1.Introduction
In the enigmatic world of NN & MM, perception is a puzzle, and reality is anything but certain. This third-person, two-player cooperative game challenges players to step into the roles of NN, a being with complete vision, and MM, a creature gifted with extraordinary hearing. Together, they must navigate a surreal maze garden, where cooperation and communication are not just strategies—they are the keys to survival.
As NN and MM delve deeper into this mysterious world, they begin to uncover unsettling inconsistencies in their memories. These discrepancies spark doubt, forcing them to question the very fabric of their reality. Is the maze all that exists, or is it merely a veil hiding something greater beyond its walls?
Inspired by Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” NN & MM explores the tension between perception and truth. NN sees the world in vivid detail, while MM relies on sound to uncover hidden realities (Rauch, 1994). Their asymmetrical abilities create a unique gameplay experience, where players must learn to see the world through each other’s senses. Together, they must bridge the gap between their differing perspectives, challenging the illusions they’ve come to accept as reality.
In NN & MM, the maze is more than a physical space—it’s a metaphor for the barriers we construct in our minds. Can you and your partner unravel its mysteries, or will you remain trapped in the shadows of your own perceptions? The journey begins now.
- Plot
In a vast, labyrinthine world that resembles an endless garden, a small creature named NN has lived for as long as he can remember. This surreal, maze-like garden is filled with cherished memories and friendships, and NN has always found comfort in its beauty. He loves to paint, capturing the vivid details of the world he sees, and he firmly believes in the reality of his visual perception. To NN, the labyrinth is everything—a complete and unchanging reality.
However, NN’s friend, MM, has begun to notice something strange. MM, who possesses extraordinary hearing, starts picking up peculiar sounds that defy the logic of their world:
– On bright, windless days, MM hears the distant crash of ocean waves, though no ocean exists within the labyrinth.
– At night, he hears the chirping of birds—sounds that should only belong to the dawn.
– When recalling shared memories with NN, their recollections don’t align. The locations, the environments, even the events themselves seem to shift and contradict.
These inconsistencies plant a seed of doubt in MM’s mind. He begins to question the very fabric of their world. Is the labyrinth truly complete, or is it merely an illusion—a carefully constructed facade hiding a deeper truth? Driven by his sharp intuition and a growing desire for answers, MM starts to explore beyond the boundaries of the maze, using his acute hearing to uncover what lies hidden.
Meanwhile, NN remains deeply immersed in the world he sees. He paints tirelessly, capturing the beauty of the labyrinth and sharing his artwork with MM, hoping to convince him to stay. To NN, the labyrinth is real, tangible, and safe. He fears what lies beyond its walls and clings to the certainty of his visual perception.
As their journeys unfold, NN and MM find themselves perceiving completely different realities. NN, with his vivid 3D vision, sees a complex and intricate world, but struggles to interpret the sounds that MM hears. MM, on the other hand, perceives the world as a 2D plane, relying on his extraordinary hearing to piece together the hidden structure of the labyrinth. Together, they must navigate this surreal maze, using their unique abilities to solve its mysteries.
NN provides visual clues, painting the world as he sees it, while MM relies on sound cues to uncover hidden pathways and secrets. As they work together, their perspectives clash, forcing them to confront their differences and question the nature of their reality. Is the world they perceive real, or is it an elaborate illusion designed to keep them trapped?
In this labyrinth where reality and illusion intertwine, NN and MM must decide: will they stay within the confines of the maze, accepting the world as it appears, or will they venture beyond its boundaries in search of the unknown truth? Their choices will shape not only their fates but also the very nature of the world they inhabit.
Themes and Inspirations:
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: The game explores the tension between perception and reality, challenging players to question what they see and hear.
The Matrix: The labyrinth serves as a metaphor for a constructed reality, hiding a deeper truth.
Interstellar: The story delves into the emotional and philosophical struggles of characters grappling with the unknown.
Possible Endings:
- The Illusionist: NN convinces MM to stay in the labyrinth, accepting the world as it appears.
- The Seeker: MM convinces NN to leave the labyrinth and face the unknown truth beyond.
- The Divide: NN and MM go their separate ways—one staying, the other leaving—resulting in a profound change to the world itself.
Bleep & Blop is a journey of faith versus doubt, perception versus reality. It invites players to reflect on the nature of truth and the illusions we construct to protect ourselves. Will you cling to the comfort of what you see, or dare to listen for the truth hidden in the silence? The labyrinth awaits.
Character design draft
NN
MM
Reference
Rauch, L. (1994) ‘Imagery and allegory in philosophy’, in Smith, J. (ed.) Allegory Revisited: Ideals of Mankind. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 315-324.
The Matrix (1999) Directed by Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski. [Film] USA: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Interstellar (2014) Directed by Christopher Nolan. [Film] USA: Paramount Pictures & Warner Bros. Pictures.
