THE SOOTHSAYER AND THE CARPENTER
Operations Manual
【Historical Note】
This game commemorates the events of October 5, 1984, when Flight 815 crashed in Cambodia. Through darkness and hope, ordinary people became heroes in a race against time.
Based on true events. Every maze represents a chapter of survival.
【Game Classification】
Type: Narrative Maze / Story-Driven Exploration
Size: <13KB (js13kGames Entry)
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Atmosphere: Dark, Tense, Emotional
【Core Gameplay】
You guide a survivor through eight dark mazes. Time is your enemy. Light is your friend. Gems extend your lifeline.
The darkness hides the path. Only a faint glow surrounds you, revealing walls and corridors. Navigate by light alone.
Find the exit before time expires.
Collect gems to buy more precious seconds.
Experience eight chapters of one extraordinary rescue.
【Control Scheme】
Keyboard Navigation:
Arrow Keys - Move in four directions
OR
W / A / S / D - Alternative movement controls
Movement is grid-based. No special actions required.
Walk, explore, survive.
【Survival Strategy】
- Trust the Light Halo
- Your glow reveals nearby walls
- Darkness equals obstacles
- Follow the visible paths
- Collect Gems Strategically
- Each gem adds survival time
- Prioritize gems along your route
- Don't waste time searching every corner
- Map Mentally
- Remember dead ends
- Learn the maze layout
- Find the shortest path through trial
- Balance Speed vs Exploration
- Rush to the exit, or gather all gems?
- Time pressure demands smart choices
【Technical Craftsmanship】
- Multi-Layer Canvas System
- Four rendering layers create depth: Background, gameplay, lighting, narrative text
- Dynamic Light Engine
- Procedural lighting that fades with time
- Creates urgency through visual degradation
- Procedural Audio
- ZzFX sound synthesis in minimal bytes
- Immersive audio despite size constraints
- Narrative Integration
- Story told through gameplay progression
- Each maze chapter reveals rescue details
【The True Story Behind the Game】
Cambodia, October 5, 1984.
Flight 815 descends through heavy fog. Visibility: zero.
The tower changes instructions. Co-pilot shouts warnings. Too late. The crash is inevitable.
Fire engulfs the wreckage.
"Help! There's a boy here - he's alive!" Ly Yen discovers hope.
Sim Viklay mounts his motorcycle: "Hold him tight! We go! Fast!"
Racing through darkness to Kossamak Hospital.
Every second counts.
Every turn could be the difference between life and death.
This game honors that journey through darkness toward light.
【Visual Identity】
Aesthetic: Minimalist pixel art shrouded in darkness
Lighting: Dynamic radial glow creates tension
Palette: Blacks, deep grays, luminous gem colors
Effect: Claustrophobic yet emotionally powerful
The darkness isn't just atmosphere - it's part of the story.
【For Players Who Appreciate】
□ Story-driven experiences
□ Historical game adaptations
□ Atmospheric indie games
□ Maze exploration with purpose
□ Emotional narratives in games
□ Technical achievement in constraints
【How to Begin】
Goal: Navigate 8 mazes, survive the darkness
Victory: Reach the hospital, complete the rescue
Just a story waiting to be experienced.
"They will take care of you now, child!"
In darkness, humanity's light shines brightest.