PARSONS SCHOOL OF
DESIGN PRESENTS:

Shadow Ball

tianyi

Game Artist & Illustrator
Tianyi Li is a designer and illustrator currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design and Technology at Parsons School of Design. Her work focuses on game art, character design, and interactive storytelling. Drawing inspiration from traditional aesthetics and handcrafted forms, she integrates these influences into playful, contemporary experiences. Her projects explore the intersection of psychology, culture, and collaboration, aiming to create meaningful and imaginative interactions.
Thesis Faculty

About the Game

A 2–4 player cooperative game where personality meets precision.
Take control of four distinct characters: Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou. Each with unique abilities inspired by traditional stage archetypes. Work together to guide glowing spirit balls through stylized shadow-and-light arenas using timing, coordination, and character synergy.

Set in a world crafted with paper cut and shadow puppetry aesthetics, Shadow Ball blends puzzle solving, action, and collaborative gameplay. The core mechanic, inspired by the ancient game cuju, challenges players to kick, pass, and control shared objects while navigating obstacles and team based goals.

Whether you’re strategizing with friends or diving into the rhythm of glowing ball play, Shadow Ball delivers a uniquely artistic and mechanically rich multiplayer experience.

Intro Animation

Character Selection

Pick your character, shape your team.
From calm control to chaotic flair, every role changes the way you play.
No one wins alone: cooperation begins with who you choose.

In Game Preview