Matato

«Matato» is a short narrative prototype where the player as a farmer with bipolar disorder goes through alien kidnapping and helps them to grow potatoes so that he can return to his home. The game blends narrative cutscenes with a short combat sequence.  The main idea was to reflect emotional instability through gameplay, using contrast between calm narrative moments and sudden action. 
The planned structure included planting potatoes, protecting crops from aliens, collecting resources, developing the farm area, gradually increasing enemy pressure, and introducing an aggressive phase of the character to further integrate his bipolar disorder into the gameplay. 

My role was to create a narrative design, to come up with a level and flow structure, a character concept, 2D art.  

Development challenges included limited experience with Godot within the team, first-time engine usage for one developer, and significant scope reduction. The final build contains one short combat encounter (around 30 seconds).

Key lessons: scope must match the team’s technical experience, the core loop should be fully implemented before adding narrative layers, early prototyping of key mechanics is critical, and player control removal must be carefully balanced.

Implemented in the prototype: a short farming-defense interaction, a single combat encounter, narrative cutscenes, and an ending.  

This game is originally goes on Russian language so you have to translate it.