Level Design: Four Seasons Garden

Step by step, the scenery changes, revealing the four seasons.

Position: Lead Designer

Game Demo

Introduction

The source of all my inspiration came from a trip to Suzhou.There, I visited a place called the Master of the Nets Garden （网师园）. As a representative of Suzhou's classical gardens, it is a must-visit place. Though small in size, it is complete in every detail. Its beauty, intricacy, and the harmonious integration of culture and nature left a deep impression on me.
As a result, I attempted to bring this concept of "small" beauty and nature-related themes into my own level design. Thus, the Four Seasons Garden was born.

Design

Design Idea

In the design, I used the pool at the center of the level and drew inspiration from the structure of the Master of the Nets Garden, arranging the surrounding buildings around the pool. At the same time, I retained the most iconic feature, the pavilion, as the landmark of this level. Additionally, it serves as the starting point for players when they begin the level.

I divided the garden into four sections, representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. On one hand, this design aims to reflect the Suzhou garden's characteristic of "changing scenery with every step." On the other hand, it seeks to integrate nature into the garden in a more imaginative way, highlighting the fusion of nature and culture while also capturing the romantic notion of the "passage of time."

Design Detail

Introducing a treasure chest mechanism to encourage players to engage in deeper exploration.

Utilize one-dot/two-dot lighting design, combined with elevation and other elements, to guide the player's direction or highlight key points.

Use valves to ensure players do not explore in the reverse direction. Regardless of their path, they will progress through the seasons in the correct order.