Critical Density

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Critical Density, 2024–2025 senior CSG capstone

Critical Density

The 2024–2025 senior CSG capstone class takes storytelling to the stars in their latest project, Critical Density—a narrative-driven graphic novel with RPG and resource management elements.

Set in the decaying star system of Ross-128, Critical Density casts players as a solitary scrapper navigating the dimensional rifts between collapsing worlds. With a distinct hand-drawn aesthetic and an emotionally layered narrative, the game blends comic-style visual storytelling with strategic gameplay mechanics.

Screenshot of manager interaction in Critical Density
Screenshot of manager interaction in Critical Density

As players collect junk and rare components from these fractured realms, they must upgrade their ship, manage resources, complete quests, and uncover lost memories. Each interaction with NPCs across space docks and fractured dimensions reveals fragments of the protagonist’s mysterious past—and the growing cosmic threat looming over every world.

💡 A major strength of Critical Density lies in its original art direction and deep narrative structure, drawing players into a universe where identity, survival, and unraveling truth are intricately tied.

Critical Density screenshot of the player looking into the bathroom mirror
Critical Density screenshot of the player looking into the bathroom mirror

This capstone production showcases the interdisciplinary talents of students in writing, illustration, design, and game systems. It’s a testament to the program’s focus on merging creative storytelling with interactive media.

🕹️ Want to play the game now?
You can download and play the current PC version on itch.io.

Professor Akram

Akram Taghavi-Burris has over 15 years of experience teaching game development and design, along with computer graphics, animation, and web development in higher education. Akram has an M.Ed. and is currently program coordinator and instructor of Computer Simulation & Gaming (CSG) in the Tandy School of Computer Science at the University of Tulsa.

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