BRAINDEADSCRIPT EXCERPT

(LEVELS 1 – 5)

PROJECT OVERVIEW

For the Games Development module in the final year of my Computer Games Design degree at Teesside University, we were put into groups of artists, designers and programmers and tasked to design and develop a game.

Due to an absence of programmers (who mostly didn’t get out of bed when the teams were formed!), the team I was assigned to consisted only of

designers and one environment artist. With our programming capabilities limited, we chose to design and create something that could be made using

basic retail game creation tools (we used The Game Factory).

Braindead was thusly designed as an isometric strategy RPG, which could be developed using hand-drawn sprites, stills of 3D backgrounds, and a large amount of dialogue. We felt that delivering a strong 2D presentation would

compensate for our technical shortcomings.

Part of this approach was aiming to deliver a likeable scenario. In short, our plan was to create a gaming parody of zombie films – essentially a game

version of the film “Shaun of the Dead” (hence the two main characters). We also made references to various other film and gaming staples, which should

be apparent when reading the script!

Only one of Braindead’s five levels was created, and none of the story sequences were implemented. However, the dialogue for all the levels was

written by Daniel Taylor and myself. I have since re-edited the dialogue a few times. I have also added in the character icons and some of the artwork I

created to illustrate certain scenes. The game introduction has been replaced with the storyboard I created.

I hope you enjoy reading the script for Braindead!

“BRAINDEAD”Written by Dewi Roberts and Daniel Taylor

Edited by Dewi Roberts

GAME INTRO

SETTING: A laboratory, with lots of machinery, beakers and scientific props around. Sounds of computers and machinery – typical bleeps, bubbling etc.

Footsteps as a scientist walks in. He looks into a microscope.

Background fades to black. Sounds of crashes and screams

LEVEL 1 – “It’s a Bit Dead in Here”

LEVEL 1 INTRO

SETTING: A run-down pub. Mostly empty, save for a few lethargic-looking locals sitting at tables. Some 80’s pop music is playing.

Fade up to show the pub bar. James and Dave are sat on stools.

James: *Sigh*… Bit dead in here...

Dave: *Munch*…Mm-hm…*Munch*

A brief silence falls between the two. James slaps the bar in frustration.

James: This can’t be all there is to life, can it? Waking up at the same time every day, going to the same rubbish job at the same shitty time, every crappy day?

Dave: *Munch*…Ngh…*Munch*

James: Same arsehole boss, same brain-dead co-workers...

Dave: *Slurp*…Yup…*Munch*

James: Finishing said crappy job at the same time, every day, just to come back to a tramp’s armpit of a flat, where of course nothing works.

Dave: *Munch*…Mrhm…*Slurp*

James: Evening limps around and I come to this place, this... graveyard of conversation... to spend the evening drinking beer you could strip paint

with, with the same old shouting match with the same old cigarette machine to cap off the day. Why can’t something new or exciting ever happen?

Dave: Holy shit!

James: What?! What is it?

Dave: … Look at this bad boy. It’s like… TWO peanuts… in ONE!

James: … I need the toilet.

Dave: Mate, it’s not THAT exciting.

James gets up and heads to the little boy’s room. Dave studies the 2-in-1 nut for a moment, and then eats it. Screen fades to a black screen saying:

5 MINUTES LATERFade back to the bar. The bar is exactly the same, except all the customers

are now zombies. James returns from the toilet, looking down at his wet pants.

James: Pfft. No gold star for me this week…

James looks up and notices the zombies.

James: OH MY GOD!!

Dave: Hrmm…? *Munch*

James: What... what did you DO?!

A zombie is sitting next to Dave, leering over.

Dave: Eh? What you on about? Listen, you reckon we can make tracks? This ‘un’s getting a bit friendly…

James: Dave! They’re all dead, Dave! Look around!

Dave: You what? …HOLY TWATTING SHITE! When’d that happen?

James: *Groan*

Candi (off-screen): AIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!

James: What the... ?!

The screen pans over to a cage in the corner of the pub, which is surrounded by zombies. Candi Caines is dancing inside.

Candi: I said, AIIIIIIEEEE!!! HELP ME! Help me, anybody! You two in particular!

GAMEPLAY START

James, Dave and Candi are in their starting places following the end of the intro, facing zombies. This level forms the game’s tutorial.

MOVING TUTORIAL

Candi: (Talking rapidly) Oh-my-god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god, HEEEEELP!! Please, help me!

James: Alright, already! We heard you the first fifty times!

Candi: Well, get moving then! Or do you need me to tell you how to do THAT?

James: I think I know how to move, thanks.

Dave: (Burp) I’m not so sure... I’m a bit wobbly. That last pint might have been a bad idea... (Hic)...

Moving instructions are displayed on the screen. The player is now able to take a turn to move James and Dave.

ITEM TUTORIAL

Candi: Help me!

James: Stick a cork in it, will you?! We’re going as fast as we can!

Candi: Well, hurry up and get these creeps off me! They’re even handsier than usual! Use the pool cues if you have to!

Dave: Bit extreme, isn’t it?

James: Probably, but hitting something does sound pretty good right about now…

Instructions are displayed on the screen detailing how to pick up items. The player is then able to carry out the motions.

FIGHTING TUTORIAL

Candi: AIIEEE! Help! They’re poking me! Oh, they’re poking me!!

Dave: What do you expect? Dancing about in that cage, all saucy-like. Gives them ideas!

James: Since when was that cage even there...? Er, I mean... Dave, for crying out loud! Move up to them and hit them!

Instructions on attacking are displayed. The player is then able to use a cue to attack a zombie. When hit, a zombie will counterattack the player.

HEALING TUTORIAL

Candi: Hello-o-o, I’m STILL in the cage! Won’t somebody please save me?

Dave: We’re trying, love, but these guys are tough… Phew. And there’s a lot of them!

Candi: Huh! If you’re so TIRED, why don’t you eat something? It’ll make you feel better, y’know.

James: Oh, he knows. So, is that why you stereotypical cheerleaders are always so bloody crabby?

Candi: I can’t hear yoooou! Dave: What’s that meant to mean?

Information on food items is displayed. The player is then able to pick up and use one.

SPECIALS TUTORIAL

Candi: Save Me! Save Me! SAVE ME!

James and Dave: SHUT UP!!

Candi: Err…How rude! I can see you two aren’t going to be any help!

Candi uses her special, destroying the cage and all of the zombies around her.

Candi: Whew. (Giggle) That’s better!

James: What the…? How…? Why didn’t you just do that from the bloody beginning?!

Candi: Er, hello? It can only be done once in a fight! And…well…er, I

forgot. (Giggle)

James: *Sigh* Starting to wish she’d been eaten now…

A message about specials is displayed, followed by the Mission Complete screen.

LEVEL 1 OUTRO

The fighting is finished and the three characters are now standing in an empty pub.

James: Well, that was fun...

Candi: FUN?! You thought that was fun?!

James: Oh yeah. Though obviously it’s not a patch on darts night...

Candi: Are you insane? I was stuck in a cage with brain-dead slobbering freaks grabbing at me! My clothes are covered in dirt, my hair’s a mess and my make-up’s, like, TOTALLY ruined!

James: Yeah, see? Fun. That’s a typical night out for you, right?

Candi: Oh, you! And I broke a nail…

Dave: *Munch*…Is this a bad time to ask what an American cheerleader was doing dancing in a cage in this place, anyway? *Munch*

Candi: Yes. And I know I said eating’ll, like, make you feel good and stuff, but you can STOP now! What IS that anyway?

Dave reveals a half-eaten zombie leg.

James: Oh Dave, that’s just foul!

Dave: *Munch* Hmm, does taste a bit like chicken, I guess...

There’s a loud crash, a tinkle of glass and lots of zombie groans.

Dave: Hmm, the locals are getting a bit rowdy. Time to leave?

Dave and Candi walk off-screen. James is left standing alone.

James: … Do those two even realise what’s just happened?

James follows the others out of the pub. Fade down.

LEVEL 2 – “Streets of Plague”

LEVEL 2 INTRO

SETTING: The street outside the pub. The street is dirty and deserted. Zombie moans can be heard in the distance.

As he exits the building, someone collides with James and they both fall over. An obnoxious Manga-inspired kid scrambles to his feet.

Kid: Ow! Watch where you’re going, jackass!

James: Up yours, YOU ran into ME!

Kid: You calling me a liar?!

James: Well, yes!

Candi: Now, now... calm down, you guys! Are you okay, widdle guy? James is sorry, aren’t you James?

James pulls himself up.

James: Er, no?

Dave: Uh, guys. There’s more of those grey bastards coming this way.

James: Well, that’s fantastic. Come on, let’s get out of here.

Candi: Hold it, mister! We can’t just leave this kid here. I mean, wook at the widdle guy! He wouldn’t last five minutes against those things!

Kid: Yeah, dude! What kind of person are you to leave a poor, defenceless kid like myself in such a dangerous situation?

Candi: Aww, he’s so CUTE! What’s your name?

Kid: John Connery.

Dave: Huh. Why’s that ring a bell?

Candi: Okay, John, welcome to our, like, super zombie-killing gang!

James: “Defenceless”, my arse! Fine, whatever. Come with us if you want to live and all that toss.

Candi: Yay!

James: So, now that we’re done picking up stragglers, where are we supposed to be going? Any ideas? Dave?

Dave: *Munch*… Ngh…

Candi: Mhuh-uh* (* I dunno.)

John: I have an idea!

James: Anyone? Anyone at all?

John: I said, “I have an idea!”

James: Last call, people...

Candi: James! Listen to the little guy!

James: I’d really rather not... Fine, what do you want? Apart from a strong sedative, that is.

John: We should go to the mall!

James: Oh, brilliant. Zombies invade town and this idiot wants to go shopping.

Candi: Ooh, the mall! Goody! I can get some new shoes!

Dave shakes an empty crips packet upside down.

Dave: Sounds like a plan to me.

John: No, STUPIDS! It’s a large building, with lots of supplies and reinforced doors and stuff. It’s, like, the perfect hideout. Duh!

James: Alright, it’s not like we’re neck deep in alternatives. Let’s go.

Dave: Get in!

Candi: Yay!

James: But this isn’t a shopping trip!

Dave and Candi: …

John: Follow me! The mall’s just at the end of this...

The group look down the street, which is infested with zombies.

John: ... Street.

James: *Groan* So far, so good. Lead the way.

GAMEPLAY START

The player now has to battle their way to the ‘goal’ at the other end of the street. Once all party members are there, the level is complete.

LEVEL 2 OUTRO

The group continue down the street towards the shopping centre. Suddenly there’s a large explosion and a building collapses, inconveniently blocking the

road.

Dave: Huh. I didn’t expect that. It’s like some... divine forces... are trying to tell us not to go this way. Or something.

James: Well, those “divine forces” can sod off. Look, it seems stable enough to climb over… Come on...

Candi: What? No way! Look at it. I could totally scrape myself, or ruin

my outfit. These skirts aren’t cheap, y’know! We’re finding a different way.

James: But….. the shopping centre’s just over the rubble…

John: I know a way around the rubble. It’s, like, a total shortcut, too.

Candi: See, John knows an easier way, so we won’t have to climb over this rubbish and get our hands all dirty.

James: But….. it’ll take us two seconds to climb…

John: This way!

John runs off down an alley, followed closely by Candi. James is left dumbstruck with Dave.

James: …

Dave: You can’t beat the divine forces, mate.

James and Dave follow the others off-screen. Fade down.

LEVEL 3 – “Grave Expectations”

LEVEL 3 INTRO

SETTING: A grassy, overgrown path running alongside a brick wall.

The characters walk into shot. James stops at the back.

James: Y’know, when I was a kid, shortcuts were generally SHORTER than the other way! Where are you taking us, you idiot?

Candi: Stop complaining! A little exercise never hurt anybody!

(Giggle) But er… where ARE we going?

John: It IS a shortcut, honest…….we just…er….have to go around this wall...

James: You little... You’re lost, aren’t you?!

John looks around, then runs a little ahead. The screen pans down to see that he has entered a graveyard, where a scientist being chased by a group of

zombies.

John: No, I’m not lost! I know exactly where I am! The graveyard!

The others catch up to him.

James: Oh, GOODY! Everybody’s favourite place to be when the

ZOMBIES are out! *SIGH* This is great. Stuck in a graveyard with three morons, battling the undead. And I suppose we have to save that one and add her to our entourage of clichés...

Dave: *Munch* Well, you were the one complaining that life was boring.

James: Yeah... Do me a favour and crack me one across the head if I ever say that again.

GAMEPLAY START

The player must now fight to rescue the Doctor, who will be under constant attack throughout, before she is killed. When all the zombies are killed, the

mission is complete.

LEVEL 3 OUTRO

The characters gather around the Doctor.

Candi: Miss, are you ok?

Doctor: Yes, thank you. It’s just a few scratches.

James: So what brings you to this corpse-filled part of town?

Doctor: I was just... out for a walk.

James: Hmm, nothing like a nice stroll through a graveyard swarming with the undead to clear your head, I guess. What’s with the lab coat?

Doctor: What’s with all the questions? It’s chilly. And I think it’d be prudent to get out of here first and chat later, don’t you?

James: Fine... Guys, we need to head back the way we came if we want to make it to the shopping centre. This just looks like a dead end.

Dave: Or - get this, right - an ‘undead’ end. Heh, you get it?

There’s a few seconds of silence. A cricket can be heard.

Dave: I said, you--?

James: Yes, we get it!

Doctor: You’re heading to the mall? I know a shortcut.

Dave & Candi: Aww, not another shortcut…

James: We ended up here in the first place because this tool and HIS shortcuts...

John: Hey...!

James: ... So I think we’ll take our chances with the LONG-cut, thanks.

Doctor: Suit yourself… but as a doctor, I’d like to think I know more about how to handle a bad situation than some... tool.

John: Hey!!

James: Huh... Y’know, I think like you! Lead the way...

The group leave the graveyard, walking off screen. Fade down.

LEVEL 4 – “Rubbish Jokes”

LEVEL 4 INTRO

SETTING: A destroyed street, with rubbish and corpses strewn everywhere. The outbreak appears to have started in full effect.

The party walk into shot and stop, looking at the destruction.

Candi: Wow, look at this place... What a mess!

James: Yeah... And to think, this is what our taxes get us. But I’d be less concerned about the rubbish, and more concerned about the zombie rat on your shoe.

Candi: EEEEEK!! ... Huh? Hey! There isn’t anything on my shoe! Will you STOP doing that? Once was bad enough, but that’s, like, eight times!

James: Okay, okay, I’ll— Oh shit, there’s another one!

Candi: EEEEEK!! ... Huh? Ohhh! Doctor, tell him!

Doctor: Tell him what…?

John: Leave her alone, ya big bully!

Candi: Thank you, John.

James: Sod off, John.

Dave: Oi, Candi. Mind out behind you.

Candi: Oh no, I’m not falling for that again.

James: ... No, really - behind you. Turn. Now.

Candi: Nope, not going to look.

John: Candi, the monsters are behind you!

Candi: Not you as well? Do I have, like, no friends?

Doctor: Turn around, you damn airhead!

James: Oh, for the love of... Look! There’s a clown handing out free pom-poms!

Candi: OOH, where!?

Candi turns and sees the zombie horde.

EEEEEEEEEK!!

Doctor: Well, that got her attention. Now we need to find a way through the specimens if we want to get to the mall.

Dave: Yeah! Let’s kick some specimen arse!

GAMEPLAY START

The player has to reach the goal on the other side of the zombie hoard to reach the shopping centre.

LEVEL 4 OUTRO

The party approach the shopping centre car park.

Candi: Hurray! We made it! (chanting) Shoes shoes shoes shoes shoes…

John: Told you I’d get us here.

James smacks John on the head.

John: OW!

Doctor: Can we please get into the mall before more of the experi-- I mean, before more “walking corpses” show up?

James: You were going to say experiments, weren’t you?

Doctor: No, I wasn’t.

James: Yes, you were! You practically said the word ‘experiments’. I heard you! Dave, didn’t she say ‘experiments’?

Dave: Either that, or… ‘takes-care-of-it’…?

Doctor: Drop it, will you?

James: Come to think of it, what was that about ‘specimens’ before...?

Candi: Hello-o, can we go already? I hear fat-free yogurts calling my name!

Candi skips on ahead. After a moment, the others follow her. Fade down.

LEVEL 5 – “Nightstick of the Living Dead”

LEVEL 5 INTRO

SETTING: The shopping centre car park. The place is a mess, with bodies and overturned cars everywhere. A number of zombies are shuffling about the

far corners.

The group run into the car park. They notice a colourfully-dressed woman (the Voodoo Priestess Scientist) is standing on the roof of the shopping centre.

James: ... Are those... maracas?

Doctor: YOU! Stop right there!

Strange Lady: MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

The strange lady runs away.

James: Who the hell was that?

Dave: I think the better question is… what the toss is THAT?

They turn to see the security booth, which is straining from the weird fleshy creature lump. The flesh is hanging out of the windows and the walls are

bending around the mass.

John: Duh. That’s where the security guard lives.

James: … I think ‘used to live’ would be more accurate…

Through the window, an eye opens among all the flesh.

Suddenly, arms smash through the sides of the cabin.

Doctor: No, he’s definitely still alive. He’s just been mutated by the virus…

James: What virus…?

Candi: AAAAAIIIEEEE!! It’s huge!

The monster finishes its whole coming-out sequence – he’s now still in the cabin, but his hands and legs are hanging out - and his yappy, zombified dog

bounces to his side.

Yappy Dog: Yap! Yap!

Candi: Puppy!

Dave: Careful, Candi. Those small dogs’ll take your hand off soon as look at you. And that’s BEFORE they get all zombie-like...

John: W-woah! I’ve never seen one so big...!

James: I’d rather not have seen THIS one! Right, let’s kill it…or, well, do whatever you do to something that’s already dead.

Doctor: Undead.

James: You seem to know an awful lot about it, Doc…

Doctor: Fine, I do. And I’ll make you a deal. If we don’t get our heads torn off by Jerry here, I’ll explain the lot. Sound fair?

Security Guard: ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!

Yappy Dog: Yap yap yap!

James: Er… ladies first?

BOSS FIGHT – PART ONE

As soon as the guard takes a hit, another scene triggers.

LEVEL 5 MIDTRO

James: What’s going on? We can’t hurt him… it… whatever!

Doctor: It’s the cabin attached to him. It’s shielding him from our damage.

Candi: Can’t we get it off somehow?

James: Oh yeah, I’m sure he’d do a little striptease for us…

Man’s Voice: JUUUUUUUUUSTICE!!

Dick Cannon drops down from the top of the mall and, firing a torrent of bullets from his two Magnums, blasts the majority of the ‘armour’ off the

zombie.

James: …..or we could do that.

Dave: Who the buggery is that?

Doctor: Never mind that now - the monster’s defences are down! We should be able to defeat it now!

James: I think you’re getting a bit too into this, Doc…

BOSS FIGHT – PART TWO

Dick Cannon joins the party, and the player now has to take down the security guard and his zombie dog. When both are defeated, the mission is complete.

LEVEL 5 - OUTRO

The characters are gathered around the corpse of the boss.

James: Wow… er, thanks. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Dick: …

John: Yeah, thanks, Mister! You’re my new hero! Those guns are so awesome!

Dick: …

Dave: Is he deaf or what? That’s smoking, that is.

Dave drops a crisp packet. Dick puts a gun to Dave’s head.

Dick: Littering? On my watch? … I don’t think so.

Dave: Eep!

James: Bloody hell! Take it easy! Who are you?!

Dick: (Deadpan) Handle’s Dick Cannon. I’m just a man… one man, trying to bring justice to the dirty streets we call home. It’s not always easy… some say I’m just trying to run away from my mysterious past… But, I’ll be damned... if any of these zombie sons-of-bitches gets between me and my mission, I’ll put a bullet between its cold, dead eyes and send it limping back to the Reaper with its tail between its legs.

Silence. After a few seconds...

Candi: ANYWAY... Shall we proceed to the mall? (sing-songy) I hear those shoes calling me!

James: *Sigh*

Candi skips off into the shopping centre, followed by John, Dick and Dave. The Doctor starts to walk, but James stops her.

James: Hang on, Doc. We killed the boss... I mean, the zombie security guard thing. Where’s my explanation?

Doctor: … You know, I could do with another pair of shoes myself.

She follows the others into the shopping centre. James is left alone.

James: ... Maybe these zombies have the right idea after all…

He follows the others. Fade down.

TO BE CONTINUED…!