Welcome to the very first development log for Screams of Silence, the chilling prequel to Smile. This psychological horror game takes you into a world of torment and mystery, where every choice you make peels back the layers of a sinister truth. As the foundational entry in the Smile series, Screams of Silence sets the tone and establishes the narrative threads that will carry forward into its sequel. Let's dive into the progress made so far.

Main Menu Screen: Gateway to Horror

The main menu screen is complete and serves as the eerie threshold into the unsettling world of Screams of Silence. The design focuses on immersing the player right from the start:

• Visual Design: A dark, decayed room is the backdrop, faintly illuminated by flickering fluorescent lights. A single chair sits in the center, eerily empty but leaving the suggestion that it won’t remain so for long. The screen transitions seamlessly with a slow-moving fog effect, adding to the sense of dread.
• Interactive Elements: The menu options—Start, Options, Credits, and Exit—are simple but functional, arranged to avoid distracting from the atmospheric setup. Hovering over each option triggers subtle animations, like dim flashes of light or unsettling whispers.
• Audio Atmosphere: The sound design incorporates low, droning tones with sporadic creaks and distant screams. This audio complements the visual horror to ensure players feel uneasy before they’ve even started the game.

Options Screen: Tailored Terror

The options screen was meticulously crafted to provide players with the ability to customize their experience without breaking immersion. Here are some highlights:

• Accessibility Settings: Adjustments for subtitles, font sizes, and high-contrast visuals are included to ensure a broader audience can enjoy the game.
• Graphics Settings: Players can toggle between Low, Medium, High, and Ultra settings, with additional options for shadow quality and lighting effects. This ensures that Screams of Silence runs smoothly on various systems without losing its chilling aesthetic.
• Audio Control: A three-channel system allows players to modify music, sound effects, and voice-over volumes independently. This customization helps players fine-tune their experience to amplify the tension.
• Gameplay Tweaks: Players can toggle features such as hints, gore intensity, and quick-time event prompts. These settings allow the game to appeal to both hardcore horror enthusiasts and players new to the genre.

Reflections and Next Steps

Completing the main menu, options screen, and epilogue has been an essential milestone in Screams of Silence. These components not only provide the foundation for the player’s experience but also establish the game’s tone and mechanics. Moving forward, the focus will shift to:

1. Building out the first major chapter of the game.
2. Refining the environmental puzzles for smoother, more intuitive gameplay.
3. Expanding the narrative with additional twists and turns.

Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of Screams of Silence. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to unravel the terrifying story and mechanics behind this immersive experience. Your support fuels our drive to craft something truly unforgettable.