The Trial

Synopsis

When the age of nations ended, it was the rise of the Scientific Academy that reshaped humanity’s core values. Prisons became obsolete. Deemed inhumane, economically inefficient, and most importantly, ineffective at rehabilitation. Prolonged confinement in cages was replaced with a new, cleaner logic: a person must return to the warm, pink fold of society as a productive, socially driven individual, focused on the collective good. In less clinical terms, the Academy’s legal doctrine is clear: live free — or die.

You are a convicted criminal. Your guilt has been firmly established. There is no appeal. You’ve been exiled to a remote garbage planet for reeducation.

Equipped with limited freedom, a versatile multitool, a collection of salvaged materials from a hyper-efficient civilization, and a database of blueprints and upgrades, your mission is simple: survive, build, and evolve. Construct a functioning escape pod and leave this world a changed person — redeemed, reformed, and reborn.

Controls
WASD / Arrow Keys — Move
Spacebar — Jump (press again to double or triple jump)

Left mouse button (hold) — use multitool (works at close range to a block; the crosshair turns red)

Scroll the mouse wheel — previous/next line

Q — Drink water to restore health
ESC — Pause, restart menu, or quit the game

E — interact with objects

F — Use flashlight (after purchase)

About the project and the developer

You probably know my story already — but let me tell it once more.  For the past few weeks, I’ve been the sole developer behind The Trial — a story-driven first-person platform shooter with survival elements. The title plays on multiple meanings: a test, a trial, even a probation. But the one that fits best is “trial” as in court, because at its core, the game is an exploration of crime and punishment in a utopian future.

The Trial is being built in Unity. So far, I’ve implemented core movement and double-jump mechanics, block and structure spawning/destruction via a multitool, and a working day-night cycle. Next on the list: expanding the starting zone with modular block-based environments, adding basic enemy AI, and introducing a crafting and multitool upgrade system.

On the organizational side, I’m preparing to launch a Patreon (or similar platform), apply to indie support funds, and take part in gaming events with a playable demo. 

I'm not an artist or a musician — so for now, don't expect fancy shaders, flashy effects, music, or sound. At this stage, I'm not building a team, though I am sorely missing key visual concepts — something to spark the imagination, in the spirit of a Shadow of the Colossus artbook. And yes, giant bosses are very much part of the plan.

Right now, my goal is to build a playable prototype — and secure funding to eventually bring The Trial to all major platforms. But if you'd like to support development today, every contribution helps.