Project Description

Download (itch.io)

Git Repository

Summary

The goal of this 8 week project was to create a game for children aged 8-10, using drawings they made of monsters that we needed to incorporate into the game. Each drawing also had a description of the character and of their powers. At the end of the project, the game was shown at an exhibition at Concordia, Enschede, and was played by the children and others.

Monster Rush is a 2.5D local multiplayer (2-4 players) side-scroller where players must race against each other, use their monster's ability to get ahead of others, gain the most points and reach the finish line.

Duration

8 weeks

Team Size

7

Game Engine

Unity

Date

May-July 2024

My Tasks and Contributions

Gameplay Mechanics and Systems Design: Collaborating with another designer in the team to design environmental mechanics, player mechanics (abilities and platforming), points systems and balance. Balancing was the toughest part of this project, as the monsters had different abilities, which took much testing and tweaking to reach an acceptable point.

Level Design: I designed one entire level in Unity with platforming mechanics and environmental mechanics in mind to create the best experience for players.

Unity implementation and mechanics programming: I implemented VFX, SFX, music, and character animations which either I created or from the artists in the team. I also programmed a couple of the environmental mechanics, such as the closing platform and lever.

Playtesting: We ran multiple playtest sessions throughout different stages of development. Some were done within the team, others with other students from our course, and 2 with the children who created the monsters at their school. I organized the sessions with the other designer, but took care of the communication. This was my favorite part of the project, as I got to see the kids try the game and see them having fun playing the game that we had created for them.

Music Production and Sound Design: I created 3 tracks for the game: one for the menu screen music, one for during the race, and one final one for the podium after all races are finished. I also did most of the sound design, taking CC0 sounds and editing them in Ableton Live, and we recorded voice lines for the monsters with each member of the team, which I then edited and implemented in the game.

Exhibition

The Monsters

Gallery

Game Design Document