Role
Level Designer
Game Designer
8 months
Platform
Windows
Engine
Unity
Info
Third Person Shooter
Arena Combat
Stealth
Release
N/A
Key Contributions
-
Core game pillars
-
Combat & stealth mechanic design
-
Modular creature mechanic
-
3D level design
-
Design Documentation
-
Hosting playtesting sessions
Game Pillars
The core design pillars of the game are "Predator & Prey, Customization, and Easy to Pickup but Hard to Master." This is reflected in gameplay with fast-paced arena combat where players are both hunters and the hunted, utilizing simple mechanics that have a low entry floor but high skill ceiling. Paired with customizable deep sea monsters with interchangeable parts, the gameplay is both familiar yet unique.
Level Design & Greyboxing
Emphasis is placed on verticality in levels, to promote gameplay utilizing all three axis of movement. This also reinforces the underwater, deep sea aspect of the game. Areas become more narrowed, dark, and filled with cover the deeper a player dives. Coral is also used to help aid in player navigation of the level, and in some cases may be strategically used in game play as a red herring to divert enemy attention from the bioluminescent glow of the player escaping.
Cave systems allow for the break of sightlines, giving players alternative routes during gameplay. Rock pillars and seaweed in the lower levels of caves also aid in breaking up sightlines and providing cover for players. The level also utilizes the natural curve of the two opposing fissures on the bottom most level, to produce curves in the level that help direct players to the center of the map.
Modular Creature & Combat Mechanics
One of the key features that sets Chimeras apart from other shooters is the customization of interchangeable parts. Which allows players to create unique sea monsters with both statistical and cosmetic differences. These differences can directly impact gameplay and as such gives players the freedom to tailor their play style and experience. We developed three unique creatures sets with different gameplay focuses; speed, attack, and defense.