Environmental Design for Na’pi’s Passage

Echoes of Time: Na'pi's Passage

  This project quickly became one of my favorites and the one I dedicated the most time to. Initially unsure about building an entire game level, I soon realized it brought together everything I love-planning, geography, lighting, textures, gardening, and architecture. level design gave me the chance to translate my surroundings and embrace imperfection, especially when placing objects to create a more organic feel. The windows, central pond, and hidden passageways leading to a time-traveling sphere. The city itself draws inspiration from old European towns, blending ancient history with modern elements, and offering players a rich environment to explore before advancing to the next level. 

   The purpose of this introductory level is to immerse the player in the world of Na'pi's Passage, guiding them through a richly detailed environment steeped in forgotten history and hidden lore. As players explore the town, they uncover fragments of the past and rediscover locations that have remained untouched for centuries. Central to the narrative is the mysterious island across the water, rumored to hold ancient ruins and long-lost artifacts. 

  The local library, though rarely visited by the town's people, serves as a quiet hub for schoolchildren and becomes a focal point for the player. Designed to evoke a sense of familiarity and intrigue, the library invites exploration and gradually reveals its deeper significance. As players piece together the secrets embedded throughout the level, they ultimately unlock a hidden passage-transporting them into the next chapter of the journey. 

  The foundation of this level was built around visual harmony and spatial storytelling. I began by identifying design principles that evoke a sense of balance and intrigue- such as grouping objects in threes and establishing a central focal point. The sphere became the heart of the environment, with the surrounding landscape spiraling outward to create a dynamic and immersive layout. 

   To avoid a static or predictable terrain, I incorporated a diverse mix of natural elements: mountains, water features, rock formations, and dense foliage. These components not only added visual interest but also helped ground the player in a believable, richly textured world.

  For environmental references, I curated photographs of libraries and European towns I've visited, drawing inspiration from their architecture, atmosphere, and color palettes. These visual informed the design language and helped me craft a cohesive aesthetic throughout the level. 

  Positioning the sphere presented a unique challenge. I needed to excavate space beneath the structure while maintaining an open, explorable area for the player to descent through water. The sphere itself floats above a doughnut-shaped base, glowing with ancient orange inscriptions-hinting at mystery and lore embedded in the world. 

   The title of this project draws inspiration from ancient Blackfoot folktales, discovered during an eight-week exploration of global storytelling traditions. A significant portion of that time was devoted to studying Blackfoot mythology, which deeply resonated with me. Reconnecting with ancestral roots that had long felt distant brought immense joy and meaning to the creative process, and I felt compelled to share that experience through my work. 

  This is not a typical medieval fantasy. The passageway was designed by Na'pi, a central figure in the Blackfoot tribe folk lore, and the world is shaped by Indigenous culture and wisdom. As players progress through the level, they gradually uncover a new language, worldview, and history-woven into the environment and narrative. 

  The project is a labor of love, and I continue to refine it with care and intention. I look forward to sharing future updates as the story and design evolve.