Genre:
Puzzle / Exploration
Camera:
Top-down / Isometric
Duration:
7 weeks
Role:
Level Designer
Tethered
Game Overview:
Year 2398.
The planet has split into two opposite dimensions: the lush and tangled Overgrown and the mechanical and lifeless Barren worlds.
Use your power and wits to transition between the mirrored worlds and restore balance, tether the dimensions back together...
My Role:
I worked as the Level Designer. I owned the level layouts, puzzle pacing, and world transitions. I handled white boxing, playtesting, and iteration from day one until polish.
Designed level flow and progression
Whiteboxed all spaces
Built puzzles around dual-world switching
Iterated with programmer + artist daily
Level Flow & Player Journey:
This level is split into two sections.
First, I teach the mechanics. Then I combine them into harder puzzles.
Section 1 – Teaching (Overgrown World)
The level starts in a safe forest space where players can explore freely. Water blocks the main path, which gently guides players toward small interactions. Here, I introduce core mechanics one by one - pushing blocks, one-way movement.
Each puzzle is simple and focused. No tutorials, just learning by doing.
At the end of the section, players collect an artifact. Activating it transforms the world into the Barren dimension. This acts as both a gameplay twist and a clear progression moment.
Section 2 – Testing (Barren World)
After the switch, the same space changes. Water disappears, new paths open, and players revisit familiar areas with new possibilities. Now they combine mechanics instead of learning new ones pushing blocks onto pressure plates, unlocking doors, and navigating altered routes. The layout loops back through earlier spaces, encouraging players to think about both worlds together.
