Story
There really was no reason for why these beings were given the opportunity of becoming. You see, the Umi species began just like us, in a semi-organic pool of primordial boil. But unlike the humans, they were able to understand that they came from nothing and thus realized that they are what they are, it is what it is, and existence has really no higher meaning. One can say that the Umis became Nihilistic, but I would rather call it keepin’ it real. Somehow the Umis were at Zen.
But it isn’t all gravy and mashed potatoes at Planet Umi. Once in a while, there will be some greedy Umis who do not keep it real and endeavor to profit from their own kind by waging needless wars and developing organized religions. But the Umis, as simple as they are, did not understand why they needed to die to go to heaven. I mean, Planet Umi is already in mother-funkin’ space!
So here they are, an infinitesimally small spec in a vast universe. And somehow, by some ridiculously random chance, you were able to discover their kind. They were excited to learn of such outer worlds beyond Planet Umi and took comfort in the fact that they were not alone in this empty, dark universe. After several nights of heavy discussion and consumption of extraterrestrial psychedelics, the Umis have decided to allow you to lead them through space and to open their myopic eyes to the vast realities of the third kind.
WTF is a “Umi”?
So, what the funk is a Umi? They begin as simply blue or green creatures, and although they are useless by themselves, they hold great potential to become leaders among their people. Merge two green Umis to make a Student, who can attend the University and become a Professor. Merge two blue Umis and receive a warrior Umi. Each new combination of merging yields a new class of Umi, ready to carry out a new and meaningful role in the world.
Objective
The objective is to guide the Umi species to an higher evolved state of being, may that be physical, mental or spiritual. They have chosen you to enlighten them and to open their eyes to the world. The human brain is a complex organ. Take these Umis out on a trip to obverse the rooms in your mind.
Game Development
Unfortunately, this game is still under heavy development. I realize in the released versions, you are not able to do much yet, but I am currently working on it. I plan for this game to be fun, as opposed to boring. And if you are interested in joining this project, just email me at: eddielee@ucla.edu.
This is my very first video game that I have ever programmed. Also, Planet Umi was developed using: Python and PyGame. You see, I’ve always wanted to learn Python, but never really got around to learn it. So what better way to learn a programming language then to jump right in and create a full-fledged game?
Sprites/buildings were just simply pixel art and were developed using Graphics Gale. Backgrounds were developed using Inkscape.
Credits
Lead Programmer & Lead Artist: Eddie Lee
Pixel Artists: Lee Choi and Takou Sarruke