Voodudes Cinematic Notes
The Market District has 3 in-game movies and 1 cinematic sequence as a reward for the player's level progression.
Introducing the Bomber Warden
When players first enter the Market District they activate an in-game movie that introduces the Bomber Warden and his unique abilities. A Warden's introduction was used to communicate the kind of special enemy that waited at the end of the current level. (See details on Bomber Warden Notes)
Introducing Bomber Warden from Dallas Chavis on Vimeo.
From the first in-game movie players got to see the Bomber Warden's unique appearance and his bomb summoning ability. This gave players both a hint of how the Bomber Warden fights and a valid explanation of how the bomb hazards are summoned throughout the level.
Bomber Carriage Ride
The second in-game movie was activated once the player reached the street leading to the final area or boss arena. Players would see the Bomber Warden wildly steering a cart full of bombs through the streets towards the boss arena. (See details on Bomber Warden Notes)
Bomber Warden Cart Ride from Dallas Chavis on Vimeo.
Near the end the Bomber Warden summons a large amount of bombs to falls within the streets. Players must avoid the trail of falling bombs by running into the final area where the boss fight begins. (See details on Hazard Notes)
Rock Star Entrance
Once a player entered through the double gates at the boss arena entrance, the third in-game movie was activated. This movie was created for entertainment, but its main purpose was to clearly announce the beginning of the Bomber Warden fight. (See details on Bomber Warden Notes)
During the development of Voodudes I often referred to this movie as the "Bomber Rock Star Entrance" due to my heavy use of fog, particles and visual effects. A crack decal and some falling red bricks were added to show the destruction the Bomber Warden caused when he landed.
Getting a Tarot Card Reading
This cinematic sequence is several looping animations that don't cut to in-game movie camera and still allows the player to control Virgil. Such looping animation sequences were created throughout our game to simulate an environment alive with movement.
Tarot Card Reading from Dallas Chavis on Vimeo.
The "Getting a Tarot Card Reading" sequence started as just a fun suggestion from my lead level designer. But from this comical suggestion I implemented one of several memorable moments into the Market District.