FIRE TAIL - Project

This is a project I’ve been developing for a long time — slowly, without pressure, but always with the feeling that it needed to exist.

The core idea is to be a mouse in a world of exploration and the unknown. A diminutive world where crafting is essential: how would technology be built at such a small scale?

Naturally, this concept evolved into a game prototype. I’ve long been fascinated by worlds like Mouse Guard — this universe intrigues me. It also reminds me of The Indian in The Cupboard, and that mice-based aesthetic creates a comfortable balance when contrasted with survival and crafting elements.

The block-based world came from my desire to create an environment where the player could move freely like a mouse, digging tunnels when necessary. To achieve that, the world needed to be manipulated through cells, using a grid system. From there, I began to further develop the visual identity of this universe.

I started small, designing props to visualize the micro scale before expanding into the macro. The backpack was one of the first elements — I enjoy the merchant-style design and the sense of balance it gives to the character. The tactical design choice reinforces the idea of crafting and survival.

The bow represents the peak of survival tools, so I wanted it to be the main weapon: rustic, made of worked wood, simple in form but rich in detail, inspired by Mongolian horn bows.

Finally, the project needed a clear goal and a path toward it. I chose a survival and cave-exploration theme focused on mining, where access always comes at a cost. The block-based cave environment resulted in a top-down feel, with the entire world built through a consistent block logic.

Designing the HUD and UI was an opportunity to find the best composition and hierarchy of elements, always keeping the project’s core focus in mind: the character, often in darkness, exploring caves.

This design process serves to expand the visual possibilities of this universe. There’s still a long road ahead and many details to explore — including the challenges along the way — but those I’ll leave for another post.

Faith.