Protocol: Ashbound

Stranded on the dead planet of Lethara, mechanic Reha and a tiny hacking nanorobot must uncover the secrets of a forgotten world—and decide whether its fate should remain buried.

Protocol Ashbound, Project Description 

Protocol Ashbound is a 2D narrative adventure and exploration game developed as a vertical slice for the end-of-year project of the second-year Game Art program at Gobelins Paris.

The game follows Réha, a mechanic who works for A.N.O.R.E.S. (Administration of Standards and Optimization of Extra-Solar Regimes). After surviving the crash of her spacecraft, she ends up stranded on Lethara, a planet thought to have been dead for centuries. While exploring the ruins of this forgotten world, Réha discovers Roid, a small nanorobot that can hack and interface with the ancient systems scattered around Lethara. Together, they reveal fragments of the planet's history and the mysteries that led to its downfall. 

The gameplay Protocol Ashbound combines: 

- Exploration of connected environments and abandoned buildings. 

- Environmental storytelling that lets players piece together Lethara's history through observation and discovery. 

- Puzzle-solving and hacking mechanics that use Roid's abilities to activate dormant systems, open new paths, and change the environment. 

- Narrative choices that encourage players to question the nature of the world they are exploring and ultimately decide its fate. 

- The vertical slice aims to show the game's main themes: atmospheric exploration, emotional storytelling, and the relationship between technology and self-discovery. 

Credits

Clothilde Jourdain: Majority of the 3D models, textures, UI, environmental assets and supports (Itch.io, gamedoc...)

Eliott Binot Basolini: Opening cinematic and several additional 3D assets. 

Amicia Chaouat: Programming, game integration, and original soundtrack/music.