Maskrave

Game Summary

Maskrave is a rhythm game built around the theme of masks, developed using Unity, drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese art of Sichuan Opera face-changing, or Bian Lian (变脸). Players must react with speed and precision as notes travel toward the judgment line, pressing or holding the corresponding keys in time with the music to maintain their combo and score. The performance centers on a stylized Pixiu (貔貅), a mythical creature in Chinese folklore associated with protection and prosperity. Set against a festive New Year atmosphere, the characters’ shifting masks symbolize transformation, luck, and renewal, blending cultural symbolism with high-energy rhythm gameplay.

Game Controls

The game is controlled using four keyboard inputs: D, F, J, and K, each mapped to a corresponding note lane. Players must press or hold the indicated key as notes reach the judgment line. Accuracy, timing, and sustained rhythm are essential to achieving high scores and maintaining performance flow.

Game Pillars

• Cultural Integration: The core mechanic is inspired by the mask-changing tradition of Sichuan Opera, aligning with 2026 GGJ’s theme on “Mask” while introducing players to a recognized element of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

• Original Music Design: The original EDM soundtrack blends Chinese opera vocals and traditional Chinese percussion with dubstep-inspired electronic composition. The rhythm structure is tightly synchronized with gameplay feedback to emphasize impact, immersion, and performance intensity.

• Original Art Design: All visual assets are original, hand-illustrated works influenced by Chinese opera aesthetics, created using Procreate. The art direction emphasizes bold masks, traditional Chinese color palettes, and stage-inspired presentation to reinforce the cultural and performative theme.

Credits 

• Project Manager: Eva Zeng

• Game Design: Eva Zeng, Tiffany Yu, Marven Ma

• 2D Artists: Eva Zeng, Tiffany Yu, Marven Ma

• Programmers: Alan Wu, Shanshan Wu

• Sound Artist: Keyi Ding