Meredith Alden Lewis – Game Writing

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Penny's Big Breakaway

Penny's Big Breakaway is the 2024 debut title from Evening Star Studio. It's a bright and colorful 3D platformer set in the cartoony world of Macaroon.

I developed the story from Evening Star's original concept, and wrote the script.

Story Summary

After her audition for Emperor Eddie goes awry, the plucky performer Penny is declared an outlaw!
She and her newly sentient Yo-Yo must evade the Emperor's penguin army, and find a way to clear her name.

Denizens

The Denizens of Macaroon have a lot on their minds. Most of them have something to say if approached.

Denizen NPC dialogue: 'Should we all chip in to buy Emperor Eddie some new underpants...?'

Denizen NPC dialogue: 'No! My coins! I was saving those for later!'

Dilemmas

Denizens also get themselves into trouble. Penny can help resolve Denizen Dilemmas for a boost to her busker score at the end of each stage.

Dilemma UI ask text: 'Grab these flowers for my wife! Our anniversary is in 20 seconds! (0/5)' Denizen NPC dialogue: 'I'm in the doghouse if I don't get her flowers in time!'

Dilemma UI ask text: 'These birds are wrecking my new restaurant! Do something!' Denizen NPC dialogue: 'What do they have against haute cuisine?!'

Dilemma UI ask text: 'Take this soap to my stinky friend! Don't let the penguins steal it!' Denizen NPC dialogue: 'My friend is so stinky! It's a stinkmergency!'

There's no penalty for failing to resolve a dilemma. (The denizens might grumble, though.)

Dilemma UI ask text: 'My friend is a tiny bit thirsty! Can you bring him this water?' Denizen NPC dialogue: 'I'd go myself, but my boots would get sandy.'

Dilemma UI failure text: 'Oh no! My friend is suffering a mild inconvenience!'

Friends and Foes

Penny and Yo-Yo meet some curious characters during their flight from the law.

Sailor Sheila dialogue: 'Thanks, short stuff! You're more handy than you look!'

Mr. Q dialogue: 'But if you DO want to learn about that Cosmic String of yours...'

A guiding principle of the story was "No evil characters."

The Announcer dialogue: 'Now introducing our NEW, fresh, never-before-seen, absolutely unexpected headlining act...!'

Emperor Eddie dialogue: 'Guards! Pull the plug on this pipsqueak!'

Toes get stepped on, misunderstandings happen, and people may act badly, but everyone wants peace to prevail— even if their vision may look a little different from Penny's.

Judge Rufus dialogue: 'Now is not the time to throw a TANTRUM, your Highness!'

The Taboo Artist dialogue: 'And a fellow wielder of the Cosmic String! Why, the stars must be smiling upon us.'

Screenshots courtesy of SnapCube's stream videos (recommended).
Additional screenshots of denizen dialogue and tutorial text available here.

Dilemma UI ask text: 'We're filming a commercial! Do some stunts over this red-hot lava! SCORE: 0/2000' Denizen NPC dialogue: 'We'll pay you! In exposure! To red-hot lava!