KADMUS: trials of sapience is a narrative puzzle videogame within which the player controls the character of KADMUS, an artificial intelligence undergoing neuropsychological testing to determine its humanity. The game is both entertainment and an engaging cognitive experience, depicted primarily through 3-D modeling and pixel illustration.
The neuropsychological tests used are altered to create a more gamified experience–reframed as puzzles for the player to solve. The narrative follows KADMUS through these tests while the tester, PYTHOS, observes. The stated objective of the testing is that by completing the neuropsychological tests, KADMUS will prove its sapience; however, the true trial is not the completion of the tests, but whether KADMUS will follow directions. To PYTHOS, artificial intelligence does not have the value of life unless it can make a choice that goes against its instructions.
Visually, the game uses two styles: three-dimensional models and pixel illustrations. The difference between these two forms distinguishes between the external and internal worlds of KADMUS. The three-dimensional models that form the world and characters depict what is real and material. The pixel illustrations are used for dialogue and menus, all that is internal to the function of the game and the perception of the world through KADMUS. This perception continues through the pixelization of the modeling–showing a continued separation between KADMUS and the outside world.
The game overall focuses on contrast, shown through setting, narrative, and visuals. KADMUS, as artificial intelligence—a once futuristic but now contemporary conception, is connected to a CRT TV. PYTHOS, conducting modern neuropsychological tests, is aesthetically reminiscent of a plague doctor. The testing rooms contain flatscreen televisions but are castle-like in their architecture. Each of these contrasting elements mirrors the primary question of the game: whether the duality of humanity and artificiality can exist within one being.
Primary DELIVERABLES
Menu screens
This user experience brings the player through the menus of KADMUS. These screens establish the visual style of the game while also providing intuitive navigation to the necessary options.
Gameplay Video
This video display how the game world itself appears, and how the gameplay functions. The player controls the computer, KADMUS, through various rooms and solves a puzzle in each room.
Promotional Video
This is an aesthetic video combining the elements developed throughout the entire project, conveying the general experience of what it is like to play the game.
DISPLAY
This project was on display in the Spencer gallery at Endicott college from May 5-20 2023.
The display included a poster and the two video deliverables. The gameplay video was displayed on a CRT television, and the promotional video was displayed on the modern Mac screen.
Various props were additionally included in the display. The candles and clock from the promotional video are included, as well as CDs with a design featuring KADMUS and PYTHOS.
Endicott's design thesis site found here
