Ramen Runner - Early concept work
*All images on the moodboard are for visual reference only
**early concept art and art direction by myself
Game Concept
At its core, our game draws inspiration from the beloved mechanics of Diner Dash, set within a richly imagined Cyberpunk universe that blends the vibrancy of culinary arts with a dystopian backdrop. The initial premise is deceptively simple: players assume the role of a ramen stand owner in a future world marked by both charm and danger. The aim is to combine moody and striking visuals that transport players into a world teeming with both charm and danger.
The gameplay mechanics are crafted to ensure an engaging experience that balances the thrill of time management with the satisfaction of building and expanding one’s own culinary empire. Each decision will impact the story and the community, allowing players to feel a genuine sense of ownership over their environment through engaging gameplay that allows players to expand and personalise their own world.
Game Plot
In this immersive narrative, you step into the shoes of a talented chef and owner of a humble ramen stand, situated in a bustling yet decaying district of a dystopian metropolis. Your primary objective is to revitalise your neighbourhood, which has suffered from neglect and despair. As you navigate the challenges of running a food stall in this chaotic world, you strive to reclaim its former glory by attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a sense of community.
Each level presents unique obstacles and opportunities that will test your culinary skills. You’ll serve delicious bowls of ramen to a colourful mix of customers, from cybernetic patrons seeking sustenance to streetwise locals craving comfort. With every bowl you serve, you’ll unlock new sections of the neighbourhood, drawing in more clients and gaining access to resources that allow you to enhance and customise your stand.
The game celebrates the cultural significance of ramen by encouraging players to experiment with unique ingredients and flavour combinations. You’ll learn about the origins of various ramen styles, emphasising the creativity and craftsmanship behind this beloved dish. Your choices will influence the storyline and shape the community’s fate, making every decision meaningful. Ultimately, your journey is not just about serving ramen; it’s about reviving a community and celebrating the rich culinary traditions that inspire hope and resilience in a dystopian world.
Art Direction.
The game aims to create a charming diorama-like neighbourhood that features not only the player’s own ramen stand but also a diverse array of shops and amenities. This thoughtfully designed environment will incorporate elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Japan, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersing players in a vibrant setting.
As players progress through the game, the map will ‘unlock’ new shops with each level completed, transforming the area into a lively hub filled with activity. Each new establishment will offer exciting opportunities for customisation and gameplay enhancement. For example:
Fruit & Veg Shop: Unlocks new recipes, allowing players to create unique ramen dishes that cater to various customer preferences.
Diner: Introduces new appliances that streamline gameplay, helping players serve customers more efficiently.
Donut Shop: Grants access to additional appliances, such as a deep fryer, enabling players to experiment with a wider range of recipes and add variety to their menu.
Clothes Shop: Offers character skin customisation options, allowing players to personalise their appearance and express their individuality.
Gas Station: Attracts a broader variety of customers, enhancing the dynamic of the neighbourhood and bringing new challenges to the gameplay.
Each new shop not only brightens the map but also deepens the gameplay experience, providing players with opportunities to enhance their stand, expand their culinary repertoire, and further engage with the community.
Art Direction.
3D Art Style
To achieve the desired balance between simplified, easily readable visuals and a compelling dystopian atmosphere, the project will blend two distinct 3D art styles. The primary approach will feature a ‘classic’ stylised 3D aesthetic characterised by simplified shapes and flat colours, complemented by hand-painted textures that add depth and richness to the overall look.
Lighting will play a crucial role in establishing the mood, creating a foggy ambiance that evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue. Bright neon colours will punctuate the environment, enhancing the futuristic vibe and providing visual contrast against the darker, more subdued elements of the scene. This combination aims to create an engaging and immersive experience that draws players into the world while maintaining a unique artistic identity.
Food Element Style
All food-related elements will adhere to the same vibrant and colourful style, ensuring consistency throughout the game. Each ingredient will feature simple low-poly modelling, designed to maintain clarity and readability while still being visually appealing. Striking hand-painted textures will enhance these models, making the ingredients pop with life and character. This approach will not only celebrate the culinary aspects of the game but also contribute to the overall aesthetic, creating an inviting and appetising environment that captivates players.
Gameplay Art.
Kitchen Design
As the primary playable area, the kitchen is designed to be easily readable and fully equipped to accommodate all gameplay requirements. However, the bigger challenge lies in making it feel unique and reflective of the overall tone of the game. Traditional ramen shops are known for their bustling, cluttered environments, so it's essential to maintain authenticity while incorporating a twist of sci-fi elements.
The vision is to create an ‘old’ Japanese kitchen that feels lively and chaotic, enhanced by a variety of mismatched props and random trinkets to evoke a rich atmosphere. The incorporation of metal accents and quirkily shaped appliances will further emphasise the fusion of traditional and futuristic aesthetics.
For example, drawing inspiration from The Fifth Element, the refrigerator could be designed to resemble a slot machine, with different produce spinning inside as players select their ingredients. This playful design choice adds an element of whimsy while aligning with the game’s vibrant and eclectic atmosphere.
The game features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing their own quirkiness and fun to the overall experience. Below are early sketches that explore a range of concepts, including robots, food monsters, animals, and various human characters, each with distinct personalities that could be incorporated with specific characteristics or perks in gameplay.
While visual appeal is a priority, careful consideration has also been given to ensuring that each character is easily readable within the gameplay context. This readability is crucial for player engagement and interaction. Additionally, potential technical challenges have been taken into account during the design process. For instance, although the idea of an octopus chef is whimsical and entertaining, the complexities involved in rigging and animating multiple tentacles would present significant challenges compared to designing a simplified robot character.
The goal is to create memorable characters that not only stand out visually but also contribute to the gameplay mechanics in a way that is both practical and enjoyable for players.
Character Art.
This project represents the very early concept artwork for a mini-game created primarily for enjoyment. It serves as an initial exploration of ideas and aesthetics, laying the groundwork for further development and refinement.