top of page

Game Project: Ultra Game Two (2015)

Roles: Game Designer

Tools: Unreal Engine 3

Timeline: 10 months (in high school)

​

OVERVIEW

Ultra Game Two is the sequel to my previous year’s Ultra Game for a game design class in high school. Both games are first person platformers with a loose narrative. The first Ultra Game faced difficulties during development due to my inexperience. With Ultra Game Two, I was able to expand on my knowledge and figure out how to work with Unreal Development Kit 3 to create the foIlowing:

​

  • Level 1: A basic platforming section aimed at teaching players the basics                     

  •  Level 2: A tricky maze section that introduces some new game mechanics                   

  •  Level 3: A composite of puzzle and platforming that provides a challenge                   

  •  Boss Level: A three stage boss fight that test the player's weapon skills                        

  • Extra Level: A difficult platforming section where the player is placed on a time limit. 

  • "Easter eggs" scattered across the game for players to stumble upon.                         

SKILLS AND TOOLS:

level 1.png

  • Made in Unreal Development Kit 3 (UDK 3)                          

  • Worked solo to create the game                                           

  •  Required effective time management to reach deadlines 

  • Heavy emphasis on level design skills                                   

THE CHALLENGE:

boss.png

​

The overall goal of this game was to have a short yet decently fun experience for players to play through. Although Ultra Game Two allowed me to reflect on my previous year’s work and improve on the concepts that I learned, I still faced issues, especially when working in unfamiliar territory. Ultra Game One had platforming fundamentals but was relatively plain. In this game, I wanted to add more interesting set pieces and mechanics.

 

One challenge I distinctly recall was creating a boss level. I wasn’t able to figure out how to modify my AI enemies to be stronger. I turned to Unreal Engine’s default vehicles to act as my game’s boss. I quickly ran into an issue however, as I couldn’t get the enemies to get inside the vehicles, making it easy for players to simply shoot the vulnerable normal enemy. After some testing however, I ran into an interesting discovery as spawning the AI without a body or weapon had the “ghost AI” as I called it, to immediately possess the vehicle and retain the functionality to attack the player.

​

This proved to be effective as by loading the AI earlier as the player entered the boss area, they could enter the boss room and immediately fight as opposed to waiting for the AI to enter the vehicle or simply taking down the AI beforehand.

​

​

FINAL REFLECTION:

level 3.png

​

The game turned out very well for a high school level assignment. Our goal was to create a functional and fun desktop game with this project exceeding these expectations. It was the best among my class that year and my teacher was very impressed with the length, quality, and polish of my game. It demonstrated my attention to level design as well as my time management skills, both of which were key points to learn and understand from the course. Additionally, the game won me an award in game design from my high school and helped earn me a scholarship.

​

Going into the project, I wanted create a smooth experience for players that guided them through the basics before initiating a harder challenge.

​

To this end I managed to include:

  • Moving platforms                        

  • Walls responsive to weapon fire

  • A hint system                               

  • Teleporter system                        

  • Boss battles                                 

 

While the first and third level's platforming section were a resounding success, the second level's maze and third level's teleporter section weren't as intuitive as I would have hoped. It was at this point that I recognized the importance of the user experience and if I could go back, I would definitely change the sections to be less obtuse for first time players.

​

bottom of page