About the game

Game description: Northern Tales 6 features an exciting time-management puzzle game that includes 45 colorful levels. To complete levels, you need to skillfully distribute your resources and manage time effectively. Each completed level unlocks an exciting story about saving the world by a Viking named Ragnar.

Genre: Simulation game, Casual game, Adventure, Strategy

Development environment: Unity (C#)

Technologies: Unity Gaming Services, Firebase, IronSource.

Graphic editors: Adobe Photoshop, 3Ds Max, Spine.

Other: Particle system; Pathfinding Mechanics; Unity and Photoshop integration; Animator in Unity environment; Shaders; in-app (premium subscription); Scrum methodology; 2D art, 3D art, animation; Data encryption.

Goal

To create an immersive and captivating experience for players in the 6th installment of the Northern Tales game series.

Stages of work

Creating levels

• Research and Planning. We started with extensive research to learn about player expectations and market trends. The structure of the game was planned, and the goals of each level were defined.
• Iterations and testing. Next, an iterative process of designing and balancing levels was developed. At the end of testing, the complexity, duration, and difficulty of the tasks were adjusted.
• Increasing difficulty. We have developed progressive difficulty levels. Progressing through the levels, new gameplay elements, as well as mechanics, have been introduced to ensure that the game gradually increases in difficulty and remains interesting.

Storyline

• World Creation. A rich and detailed world inspired by Scandinavian mythology was created, incorporating elements of fantasy and reality. 
• Character Development. We created charismatic characters such as Ragnar, a brave Viking determined to save the world. Their motivation and development paths were developed to create an emotional connection.
• Branching narrative. A branching narrative was developed, allowing players to make decisions. These decisions gave the game a sense of freedom and replayability.

Sounds and Music

• Atmosphere Creating. We used epic music and authentic sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere.
• Adapted Gameplay. The music and sound effects were adjusted based on what was happening on the screen. This resulted in heightened tension at key moments to maximize immersion.
• Feedback. Audio testing was conducted using beta players to determine and improve the quality and appropriateness of sound effects and music

Game Design Document (GDD)

• Comprehensive Documentation. A detailed GDD was developed that served as the basic game development plan. This document included information on game mechanics, story development, visual and sound elements, and more. It served as a central point of reference for the development team and helped keep them focused during the development process.
• Flexibility and adaptability. While the GDD included clear guidelines, we were also open to tweaks and changes as the game progressed. We maintained a continuous process of checking and updating during development. This resulted in a final version of the game that was modern, relevant, and refined.

Results

We managed to create an immersive gameplay with 45 colorful levels combining puzzles and time management. The implementation of advanced technologies such as particle systems for immersive gameplay, shaders, 2D and 3D graphics and animation, Photoshop integration, and Unity animation – resulted in smooth and realistic gameplay and high-quality game graphics. Northern Tales 6: Oath to the Gods with its exciting story and variety of genres is suitable for a wide audience of players with different gaming preferences.

• 40 different and colorful levels
• Variety of game modes
• Redesigned graphics
• Intriguing plot
• Historical reference
• Hidden objects
• Dynamic gameplay