{"id":65,"date":"2025-02-05T16:31:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T16:31:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/lost-echo\/?page_id=65"},"modified":"2025-05-15T02:23:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T02:23:08","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/projects.etc.cmu.edu\/lost-echo\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Purpopse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The project aims to build an interactive game slice as a medium to spark interest in learning music within cultural contexts, and to introduce methods that provide alternative ways of learning music from a variety of cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Story<\/strong> Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set in the 8th century, the Nanzhao Kingdom struggles with internal conflict and decades of war with the Tang Dynasty. The player takes on the role of a mute musician and diplomat, using music as a bridge to convey peace and restore relations between Nanzhao and Tang. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gameplay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Players will utilize a 5-note music system to compose melodies, communicate with NPCs, solve environmental puzzles, explore an ancient Chinese street environment, and experience a story of music and peace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is your target audience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The game is designed for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts aged above 13<\/strong> who enjoy experiencing culture through narrative-driven gameplay. The game also appeals to students, educators, and anyone interested in cultural or musical storytelling\u2014particularly those inspired by traditional Chinese folk music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How long is the game experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main storyline takes about 15\u201325 minutes<\/strong> to complete various from different players.
If you fully explore the map, discover all narrative moments, and find hidden easter eggs, it may take 30\u201340 minutes<\/strong> in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is the game finished?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This project is a vertical slice<\/strong>, representing Chapter 1<\/strong>, a beginning part of a planned five-chapter experience. It showcases the core mechanics, worldbuilding, and emotional tone we envision for the full game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What inspired this game? Why did we pitch it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We were inspired by Nanzhao Fengsheng Music<\/strong>, a lesser-known historical concept rooted in Chinese tradition. Our goal is to highlight the beauty of Chinese folk music and cultural storytelling<\/strong>\u2014and to imagine how music could serve as a bridge to peace during times of war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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