How do I redesign the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors to tell more of a story?
The Challenge
Bomb, Bottle, Fire is an interactive reimagining of the iconic "Rock, Paper, Scissors.“ Here, I transform a simple, child-like game into a contemporary digital interactive story with 1990s visuals and sound. My responsibilities as the sole developer ranged from concept design to visual and audio asset creation, all the way to prototyping and final assembly. Could I make a game people already know feel like something they've never played?
I began by mapping out the logic of the game using a super simple flowchart (see below), thinking of each element not just as a "move" but as a character with agency and flair.
I created all graphic assets in Photoshop, experimenting with retro pixelation styles to evoke nostalgia for early video games; think of Mega Man, Ninja Gaiden, and Final Fantasy. I deliberately limited the color palette and pixel resolution to mimic the aesthetic of early console RPGs, giving the project a cohesive and throwback charm. For example, the silhouette sprites and grainy textures helped unify the mood.
Prototyping Interaction
Using Figma, I created a clickable prototype of the game interface. This stage was crucial for testing out how players would navigate the game, how animations might feel, and how transitions carry the mood. Iterations included refining button states, player feedback, and pacing between actions to ensure clarity without compromising style.
In Premiere Pro, I assembled the audio experience—blending remixed 8-bit sound effects, lo-fi background themes, and action cues sourced from open libraries and retro games. The soundscape was designed not only to support the visual tone but to amplify the story each move tells: the fizz of the bottle, the spark of the fire, the boom of the bomb.
Roadblocks
One of the biggest challenges was making otherwise static mechanics dynamic without overwhelming the player. I had to balance minimalism with personality in both the style and sound and ensure that each element had a distinct identity that made the game world feel cohesive.
What I Learned
I gained deeper insight into the power of interactivity in narrative design, especially how simple mechanics can be radically transformed through art direction and audiovisual integration. Feedback during critiques emphasized the importance of pacing and contrast, which led me to tone down some animations and sharpen audio triggers for better rhythm.