Street AR + random ppl's art

"Jerico's Angel" is a unique interactive documentary presented as a 3D game, compelling players to grapple with moral dilemmas that determine their narrative path and ultimate conclusion.

Instead of a passive viewing experience, I transformed this documentary, filmed during Manila's 2017 drug war, into an interactive one. I wanted to immerse the audience, enabling them to navigate the complex social and political landscape and experience the challenges firsthand in the game, rather than just hearing my interpretation. Note: this is a game prototype, showcasing only the demonstration of the concept of embedding documentary storytelling within a game framework.

Project Description

Game Play

Background

Amid the bustling yet unforgiving streets of Manila, a filmmaker sets out to uncover the truth behind the tragic deaths of Jerico and his girlfriend—two teenagers falsely accused of drug involvement during the height of the war on drugs. In a time when baseless accusations became death sentences, their story is one of love, loss, and a justice system riddled with neglect.

Game Play

Background

Narrative

As the filmmaker, the player must navigate a city steeped in poverty, corruption, injustice, and survival, assisting Jerico’s family in their search for answers while making difficult choices that shape their future. Through interviews with family, friends, and those who knew Jerico, the player pieces together the events leading to that fateful night. However, justice is not easily found—the case has gone cold, the detective in charge is nowhere to be found, and the family struggles to even correct Jerico’s tombstone, which bears the wrong details. The family’s pain is compounded by the fact that Jerico’s killer remains at large, and even in death, his name is marred by a wrongful accusation.

Tasks

The player must manage time, resources, and moral dilemmas while helping Jerico’s family:

Locate the detective who once handled Jerico’s case but was uncontactable
Earn money through hard labour, such as construction work or weaving mats, to afford transportation and essentials.
Navigate the dangers of Manila, where theft, corruption, and financial hardships create constant setbacks.
Replace Jerico’s misengraved memorial plague

Challenges

Every choice carries weight. Time and resources are limited, forcing the player to decide between pursuing closure or securing a better future for the family.

Funds can be allocated toward the investigation or used to improve their lives—investing in education, housing, or a small business for long-term survival.The dangers of Manila, where theft, corruption, and financial hardships create constant setbacks.

The player has the option to use his own travel budget to fund the costs of activities to help the family achieve their goals faster but also risk his budget depleting before these tasks are completed. The player has the option to prioritize tasks and schedule them to fit into the time and budget.

Ending

Either way, the case remains unresolved. Should one fight for justice for the dead, or ensure the survival of the living? "Jerico’s Angel" challenges players to navigate moral dilemmas in a world where justice is elusive, and survival is the only certainty.