Level Design in Top-Down View: Among Us Map Inspired by the Synaesthesia Project

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For this new Among Us map, I drew direct inspiration from the Synaesthesia project, crafting a fresh and immersive environment that introduces novel gameplay mechanics, designed to elevate both the intensity and strategic depth of the game.

The core of this map is a sprawling factory, filled with intricate details, dark corners, and industrial machinery, offering both aesthetic and functional depth. It’s designed with the idea of enhancing the tension inherent to Among Us, while also providing new tools for crewmates and imposters alike to experiment with. The layout takes full advantage of a top-down view, giving players a bird’s-eye perspective as they move from one section of the factory to another, but not without a few twists that keep things unpredictable.

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New Mechanics:

• Lockers for Brief Hiding: Scattered throughout the map are lockers, serving as temporary hiding spots for crewmates. These lockers allow players to briefly conceal themselves, providing a safe place to avoid passing imposters or wait out tense situations. However, these hiding spots come with a catch — they are not foolproof. While players can hide from view, lockers have a distinct open/close sound, meaning a nearby player can hear when someone takes refuge inside. This adds an additional layer of strategy, forcing players to think twice about when and where to hide.

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• "Tube" Rapid Movement System: A standout addition to this map is the introduction of the "Tube" system, which fundamentally alters how players move across the map. Unlike the traditional "Winds" system that Among Us players are accustomed to, the Tubes are transparent tunnels that span across the factory, allowing rapid travel between distant points. While the Tubes enable swift movement, they also come with an intriguing mechanic — the transparency means that other players can see who is inside, but not identify them directly. This creates a thrilling tension: players can observe movement through the tubes but must deduce who might be using them based on timing and positioning, leading to potential mind games and accusations.

  Additionally, the Tubes are visible from multiple vantage points across the map, meaning players can track tube activity from different angles, adding a new level of surveillance to the game. However, using the tube system comes with the risk of exposing your movements to others, making timing and positioning crucial for both crewmates and imposters.

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• ​Night Vision Cameras: To further enrich the map's sense of stealth and strategy, I incorporated night vision cameras, a first for Among Us. These cameras are strategically positioned around darker, less-trafficked areas of the map, where visibility is low. The night vision cameras allow crewmates to monitor these shadowy zones, providing crucial information on who is lurking in the darkness.

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​​Unlike standard cameras, which show the entire map in full light, night vision cameras only capture specific zones in shades of green, adding an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere to these regions. While players can use them to spot movement, the limited visibility means that identification is still a challenge, keeping the balance between observation and uncertainty intact.

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Design Philosophy: The design philosophy behind this map is to create high-tension situations that encourage creative problem-solving, whether through stealth, rapid escapes, or clever use of surveillance. The factory setting itself is packed with industrial hazards and hidden passageways, making exploration and awareness crucial.

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The blend of the transparent Tubes, lockers, and night vision cameras fosters a unique dynamic where information is always partial. You might see a figure moving swiftly through a tube or someone taking refuge in a locker, but full certainty remains elusive. This design forces players to make quicker, more strategic decisions, while still allowing for misdirection and deception to flourish.

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Overall, this map aims to build on the essence of Among Us — suspicion, deduction, and sabotage — by introducing fresh mechanics that keep the gameplay dynamic and unpredictable. Whether you’re a crewmate trying to complete tasks or an imposter plotting your next move, the factory setting ensures every game is full of tension, surprise, and strategic depth.