Narbacular Drop
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| Narbacular Drop | |
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| Developer(s) | Nuclear Monkey Software |
| Publisher(s) | DigiPen |
| Designer(s) | CODE: Jeep Barnett, Dave Kircher, Garret Rickey, Kim Swift
ART: Paul Graham, Realm Lovejoy, Scott Klintworth |
| Engine | Sketcher Engine |
| Platform(s) | PC (DX9) |
| Release date | 2005 (PC) |
| Genre(s) | Environmental puzzle |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Not rated |
Narbacular Drop (pronounced /nɑrˈbækjəlɚ ˈdrɒp/) is an environmental puzzle video game developed by Nuclear Monkey Software. It was released online for free in 2005 on PC (DX9). It was the Senior game project of students attending DigiPen. The gameplay consists of navigating a dungeon using an innovative portal system. The player controls two interconnected portals that can be placed on any non-metallic surface (wall, ceiling, or floor).
The word Narbacular, not existing in any dictionary, was chosen primarily to aid in internet search engine results.[1]
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[edit] Plot
The plot involves the plight of a Princess "No-Knees," so named because she is unable to jump. Captured by a demon, the imprisoned princess discovers that the dungeon she is held in is actually a sentient creature (an elemental) named Wally. Using Wally's portal making ability, she sets out to escape and defeat the demon.
[edit] Gameplay
While Narbacular Drop features a 3D world reminiscent of such first-person shooters as Quake, the unique portal element and the character's lack of a jump ability makes navigation and puzzle-solving very unconventional. The player can open exactly two different interconnected portals at a time, each styled as a huge face with flaming eyes (orange or blue to tell them apart as the player repositions one or the other) and an open mouth big enough to see and walk through. Positioned with a point-and-click interface controlled by the mouse, portals are allowed only on natural surfaces and are prohibited from any metal or other artificial surfaces in the game, or on lava. Aside from the portals, important game elements include switches, boxes and huge rolling boulders which can crush the character.
Being mostly a proof of applied concept, the game itself is quite short, containing only six or so puzzles. However, members of the Narbacular Drop forum community are creating a growing catalog of custom maps. Additionally, a large number of speedruns and "Crate Runs" (in which the player must complete the game while bringing a small box from the first level with them to the last as fast as possible) have been recorded.
[edit] Awards and honors
- IGF Student Showcase Winner (2006)
- Slamdance Guerilla Gamemaker Competition Finalist (2006)
- GameShadow Innovation In Games Festival & Awards Nomination (2006)
- Game Informer The Top 10 Games You've Never Heard Of
- Edge Internet Game of The Month (March 2006)
- Gamasutra Quantum Leap Awards: Most Important Games "Honorable Mention" (2006)
[edit] Portal
Though there is no sequel to Narbacular Drop, the same team worked on Valve Corporation's Portal, which could be considered a spiritual successor. It was released on October 10th, 2007, bundled in The Orange Box for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and as a stand-alone for the PC through Valve's Steam. At the time of Portal's release, the entire original Narbacular Drop team was still employed by Valve.[2]
