Dream 1 - Happy Town: Denial
Happy Town is the embodiment of denial, a constructed fantasy where grief is locked away behind forced joy. Streets are lined with quaint houses in candy-colored pastels. The sky is bright, always sunny, and the air seems to hum with static cheer.
Every detail screams "everything is fine," but this town is too polished, too symmetrical, too welcoming. The perfection is claustrophobic, like a dream you’re not allowed to wake up from.
This level introduces the player to the nature of Vee’s grief. In denial, the world feels untouched. Grief hasn’t set in. Vee's still trying to keep her life exactly as it was before.
Environmental Features & Symbolism:
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Perfectly Repetitive Homes:
Rows of identical cottages line the streets, too clean, too cute. -
Plastic Sun & Painted Sky Wall:
The sun is always in the same spot, casting shadows that never change. It feels more like a stage light than a real sun, and the sky might as well be a painted backdrop. -
Hollow Conversations & Looping Audio:
Music plays in the background bright and peppy, but it never changes. It loops endlessly. Villagers repeat the same phrases, suggesting this world is stuck.
Design Intent & Emotional Framing
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Tone: A balance of unsettling cheer and creeping dread.
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Color Palette: Pastels, soft lighting, over-saturated warmth to the point of discomfort.
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Player Emotions: First, curiosity. Then discomfort. Then unease. The world should feel safe at a glance and terrifying when you really look at it.
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Symbolism: Denial is not loud or violent it’s a whisper that says “you’re fine” when you’re not. Happy Town gaslights Vee’s pain under the guise of comfort.
Concept Art:
Created by: Jonny Wahl
3D Models:
Created by: Jonny Wahl
