> GAME JAM 2021 <
NAVIGATE THROUGH SOUND
Project Overview
ECHO is a single-player pixel-art adventure game featuring two bats navigating through mysterious cave systems. The player controls both characters simultaneously, moving laterally and vertically while avoiding environmental obstacles in dark, atmospheric caverns.
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Game Jam Origins
ECHO was created during a 48-hour game jam in 2026 by a passionate team of 4 developers, artists, and designers. The tight deadline pushed the team to focus on core mechanics and distinctive visual identity, resulting in a unique echolocation-based gameplay experience that challenges players to navigate using sound waves in complete darkness.
4 Team Members
48 Hours
2021 Game Jam
Genre
2D Puzzle Platformer
Players
Single Player
Art Style
Pixel Art
Design Process
Character Design - The Bats
Initial Sketches
Initial concept
membrane
wing spread
Wing anatomy
Flight pose
pixel grid
Pixel shapes
Early concept sketches exploring bat anatomy, wing mechanics, and pixel-art conversion
Final Game Characters
Design Decisions
Initial Concept
Designed cute, approachable bat characters with distinctive purple coloring to contrast against dark cave environments. Large eyes provide character appeal.
Animation Frames
Wing flapping animations created with pixel-perfect precision. Multiple frames ensure smooth flight movement and clear visual feedback during gameplay.
Color Palette
Vibrant purple (#7B68EE) chosen for high visibility against dark backgrounds with cyan accents for environmental depth.
Logo Design
Logo Development Process
Block letters
uniform height
Letter structure
cyan glow
purple core
Layered effect
Glow layers
ECHO
Dark background + glowing text
Final concept
Logo evolution from basic letterforms to glowing pixel-art typography
Design Philosophy
Typography
Pixel-art style lettering with glowing cyan outlines creating a retro-futuristic aesthetic. The chunky, blocky letters evoke classic arcade games while maintaining modern clarity.
Visual Hierarchy
Large, bold letterforms ensure instant recognition. The gradient effect from cyan to purple creates depth and ties into the game's cave atmosphere.
Echolocation Theme
The glowing effect around letters symbolizes bat echolocation, reinforcing the game's core concept visually.
Final Logo in Menu
Menu Interface Design
The main menu balances atmospheric immersion with clear usability through strategic use of contrast, iconography, and visual hierarchy.
Layout Strategy
• Centered vertical alignment for easy navigation
• Logo positioned at top for brand recognition
• Generous spacing between menu items
• Decorative bat icons flanking each option
Button Design
• Pixel-art buttons with cyan border highlights
• Clear text labels in purple gradient
• Interactive hover states (implied)
• Consistent sizing for visual rhythm
In-Game UI & Environment
Environmental Design
Cave Atmosphere
Dark, layered cave environments with cyan stalactites and stalagmites create depth. The color contrast ensures obstacles are clearly visible.
Obstacle Design
Yellow-orange platforms provide high-contrast hazards that players must navigate around. The warm color palette distinguishes danger zones from safe areas.
Player Visibility
Purple bat characters remain highly visible against dark backgrounds, ensuring players can always track their position during fast-paced gameplay.
Color Palette
Primary Purple
#7B68EE
Cyan Accent
#06B6D4
Purple Shadow
#464685
Warning Yellow
#EAB308
Cave Dark
#111827
Key Design Principles
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High Visibility
Strong color contrast ensures all gameplay elements are instantly recognizable, even during fast-paced action sequences.
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Retro Aesthetic
Pixel-art styling pays homage to classic arcade games while maintaining modern polish and readability standards.
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Thematic Cohesion
Every design element reinforces the echolocation and cave exploration theme, creating an immersive, unified experience.
Design Outcome
ECHO's UI successfully balances nostalgia with modern design principles, creating an accessible yet atmospheric single-player experience. The careful attention to color contrast, character design, and environmental storytelling ensures players remain engaged while navigating challenging cave systems.
Pixel Art
Game Jam
Character Design
UI/UX
Environmental Design