THE FINAL JOURNEY

Game Design Process
"The Final Journey" is a visual novel centered on existentialism and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Players control an AI tasked with balancing the survival and emotional well-being of the last human in existence. The gameplay alternates between narrative-driven choices and interactive events, such as dodging asteroids or repairing a beacon, ensuring a cohesive blend of storytelling and player engagement.

Narrative Design
Set in a post-cataclysmic universe, the game explores themes of compassion and purpose. Players guide a human survivor through conversations that shape their outlook and fate. Choices reflect psychological concepts, allowing players to prioritize survival needs or risk resources to fulfill emotional desires. These decisions determine one of three possible endings, emphasizing the balance between empathy and logic.

Programming Elements
Player choices are tracked using Firebase to provide feedback on how their decisions compare to others. Gameplay includes real-time challenges like asteroid navigation and beacon repairs, blending narrative progression with interactive mechanics. This system ensures player agency while maintaining thematic coherence.

Game Flow
The game alternates between narrative sections and event-based challenges that test reflexes and decision-making. Conversations with the human passenger influence trust and emotional connections, while special events impact survival outcomes. Key story beats include the human awakening, escalating gameplay challenges, and climactic decisions that determine survival or failure.

Theme Statement
"Compassion in adversity" drives "The Final Journey." The game explores humanity's deeper needs beyond survival, encouraging players to contemplate existence and purpose while navigating isolation in space. Balancing empathy and logic shapes both the human's fate and the player's understanding of resilience.