Tethered is an isometric puzzle platformer where players utilize a magnet tether to navigate a dangerous cave searching for their lost lover. Follow Ariadne through this mystery uncovering puzzles and lore behind these strange circumstances. This project was developed by a team of nine graduate students over the course of four months using Unreal Engine 4.
Cover art by Anne Goodman
In development it was my responsibility to lead the team through the entire course of development, as well as guide the primary design pillars. I designed the core mechanic of "rewinding" where the player rewinds themself back to their most recently attached anchor point. Anchor points were placed in levels so that players would have to use the rewind mechanic to pull heavy objects, open doors, or to pull themselves over gaps created from the unstable environment.
The rewind mechanic was a success due to its multi-functionality as a way to both move the player character through the environment, as well as alter it for further exploration.
The game consists of three levels, each requiring the player to utilize their tether in new and unique ways. In the first level, the player must rewind to an anchor while holding onto an object that becomes a walkway. In later loops, the rewind mechanic is used to traverse gaps, destroy barriers, and topple pillars to help navigate the environment.
Tethered is published on itch.io. Click the button to visit the page and download the game!