Zork + Harris

Set in a distant galaxy, Zork and Harris are two newly minted doctors who step into a crumbling medical system clinging to life through advanced technology. Help save lives, one patient at a time by performing a routine combatoscopy.

Controls

Action	Game-Boy	Keyboard
Move	D-Pad	Arrow Keys
Interact	A	Z
Back	B	X
View Map	Select	Shift
View Camera	Start	Enter

Originally developed for the Dungeon Crawler Jam 2023 (https://itch.io/jam/dcjam2023). I quickly realised that there was no way the project would be done in 7 days. So I slowly developed this prototype in my free time between work and post-grad study. 

The ambitious goal for this project was to create an original Gameboy IP that could have been a system classic. (If it was released by a reputable studio and wasn’t made in 2023). I wanted to create some sort of interesting gameplay loop set against a Douglas Adams-esque backdrop.  

As a game developer I’m strongly of the opinion that games are art. Not only that, I think they are at the forefront of art. My philosophy for game design that aims to help progress the art form by designing games that a) seek to explore ways that make interactive art unique and b) build a strong narrative and themes in a non-linear way.

While not fully realised in the prototype the concept for the story and themes of the game focuses on humanities irrationality and the dependence on systems that we build. How systems of government and technology are able to de-humanise us. A commentary on Australia's health system and the importance of keeping it alive and accessible. All through the lens of absurd dark humor. Remember: this is a game build for decades old hardware.