This document provides an overview of a proposed 8-bit remake of the Mass Effect video game series. The project would recreate the original Mass Effect story and gameplay mechanics in an 8-bit style inspired by RPGs from the 1980s and 1990s. Key aspects of the remake would include isometric camera angles, retro graphics, lighthearted humor, and accessibility on online and downloadable platforms. User research was conducted through interviews with core gamers to understand what gameplay elements and features would be most important to include. Requirements were identified around core mechanics like movement, shooting, powers and driving. Assets would need to be created for characters, vehicles, locations, music and sound effects. The project aims to balance faithful recreation of the

1. Mass Effect 8-bit
End of Year Project
John O'Brien

2. Contents
Project Overview
Users
Competitors
Requirements
Game Assets

3. Project Overview - Game
8-bit re-imagining of the EA and Bioware title 'Mass Effect'
Stripped down version of the original game
Primary quest line
80's/90's RPG style mechanics

4. Project Overview - Platform
If possible, hosted in HTML5 platform online
If this is not possible, it will be available for free download

5. Project Overview – Treatment and Tone
Light hearted
Following original title storyline
Slapstick humour
Child-friendly content
Bright colours

6. Project Overview – Back Story
“In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient
spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious
artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the
furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that
controlled the very fabric of space and time.” (masseffect.wikia.com) The
story takes place with the player taking control of Shepard, a commander
in the alliance Navy on his way to a mission where he is yet to hear the
details, from here things quickly spiral out of control, where the fate of the
entire galaxy balances on the shoulders of Commander Shepard.

7. Project Overview – Use of Camera
Isometric style camera
Similar to style of 80's/90's RPG games
Camera pans with the player

8. Project Overview – Example Artwork

9. Project Overview – Critical Success Factors
Smooth controls
Gun fights
Power usage
Squad combat
Must be recognisable as 'Mass Effect'

10. Project Overview – Issues and Risks
Strict list of requirements
Mechanics may not suit new style
New style may not be widely accepted by fans

11. Users – Player Types Targeted
PC gamers
Males 18 – 35
Original target market
Most likely to have played 80's/90's RPG's
Group most likely to play Shooter RPG

12. Users - Personas
Teen Gamer – Tim Sykes (18-20)
Hardcore Gamer – John Everyman (25-30)
Gamer Father – Albert Collins (30-35)
Casual Gamer – Steven Post (20-25)

13. Users - Interviews
Interview subjects:
Lorcan McAuley (M, 28)
Kevin Smyth (M, 25)
Manus Larkin (M, 24)
Eamon Rushe (M, 27)
Adnan Sabanovic (M, 22)

14. Users – User Needs
Immersion
Game play and mechanics
Challenging
Entertainment
Recognisable

15. Competitors
Closest in style: Retro games, games created in style of 80's/90's
RPG's
The legend of Zelda (1986)
The adventure of Link (1987)
Final Fantasy 3 (1990)
www.freemario.org (recreating classics, in-browser play)

16. Requirements – Initial Requirements Identified
Movement
Shooting
Power usage
Talking
Driving
Use objects
Select Location

17. Requirements – Identified by User Interviews
Primary:
Gun fights
Powers
Party interaction
Driving MAKO vehicle
Key locations
Secondary:
Lifts
Interchangeable weapons and armour
Fold-out weapon animations

18. Requirements – Functional Modules
Main Menu
New Game
Load Game
Instructions
Credits
Development Blog
Pause Menu
Resume Game
Save Game
Quit to Main Menu
Game Mechanics
Movement
Shooting
Powers
Talking
Driving
Use objects
Select locations

19. Game Assets
Character Models
Player
Allies
Enemies
NPC's
Ships and Vehicles Models
Assets of Major Locations
Music and SFX

20. Thank you for your time and attention,
I will now take any questions.