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One of DigiPen’s most famous student creations, Narbacular Drop is a 3D puzzler starring Princess “No-Knees.” Using two interconnected portals she can place on walls, ceilings and the floor, she must navigate her way through a sentient dungeon named Wally.

During DigiPen’s career day, some representatives from Valve came to DigiPen to see what the students had to show. When they saw Narbacular Drop, they invited the team to present the game at Valve’s headquarters, where, unbeknownst to the students, Valve co-founder Gabe Newell would be sitting in the audience. After their presentation, Newell offered to hire the entire development team on the spot to recreate the game using Valve’s own engine, which would go on to become the incredibly popular Portal.

Remote video URL

Awards and Recognition

  • 2006 IGF

    Winner, Student Showcase

  • 2006 Slamdance

    Finalist

Game Screenshots

  • Princess No-Knees stands in front of a dungeon portal and sees a duplicate of herself.
  • Princess No-Knees looks out at a stream of lava, a giant turtle standing behind her.
  • Princess No-Knees walks through a metal door and approaches a lava pit.
  • Princess No-Knees looks into two portals and sees two separate reflections of her own image.

The Team

  • Kenneth Barnett

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Project Manager

  • Eric Brown

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Artist

  • Paul Graham

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Artist

  • David Kircher

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Technical Director

  • Scott Klintworth

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Art Team Lead

  • Sam Lovejoy

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Artist

  • Garret Rickey

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Designer

  • Kimberly Swift

    BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation

    Role: Producer


Play More

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