Calico is a game in the Metroidvania genre, developed as an exploration of failure in games, growth, and self-discovery. The narrative follows Hazel, a young apprentice witch that leaves the safety of her home after her cat, Calico, mysteriously disappears. What begins as a simple search gradually becomes a journey through unfamiliar environments, where exploration and repeated failure become essential parts of the main character’s personal growth.

Hazel’s abilities are influenced by two proficiency systems, Jump and Mana, which can increase or decrease depending on the player’s actions and failures. Repeated failures affect Hazel’s emotional state, increasing her anxiety and potentially triggering a panic-attack minigame.

My contribution focused primarily on the game’s world building, 2D visual development, graphic design and animation. I created all the cutscenes, most of the characters design, portraits, frame-by-frame animations for all Hazel’s movements and actions, and most of the vegetation and environmental decorations across the different biomes.