Far Frontier

Sihan Ma’s Game Design Document

← Research

Vehicle Design

In this game prototype, I want players to drive trucks and off-road vehicles with different appearances and purposes, choosing the right vehicle for each mission. I therefore began by adding two vehicle types to the project: an off-road vehicle for exploration and a truck for transporting cargo. These distinct roles also provide a foundation for exploration, collection and delivery missions.

Exploration Vehicle — Land Rover Defender Reference

The exploration vehicle takes its visual inspiration from the classic Land Rover Defender. I created an initial low-poly model in Blender, retaining its boxy body, prominent wheel arches and high ground clearance, then imported it into the game so that players could control it. At this stage, the focus is on a recognisable vehicle silhouette and functional driving, with finer details to be developed later. I also used real-world vehicle information as a reference for fuel tank capacity and fuel consumption, with the aim of making fuel management part of exploration and route planning.

Real-World References

Classic Land Rover Defender 110, front three-quarter view
Classic Land Rover Defender 110, front three-quarter view · Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0. Displayed without cropping.
Classic Land Rover Defender 110, rear three-quarter view
Classic Land Rover Defender 110, rear three-quarter view · Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0. Displayed without cropping.

Prototype Model

Defender-inspired low-poly vehicle model in Blender
Blender model · Sihan Ma
Defender-inspired exploration vehicle in the game prototype
In-game model · Sihan Ma

Cargo Truck — Tatra 815 8×8 Reference

The cargo truck takes its visual inspiration from the Tatra 815 8×8 military truck. I built a more simplified blockout model in Blender, focusing on its four axles, eight wheels, long body and overall proportions as a transport vehicle. The rear cargo bed is left open to accommodate mission cargo such as wooden planks. Its design prioritises carrying capacity, giving the two vehicles clear differences in both appearance and mission roles.

Real-World References

Tatra 815 8x8 military truck, side view
Tatra 815 8×8 military truck, side view · Photo: Michael Prewitz / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0. Displayed without cropping.
Tatra T815 8x8 Czech Army truck, front view
Tatra T815 8×8 Czech Army truck, front view · Photo: eL Ka / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0. Displayed without cropping.

Prototype Model

Tatra-inspired eight-wheel cargo truck model in Blender with an open cargo bed
Blender model · Sihan Ma
Tatra-inspired eight-wheel cargo truck in the game prototype
In-game model · Sihan Ma