Brainstorming!
POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 24,
2024
BY ABNER SALAZAR
I have come up with a concept and name that I am happy with, the game I am going to be making is: Lock x Jump! During this round of brainstorming I focused on what I will need to get the game going, mostly giving myself simple tasks so I am able to learn the engine while also being able to pace myself. I’m super excited to start working on this project as it combines everything I love in games: Platforming, Action, and Music.
What is lock x Jump?
Lock x Jump is a 3rd person platforming game where the main gameplay loop involves Locking (Aiming and Shooting) and Jumping (Jump and Movement such as dashes etc.) the jump will have a combo meter attached to it that when an enemy is eliminated will go up and that will add an extra jump for the player. While bouncing some ideas off of my friends that aren’t the best shooter players they suggested I create an easier mode or some function where anyone even if you can’t aim can play the game. From this idea I plan on implementing an auto aim mechanic into the game so anyone is able to pick up the game, and then I plan to make a toggle for others who want to challenge themselves without this mechanic. While brainstorming I divided everything into separate categories, this will help me organize what I have to get done in the coming days. First I will start with getting the game up and running, starting on the jump reset, and shooting mechanics so I am able to get a proof of concept out into the world to see if the game would even be fun.
Gameplay from Doom: Eternal
Link to gameplay: https://youtu.be/w5_gH5pMqCE?si=0uaVuUkmqo5gIw62
Looking at some map layouts from the game, there is a lot of winding corridors, which serves the game as it helps you explore, but this isn’t exactly what I am looking for. What I plan on adapting from this is the more linear sections, with potential branching paths, maybe some twists and turns but I don’t want to stop the momentum of the player.
Gameplay from: Crackdown 2
Link to gameplay: https://youtu.be/92w7Fkahufc?si=JCIJRxMT3UZG4Ha4
Some of the inspiration I drawing on is Doom: Eternal. Doom: Eternal has excellent level design and movement. The game really makes you feel like you are rushing through enemies, platforming through levels, breaking down walls, and all is accompanied by an excellent exhilarating soundtrack. This game follows a lot of similar philosophies that I am trying to accomplish in my game, the feeling of speed and agility, with enemies being all around you.
From this gameplay, there is already lots of verticality in the level design as well as speed, from the short dash when the player eliminated an enemy. This is similar to the
Map of “Dawn of the Dead”, Doom: Eternal
From: https://doomwiki.org/wiki/MAP11:_Dawn_of_the_Dead_%28Eternal_Doom%29
I am also looking at Crackdown 2 for inspiration, growing up I would always look back at that game fondly and remember how fun it was to just run and jump and how that felt. I think if I can get that same feeling of momentum in the jumps of my character while adding more forward momentum I can get something really good going.
Creating the main gameplay loop
POSTED SEPTEMBER 24,
2024
BY ABNER SALAZAR
So just trying to put the main concepts in there, this is the main loop the gameplay would be, mostly revolving around the player being alive, getting combo counts, and reaching the end of the level. There is definitely more that can be added like ammo count and such, but this should help me with the start of development. I’m super excited to just get started with Unreal Engine 5 and actually making this game playable.
If you made it this far thank you for reading! See you guys next time!