A downloadable project

For your first project, you are making a game in the style of the "golden age" of arcades using P5.play. The goal is five segments of play that increase difficulty/complexity. (But don't make it too hard! You want me to be able to finish it.)

Dr. S will help with the level-switching code. 

This project is worth 55 points in total.

Foundation: An Interesting Verb 

Games should be based on an "interesting verb" (as we discussed in class). This verb will help shape what your game is about: what mechanics it will need, how you design scenes, and the context for play. 

Don't choose verbs that are merely mechanical in nature like "shoot" or "jump." Instead, think of the little mechanics you built in class from verbs such as clean, dive, grow, and uncover that allowed you to answer "what, how, and why" just based on the verb. 

All verbs must be approved by Dr. S.

Description 

You should decide on your project based on two primary things: (1) would you have fun making it?and (2) do you think it's feasible?

Structure

  • Five "stages" (levels)
  • Each stage is 10-30 seconds long. Do not make them longer.
  • Difficulty should steadily increase through complexity
  • Must include one power-up

To increase difficulty think about how you can modify the "Nishikado motion" attributes of numbers, strength, and timing (or other properties that are appropraite to your game).

If the objective is failed the stage should repeat itself (we'll discuss this more in class).

Controls

Stive to keep your control scheme limited. I'd recommend one of the following:

  • Mouse-only movement
  • Mouse and mouse-click
  • WASD / ↑ ← ↓ → movement
  • WASD / ↑ ← ↓ → + mouse-click
  • WASD / ↑ ← ↓ → + spacebar
  • WASD / ↑ ← ↓ → + [z/x] or [,/.]

Presentation

  • Maximum canvas size of 920px x 920px
  • You can use any graphics you like for the game: MS Paint sprites you made yourself, Kenney art, sprites you got from other games.
  • The game does not need to include sound, though if you want to that would be awesome.

Advanced Techniques

An 'A' grade can be earned by completing one of the following:

  • Stages further broken up into "waves"
  • Majority of sprites use animation
  • Adding design complexity through obstacle behavior or challenge
  • Game uses a start screen, win screen, and resets after a game over or a victory

Submission

  • Playable on your Itch.io page
  • Note any places you got resources for you game: code, art, even tutorials. Always attribute appropriately!
  • Submission must contain a "cover" image (a screenshot from is fine).

You'll need an Itch.io account. (If you already have one from another class, you can use it!) You don't have to use your real name. Need inspiration for an account? Try the Game Studio Name Generator.

You will export your upload your games to your Itch.io page (instructions) to be played online.

More information