Strange Cargo is a pet simulator where you work at an adoption center and take care of a variety of different creatures.
Strange Cargo was a project I pitched and directed for my capstone class at Columbia College Chicago. I managed and directed a small team to create this demo, showing the core concepts of what the game had to offer. Inspire by titles such as Nintendogs and Animal Crossing, Strange Cargo takes place at Granny’s former home, now Adoption Center. Here, you can take care of randomly generated pets by doing a variety of tasks such as petting, feeding, washing, playing catch, and picking up after them. I challenged my team to this project, as I felt that designing a slow paced simulation game has challenges that in some circumstances can be more nuanced.
Pet Generation
One of my favorite features to design was the game’s pet generation. A huge part of what makes this game unique is the idea that its near impossible for any player to have the same creature twice. This opens doors for players being able to trade pets depending on what they find fun.
The pets are broken into into parts that, upon initial spawn, are strung together to create a creature. These parts include different coat patterns, coat colors, tails, torsos, head, legs, horns, ears, and tails.
Pet AI + Player Interaction
In a simulation game such as Strange Cargo, the level of interaction is the limit of your payers creativity when it comes to caring for their pets. We strived to have a base set of interactions the compliment the average needs of caring for a creature. Whether is bathing, feeding, or playing catch, we knew these interactions are what allows the player to bond with their virtual pet.
Along with this comes an AI and needs system, allowing the pet to act on its own wishes based on its current condition. Is your pet starving? I don’t think it will want to play catch with you!
Currency System + Shopping
In order to add a sense of progression to the game, we implemented a shop and currency system. The better you take care of your pet, the more they will reward you. These rewards come in the form of crystal poop, which is able to be sold for money. This money can allow you as the player to buy upgraded tools and items for your pet to make their time at the adoption center all the better.
Happier pets mean happier pockets at Strange Cargo Adoption Center!