Flailing Around
Roles: Game Designer, Programmer
Team Size: Solo
Development Time: 4 Weeks
Engine: Unity
Platform: PC
Genre: Top Down Shooter
Overview
Flailing Around is a top-down shooter about an orc scientist defending himself against punk rock orcs. Use your Flail Cannon to hit foes from any angle by reeling the chain ball and striking from unexpected positions!
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Developed in 4 weeks
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Worked with and artist for 2D assets
Responsibilities
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Designed and implemented player character mechanics for a tops down shooter
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Prototyped and scripted a projectile ricochet and recall mechanic
Ricochet and Recall Mechanic
Design Challenge: Add a twist on top-down shooters to make the game unique or interesting
Problem: Gave a Thor-like recall mechanic to the projectile. It was fun but felt limited and projectiles would get caught behind solid objects
Solution: Added a ricochet to the projectile. It stopped getting stuck behind objects and it helped shift the player's focus from initial shot accuracy to positioning and taking advantage of your environment
GIF of ricochet testing
Primary Gameplay Loop Progression
Progression of Primary Gameplay Loop
The game started off using Thor as the player and then deriving mechanics based on the verbs he can do. After some brainstorming, I decided to highlight his hammer and its abilities as shown in media.
The initial prototypes showed promise but playtests showed little depth in the mechanic. I added a projectile ricochet system and designed enemies that highlighted the player's accuracy and positioning