The Incredible Adventures of Austin Power
Experience the adventures of Austin Powers and his friend Tammy in this action-packed 3D platformer filled with cinematics.
Team: Solo Project
Role: Game & Level Designer, Programmer, 3D Animator
Timeline: September 2021 – October 2021 (4 Weeks)
Tools Used: Unity Engine (C#), Adobe Photoshop, Mixamo, Sketchfab
Platform: PC
Project Goals
1. Programming an AI system using the A-star algorithm.
2. Interacting with objects using the Ray Cast method.
3. Designing cinematic voice-over cutscenes for an enjoyable single-player experience.
4. Producing an optimized demo version of the game.
Gameplay
Level Design
Core Design Challenges
During the prototyping stage, I came across various difficulties in designing an environment that would fit the tone of the game. The core challenges included:
1. Integrating cutscenes into gameplay. (Animation issues)
2. Designing mini games in the environment.
3. Creating traversal techniques to navigate through the level.
How did I tackle these challenges?
1. I created cutscene animations from scratch and voiced the characters in the game myself.
2. I gave the player gadgets like a toy sword for combat and a fidget spinner for traversal to greater heights.
3. I planted some Easter eggs in the environment for the player to discover.
Top-Down View
Environment Design
Game Design
Core Mechanics
1. Traversal
The main logic behind the design was to give the player a fun experience while he traverses the room environment, like in the Toy Story movies. I included:
1. The fidget spinner to fly around.
2. Front flip jumps
2. Combat
The toy sword unlocks the combat mechanics of the game. The player has to collect the sword to be able to fight the lizard knight and win the game. His health bar is displayed on the top left side of the screen, and to regain his health, the player would have to collect medicine placed around the environment. The sword animations have a three-hit combo mode.
3. AI/NPC
During the development of AI traversal, I used the A-star algorithm as I felt it was most suited for the project and I wanted to try something I hadn’t done before. There are three types of AI in-game:
1. Companion
Helps the player by providing him with information on enemy locations.
2. Lizard Knight
He is the final boss of the game and attacks the player when disturbed. If defeated, the player will win the game.
3. Spider
The spider will attack the player when interacted with, and the only way to beat him is to push him inside a container and close it.
Outcomes
What did I learn?
1. Creating in-game cutscenes with full voice acting.
2. Using the environment to create fun narratives.
3. Making interactable objects in the world.
4. Using A-star algorithm to create Navmesh.
