A cooperative, story-driven board game that blends physical gameplay with Arduino-powered electronics to create an immersive volcanic adventure. Designed around client specifications for a portable, team-based experience set in an Icelandic mythological landscape.

Overview

Katla challenges players to work together on a quest to discover the mythical Skýliithyr Stone, navigating through a modular 3D-printed mountain board while facing environmental obstacles like avalanches and volcanic eruptions. The game combines traditional board game elements (cards, dice, tokens) with electronic feedback systems to create a unique hybrid gaming experience.

Key Features

• Collaborative Gameplay: Supports multiple players working in teams, emphasizing cooperation over competition

• Dynamic Story Progression: Arduino-controlled checkpoints trigger narrative advancements and environmental events

• Immersive Feedback Systems: LED lighting and sound effects respond to player actions, simulating volcanic hazards and weather events

• Thematic Design: Icelandic-inspired aesthetics with custom characters featuring unique attributes (stamina, knowledge) for role-playing elements

• Portable Construction: Compact, modular design fits on standard tables and stores in a portable container

Technical Implementation

• Arduino-based control system managing photoresistors, LED rings, and speakers

• Custom code integrating sensor input with event-driven audio and visual feedback

• Photoresistor detection system for player action recognition

• Concentric ring board design allowing progressive advancement toward the summit

• Character attribute system adding strategic depth to cooperative gameplay

Design Process

Developed through an iterative design approach incorporating client feedback sessions and testing phases. The project emphasized user-centered design principles, balancing narrative engagement with functional reliability while staying within budget constraints ($100).