Huayue Zhang
Shu Road Bronze Return
Duration: July 2023（2 weeks）
Type: 3D VR Puzzle Game
Role: Environment Designer, Modeling, Level Designer
Group size: 4
Designed an immersive game where players assume the role of an archaeologist trapped in the ancient Shu Kingdom ruins and solve puzzles to escape and ascend. Crafted atmospheric and culturally authentic environments to enhance the narrative; utilized Maya for 3D asset creation and contributed to the game's visual realism and appeal.
Video
Background
Introduction
The game extracts the essence of ancient Shu culture from the Sanxingdui site, combining it with elements of Mohist mechanisms and ancient Chinese characters and murals. This results in the creation of ancient bronze mechanical cities hidden beneath the Shu Mountains.
Plot
The game introduces the discovery by a archaeological team of an underground ancient bronze mechanical city by chance. While exploring this ancient city, the archaeological team uncovers the possibility that the ancient Mohist philosophy of universal love and non-aggression, as well as the art of mechanisms, might have originated from the thoughts and self-defense mechanisms developed during the turmoil of ancient Shu State. Gradually, through step-by-step exploration, they confirm and validate these ideas.
What is Sanxingdui (Three-Star Mound) ?
Relics unearthed in Sanxingdui
Three-Star Mound, located in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China, is an ancient archaeological site renowned for its unique bronze artifacts, first discovered in 1986. The discovery of Three-Star Mound holds significant importance in understanding ancient Chinese culture and history.
At Three-Star Mound, archaeologists unearthed a multitude of ancient bronze, jade, and pottery artifacts. The most striking among them are the mysterious bronze masks, characterized by a unique artistic style and exquisite craftsmanship. These masks are believed to be connected to ancient sacrificial rituals and religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the discovery at Three-Star Mound reveals an ancient and distinctive civilization that thrived in the southwestern region of China many years ago. This sheds light on the development and evolution of ancient Chinese society.
In summary, Three-Star Mound is a captivating archaeological site that showcases the rich and diverse cultural history of ancient China.
Three-Star Dream is a series of paintings by Chinese artist Gao Zhonli depicting an imaginary ancient Shu Kingdom. These artworks provide a glimpse into a fantastical vision of the ancient Shu civilization.
Gameplay
After descending from the initial scene, the player will find themselves positioned at the very center of the entire disc.
Sequentially appearing on the disc are three masks and a pedestal-like control panel.
Puzzle: as far as the eye can see
Players must carefully observe the entire scene, using hints within the environment to understand that they need to utilize the pedestal to control the rotation of each ring on the disc.
The objective is to manipulate each mask, guiding them to the correct positions through the controlled movement of the disc's concentric rings.
After completing the puzzle, the person who has transcended worldly matters will appear, guiding towards a new direction.
using ancient Chinese characters as clues
By changing the position of the masks, aligning their gazes in the correct direction.
Modeling & Visual Design
Modeling
By Maya & 3DsMax
By Substance Painter
Model Design
solar totem
Derived from the unearthed artifact 'Sun God Bird'.
flying bird totem
Symbolizing the spiritual belief of the ancient Shu people
'Cycle endlessly, life perpetuates.'
Environment&Level Design
the clue
Menu
Program Framework
Generate events
Use events
Use tools
Program Framework