CTRL+ESCAPE: BACK TO THE START

Team Members: Paula Narančić, Tea Radić, Maks Patafta, Karlo Jagar, Luka Balažinec, Leo Ćavar, Adam Vojak, Ivan Juras, Marko Kir, Miroslav Nemeth, Petar Filjak, Dominik Černjević, Fran Martinović

Summary

CTRL+ESCAPE: BACK TO THE START is an immersive AR escape room game that merges the excitement of real-world exploration with virtual challenges. Set in the halls of a futuristic research lab, players must solve a series of complex puzzles to outsmart a rogue AI and escape a locked room. The game was developed for mobile devices as part of the computer game platform course at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin.

Gameplay

Designed for mobile devices, players access the game through their web browsers, seamlessly blending augmented reality with interactive gameplay. Using AR markers, players will encounter various virtual objects that present unique puzzles and challenges. The game emphasizes teamwork, requiring players to collaborate to solve intricate riddles and unlock hidden clues. Each successful puzzle solution provides a digit for the final code needed to escape the room.

Key Features

• Interactive AR Experience: Combine real-world environments with virtual elements for a fully immersive escape room adventure.
• Challenging Puzzles: Engage in diverse puzzles including logic, math, and collaborative tasks.
• Dynamic Gameplay: The game adapts to players' actions, ensuring a personalized and continuously engaging experience.
• Retro-Futuristic Theme: Enjoy a blend of 90s nostalgia and futuristic technology in a unique visual style.
• Team Collaboration: Work together with other players to overcome complex puzzles and uncover the AI's secrets.

Story and Setting

The game is set in the 90s, within the research labs of the Faculty of Organization and Informatics. Players take on the roles of an Engineer and a Programmer trapped in a room controlled by a malevolent AI. They must solve puzzles scattered throughout the lab to deactivate the AI and escape before time runs out. The narrative is rich with nostalgic elements, featuring old computers, radios, and other vintage tech items.

Visual and Audio

• Visual Style: Retro-futuristic with low-poly models, inspired by 80s and 90s technology.
• 3D Models: Detailed models of vintage devices and futuristic elements.
• Sound Effects and Music: Atmospheric sound effects and a nostalgic soundtrack enhance the immersive experience.

Technical Details

The game is built using AR.js and runs on mobile web browsers, requiring no additional downloads. Players need a mobile device with a functional camera and internet connection to play. The development process utilized open-source tools like Blender for 3D modeling and Visual Studio Code for coding.

Availability

CTRL+ESCAPE: BACK TO THE START is available for purchase on itch.io for €4.99. Additional puzzle packs and hints can be bought within the game for a small fee, enhancing the gameplay experience. Players can also support the ongoing development through optional in-game donations.

Join the adventure now and see if you can outsmart the AI to escape!

Links and credits

• GitHub repository
• GitHub wiki page

Models used:

• Keypad door lock
• Victorian picture frame
• CRT TV
• Dungeon debris paper
• Old computer
• Game cartridge
• Laptop
• Headphone
• Radio
• Retro computer
• Sci-fi hand scanner
• Old terminal
• Inalambric phone

Promotional media