Floodfriend

When it rains, it pours. After a summer of scorching heat had caused a massive drought, an unexpected rainstorm turns from a blessing to a curse when the reservoir above the valley suddenly gives way. The resulting flood is catastrophic. It uproots trees, levels buildings, and carves a path across the landscape. It had also swept you away while you were in the middle of a hike. You survived, just barely, but when you wake up you have no idea where you are – are you beneath the mountain? inside of it? – or how to get out. 

After picking your way through pieces of the cave system, you come across a monster that snarls at you. You flee and try to find another way out with no success. The cliffs are too high to climb, and slowly, the water is rising. You have no choice but to try and bargain with the monster– praying it understands you– if either of you want a chance at escape before the water comes for you yet again.

The player controls both the human and the monster of the duo: the hiker responds to direct arrow key input, while the monster can only be persuaded. Use your new friend’s unique abilities to jump, climb, dig and swim your way through an increasingly hostile environment. But be careful: the monster’s priorities are different from the hiker’s, and it isn’t afraid to use its teeth to get an idea across. 

Massive thanks to Julia Cicchinelli for animating my critter, and to Daniel Douros for being a programming wizard. I couldn't have made this game without your help!