I realized I fell into "can be better" trap. For this reason I decided to cut some things out, like branching plot and voice-overs (was also part of my plan). But even these didn't seem to help. I really do have problems with game design, obviously. It doesn't seem I ever get proud of whatever I come up with despite having high hopes initially.
Anyways, to cut the rant - I instead decided to go with "Memories of Faceless" which will feature the second stage (childhood memories) of the game. And only the second stage. Depending on how it turns out I'll decide whether to give some more time to "Faceless" or not.
The second stage was supposed to be interactive narrative with minimal interaction, interaction which does not shape the background story. This is much contrary to supposed overall feel of the "Faceless", but I can't care less now. The protagonist (narrator) recalls of his past. This process is then represented partly verbally and partly using elements of typical side-scrolling game. The goal of the game is then to move the avatar of narrator to the right. As you move to the right, the time passes, the avatar grows and you experience the story. I plan to make use of game situations which usually cause certain emotions in gamers (weird and hard-to-solve puzzles come to mind, sudden change in game rules, fake glitches and bugs, asset changes, music changes, and few other), and shape those emotions using verbal narrative so that chances I'll provoke the kind of reaction I want to are greater.
Phew. This wasn't supposed to be a worklog right?
Anyways, I want to introduce you to some peepz.
Protagonist and narrator. He's called Steve and he's faceless. You are in control of him.
John, Steve's father. You can read from his face that he's not really cheerful guy.
Annie, Steve's mother. Nothing fancy about her, except that she used to argue a lot with John. After John's death she had nervous breakdown and was locked in psychiatric yard since then.
This is a guy whom Steve met in high-school. He was Steve's first true friend, mainly because they were both faceless.
But one day, he forgot about Steve. For he has got the face. And he became popular. Steve was alone again.
And I think I should start a blog.