Final Eportfolio - Games Development

 Exercise Week 1

Adam's Nightmare 

The concept of this game is similar to Limbo, by using silhouettes, and dreamlike design elements. The game is designed so that the users interpret their own stories. This creates a mystery that can be a profound experience for gamers. However, the gameplay could be drastically improved. For instance, the game basically revolves around jumping over obstacles and pushing or dragging different elements to progress within the "nightmare". However, the physics of the jumping is not responsive enough for the obstacle courses within the levels. the dragging and pushing are also designed in a way that causes the game to feel unrealistic. for instance, when the user tries to pull a box, the character seems to have the "force", so it could pull objects without actually touching them. The difficulty of the game is also a problem. Usually, difficulty levels scale within the game in a way where easier levels are followed by more difficult levels through time and progress. however, the scaling of this game escalated too quickly, which in effect, discourages casual gamers who want to enjoy the worldbuilding and atmosphere of a game designed like Limbo. 

Zapper Snapper

I love the aesthetics of this game. the developer nailed his vision for the aesthetics of the game. However, some key takeaways caught my attention. I  really appreciate the effort for simple tutorials that flow within the game's journey. That is so much better than having to read a control sheet. however, the developer should have added an extra step to show that there is a double jump feature. the goal of the game is clearly stated, which allows the users to have a clear vision of how they can achieve victory. I also really appreciate the attention to detail with lighting, subtle animations, and world-building. however, the gameplay falls a bit short when compared to the design. For instance, the game controls revolve around the left hand, which is quite illogical when there is an attack feature. This attack is triggered by keybinding "z", which could be very difficult to control when the character is moving with keybinding "a" or "d". the movement when running and jumping is also not great and needs to be further fine-tuned. 

Proposal

Here is the proposal document

And here is the youtube video link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMniwSNbfJ0

Asset Development

I used AI to create most assets. However, there is difficulty in creating all assets using ai since it is very inconsistent, but I will try my best.

Jin Character Sheet

Main Character Jin

Dinosaurs Character Sheet

Tiger Character sheet

Egyptian mobs character sheet

Environment 

Background

Jurrasic

Ice age

Egyptian

There are 5 images for each level, which means there are 5 screens for the levels subsequently. the different backgrounds will mean that there will be certain events that pertain to each of the backgrounds. For example, at the Egypt level, there are stages where the game will feature scapes like the tomb, the palace, and the pyramids. 

Tile set

Jurrasic tile set

Ice age tile set

Egypt Tile set

Mockups

Prototyping

All the details of the prototyping will be explained in the video presentation.

This prototype handles the basic functions of the game mechanics such as player controls, player interaction with mobs, mob intelligence, and stage progressions. 

Scripts Included

• PlayerController
• MobController
• RoomManager
• RoomTransitionTrigger

Youtube Video Presentation Link

https://youtu.be/dYQQXAHbv50

Final Project

Coming into the final project, all that is left is actually to finish building the game. I added a total of 4 levels in increasing difficulty and decided to stick with the Jurrasic stage. The game mechanics of this platformer game revolve around attacking mobs and parkour obstacles, which are mechanics that I personally enjoy. 

Reflection

Embarking on the journey to create a platformer game from scratch is an experience that intertwines creativity, technical challenges, and a continuous learning curve. It’s a process that demands a blend of design vision and programming skills, pushing one to think critically and innovatively. Reflecting on this journey reveals the intricacies and joys of game development, from the initial concept to the final touches.

The journey starts with an idea, often inspired by classic platformers or a unique twist one hopes to bring to the genre. This stage is filled with brainstorming sessions, sketching characters, and designing levels on paper. It’s a phase brimming with possibilities and excitement as one imagines the world they are about to create.

Planning is crucial in this stage. Creating a game design document (GDD) to outline the game's mechanics, story, art style, and level design helps in setting a clear roadmap. It’s a guiding light that keeps the project on track, ensuring that all elements are cohesive and aligned with the original vision.

Transitioning from planning to development is where the real challenge begins. Setting up the development environment, choosing the right game engine (like Unity), and starting with basic prototypes are the first steps. This phase involves a steep learning curve, especially for beginners, as one delves into scripting, physics, and animation.

Implementing smooth character movement and realistic physics is both fundamental and complex. It requires understanding vector mathematics and physics principles to create a responsive and enjoyable gameplay experience. Designing levels that are not only visually appealing but also engaging and challenging is a delicate balance. It involves iterative testing and tweaking to ensure the right difficulty curve and player engagement. Implementing interactions, such as platforms, enemies, and collectibles, adds layers to the gameplay, each requiring meticulous coding and debugging. Adding sound effects and background music enhances the game's atmosphere and player immersion. Choosing or creating the right sounds and integrating them effectively into the game is a rewarding experience that brings the game world to life.

The development journey is peppered with challenges and roadblocks. Debugging scripts, fixing glitches, and optimizing performance can be frustrating yet fulfilling. Each problem solved is a step closer to the polished product and a valuable learning experience. Game development is a continuous learning process. Whether it’s learning new scripting techniques, understanding game physics better, or mastering the art of animation, each aspect contributes to personal and professional growth.

As the game nears completion, the focus shifts to polishing and testing. Ensuring that the game runs smoothly across different devices, fixing minor bugs, and adding final touches like UI elements and menus are crucial steps. Playtesting with a target audience provides invaluable feedback, leading to further refinements. Looking back at the journey from a mere idea to a fully playable game brings a profound sense of accomplishment. The final product is not just a game but a testament to the effort, creativity, and resilience invested throughout the process.

Creating a platformer game from scratch is an enriching and transformative experience. It combines art and technology, challenges one’s problem-solving abilities, and fosters a deep understanding of game mechanics and design principles. Despite the hurdles, the journey is immensely rewarding, offering a unique sense of achievement and the joy of seeing one's vision come to life in an interactive form. This experience not only hones technical skills but also ignites a lifelong passion for game development.

Youtube Final Game Showcase
https://youtu.be/2erJ0SLTSQo