PROJECT VERNIUM | Robin Boudreault

PROJECT
VERNIUM

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SETTING

Vernium explores immersive-sim-inspired level design within a Jules Verne-inspired underground world. While the level keeps a linear structure, several spaces open into crossed paths and interconnected routes, giving the player freedom in how they navigate and solve situations. The design focuses on organic cave formations, readable progression, and spatial patterns that make exploration feel natural, mysterious, and engaging.

DESIGN

Pacing

Street Passage Blocked

The Street Blocked is the first location, establishing that the cave has suffered a major collapse. It introduces the player to the level’s immersive-sim structure by showing that a blocked path does not mean a dead end, and that multiple routes can lead to the same objective.

The First Generator

The First Generator introduces the main progression objective: activating three generators to unlock the Factory exit and reach the ending. The space guides the player through a clear visual sink, forcing a strong view of the generator before moving toward the nearby elevator.

The generator can still be missed, but the shortcut system allows the player to return to it at any time.

The Barracks

The Barracks is an unused fireman building occupied by robots, designed as the vertical link between the upper passage and the lower street level. The space offers two entry points, supporting player choice and route variation.

Inside, the player can find and activate the second Generator, progressing the main objective toward opening the Factory exit.

Even after multiple iterations, the building’s geometry still felt slightly disconnected from the overall cave-city setting, making it an area I would continue refining to better integrate its shape language with the environment.

The Bridge Obstructed

The Bridge Obstructed area is designed around observation and spatial problem-solving. From a safe position with no enemy pressure, the player can read the scene, identify the blocked route, and reverse-engineer the path forward by following what connects to the exit.

The layout makes it clear that the player must return to the street level, turning the environment itself into the clue for progression.

The Factory

The Factory is a more open and layered space built around route choice and vertical progression. The first floor guides the player through a main path, while the second floor opens into two main routes that both reconnect toward the same exit.

One route leads toward 100% collectible completion, offering a safer but more hidden path for observant players. If the player has activated the third Generator near the Lithodrome exit, they can progress upward onto the Production Chain and continue toward the end.

The Production Chain

The Production Chain takes the player above the cave, crossing the same space from a new elevated perspective. It reframes the journey by letting the player move over the environment they previously navigated from below.

The main challenge is traversal and tension: the player must cross the bridge section without falling, then reach the construction elevator near La Citadelle, which leads toward the end of the level.

La Citadelle (End)

La Citadelle acts as the final sweetener of the journey, giving the player a strong view of the cave-city while descending through the space by elevator.

If the player is attentive, they can spot a giant spider running down the wall, creating one last scare just as the level feels almost complete. This keeps tension alive until the player exits the elevator and reaches the final gate.