

Third Prototype (2022)

In 2022, I took the bold step of rebuilding 'The 4th Jump' from the ground up in 3D, leveraging my newly acquired Blender skills. I modeled various game elements, including cars, pines, houses, and fully rigged and animated characters. The game's weapon system was significantly upgraded, and I introduced a comprehensive inventory system that extended beyond mere weaponry.

In this iteration, I enriched the gameplay by adding items like a flashlight and keys to access various houses. Players could now engage with NPCs, using found weapons to confront them, turning them into ragdolls upon defeat. I also developed a simple AI, allowing some NPCs to fight back, adding a dynamic and challenging element to the game.

Fourth Prototype (2024)

Admittedly, it may seem ambitious, but I'm gearing up to develop a fourth prototype of 'The 4th Jump'. This time, the journey might not be solo, as I've joined the UCR game development club. I'm excited to pitch the idea there and gather a team to bring this vision to life. My goal for this version is to elevate its complexity, including immersive dialogues that delve deeper into the story. I aim to retain the looping narrative structure, but with a fresh, more human-centric approach that explores the intricacies of human emotions and interactions.