Gabe Lane and Yugo Limbo
Smile For Me is the first nod-and-shake adventure game, all about making folks happy. It’s created by two student developers, and tells an immersive, positive story in a brand new way.
Smile For Me is an experimental adventure game. The game uses classic point-and-click gameplay in a first person setting, with an added twist; nodding and shaking. The player uses first person controls to nod or shake their head, responding to conversations with a wide cast of characters. These mechanics totally immerse the player, allowing them to become the protagonist. Immersion is closely tied to the game’s narrative – when the player feels they are experiencing the adventure, we can evoke emotions and stories that couldn’t be evoked in a game with a player avatar, or pre-written dialogue choices.
Smile For Me has a totally unique aesthetic, combining 2D animation, live footage, collage and puppetry. The game’s look is inspired by games like Psychonauts or Bernband, as well as films like Yellow Submarine.
In Smile For Me, you find yourself in a shifty wellness retreat, The Habitat, that has sprung up outside your town. The founder, the elusive ‘Doctor Habit,’ has promised the end to your troubles, and all the sad, sad citizens have rushed to join. Now, the doctor has announced a “Big Event” to purge the Habitat of frowns, and its residents may be in danger. It’s up to you to get to the bottom of this mysterious resort, and help these sad townsfolk find their smiles… before it’s too late.
