Whispers VR: Echoes of the Shadow

Project Overview

"Whispers VR: Echoes of the Shadow" is a VR horror game that I developed as my senior thesis project. This game was a solo endeavor, where I took on the roles of both environment designer and gameplay developer. The game immerses players in a haunting experience as they follow their childhood bunny plush, unraveling the dark secrets hidden within a seemingly innocent house.

Concept and Storyline

The storyline of "Echoes of the Forgotten" centers around the player's journey through their childhood home, guided by their once-beloved bunny plush. What begins as a nostalgic exploration soon turns into a nightmarish quest as players uncover the sinister truths lurking in the shadows. The juxtaposition of a cherished childhood toy with the eerie atmosphere creates a unique and unsettling experience.

As players step into our protagonist, Lila's shoes, they embark on a journey through a nightmarish version of her childhood home, uncovering dark secrets and facing the traumas that have long been buried.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay of always shifting rooms is inspired by the first horror game I ever played, Layers of Fear. I utilized the sublevel map feature in Unreal Engine 5.2 to recreate this dynamic environment. The unique capabilities of VR were leveraged to enhance the player's experience, making every twist and turn deeply immersive and emotionally resonant.

Players awaken in a dimly lit bedroom filled with broken furniture and old belongings. The room's clock is frozen at midnight, and a faint lullaby can be heard from outside the window. 

The Bunny

The game features a significant and evolving character, a bunny plush that serves as both a guide and a symbol of Lila's emotional journey. This bunny starts as a cute, comforting companion but gradually transforms, reflecting the darkening narrative and Lila's increasing confrontation with her past. Throughout the game, the bunny's appearance and texture will change, becoming more worn and sinister, mirroring the deepening horror and tension.

Animation and Texture Change Test Video:

This is the video of the animation and texture change test for the bunny plushy in Unreal Engine real-time render.

This is the Avatar hand I made for the first-person VR view.

Echoes of the Past is more than a horror game; it's a profound narrative experience that explores themes of family, memory, and personal growth. By confronting her darkest memories, Lila—and by extension, the players—learns to overcome the past and move forward with a renewed sense of self.