CIRCULAR EPIPHANY
An RPG pixel game that educates players on the importance of seeking help when faced with depression and isolation.
Clip of “Circular Epiphany”
Game Description
“Circular Epiphany” is a futuristic mystery-solving pixel game that enables the player to experience the benefits of seeking help. The main character, Olivia, is a scientist who has lost her memory. In this game, the player must gather clues to help Olivia find her way. Players are challenged with a variety of trials, which include solving puzzles, winning fights, and using logical reasoning to make choices. For example, Olivia must fix a circuit while avoiding the approach of electric monsters and unlock a passcode by interpreting obscure hints. Each player must help Olivia choose whether or not to seek help with these challenges. When the player chooses to work alone, the outcome is unfavorable, and Olivia remains in a cycle of unknowing. If the player selects assistance, Olivia overcomes her struggle and reaches a happy ending. The different endings allow the player to experience the advantage of seeking assistance rather than enduring difficult times alone.
Inspiration
Since the start of the pandemic, one of my closest friends, like many other people in the world, has been suffering from depression. It was heartbreaking to watch her transform from a vigorous, affectionate girl to one that was silent and fragile. My strong desire to help her inspired me to develop a game that encourages players to seek assistance when faced with difficulty. In its first trial, “Circular Epiphany” was successful in distracting my friend’s attention from her depression, and more importantly, the advantage of seeking help was evident. Her strong response to the game led to a meaningful conversation regarding her feelings of isolation. I am very proud of what I created and how “Circular Epiphany” fulfilled my vision. Ultimately, I see Circular Epiphany as a tool that can be used to guide discussion. I have invited others to send it to friends who may also be struggling with loneliness and depression. My hope is that they will enjoy the game and overcome their difficulty by opening up and accepting help.
Olivia Beatrice
A scientist, former researcher at Ark 122.
She decides to leave her company, Ark 122, due to an accident that has happened 5 years ago. She does not remember anything from it, as the accident makes her lose her memories, especially about Jacob. Yet, she often dreams of a guy who always stands outside of her windows, calling her name and holding a kite. Believing that she must have known him before, Olivia yearns for the truth. One day she receives an unknown letter, which leads her to find out some astonishing truth……
Jacob Star
A former researcher at Ark 122.
Jacob does not appear much in the current timeline of the story, but he is the undoubtful main character in the flashbacks. Used to be Olivia’s boyfriend and colleague at Ark 122, Jacob seems perfect to everyone. He maintains a staple and happy love relationship with Olivia as well. However, in order to protect Olivia from the accident, he is sent to an unknown place by the broken time machine and has never appeared ever again.
Maps
The story takes place in Silicon Valley, San Francisco. The map of San Francisco includes various buildings in multiple styles, including Olivia’s home (House with red roof), Ark 122, a cinema, a library, a factory, and residence buildings. In Olivia’s house, there is a bedroom, a bathroom, a study, a dining room, and a secret room behind the shelves that Olivia, who has lost her memories, does not remember originally. In the secret room, a personal science lab is hidden with several computers, monitor screens, and machines.
The vintage store is one of the most important places in this game, as it directs and transfers Olivia to other places, almost like the home page of a phone. There are many shelves that have thrift items placed on them. The stone bases on the middle table mean that there are three items that Olivia needs to collect. And the book contains the iPad, which is an essential artifact in this game.
The interior of Ark 122 is quite simple. It contains several desks with futurist light rays, some lockers, a machine, and a time machine. Olivia used to work here, and this is also where the accident has happened.
Mini-Games
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Tiling puzzle
Players enter this game when they ask to borrow a charger from Sean. Players will have to complete the 9-piece tiling puzzle in order to obtain the charger.
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Circuit repair
Players enter this game when they turn off the broken time machine. In this game, players must fix the circuit by pushing the wires so that electricity is connected, while avoiding the electric balls.
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Push the boxes
Players enter this game when looking for a battery in the factory. The goal of the game is to push all 6 wooden boxes onto the green platforms on the top. After the boxes are placed, the battery will appear.
