Project Analysis
Blackout is a puzzle game following a player as they navigate the afterlife completing puzzles and navigating between portals while a timer counts down turning the world into complete darkness.
This project started as a small horror game where the player would avoid wandering AI enemies and navigate the afterlife. However, as the game developed, the gameplay was changed to coincide with the narrative written. The gameplay finds the players completeing puzzles coinciding with the playable characters life and the blackout timer acting as the players life force. If the timer runs out, the player fades into the afterlife and loses.
This project was built using P5.JS a Javascript library used for canvasing and rendering, however every other element of the game was coded and created for the project.
TITLE
BLACKOUT
ENGINE
JAVASCRIPT
TEAM SIZE
1
DURATION
SEP 2020 - MAY 2021
GAMEPLAY GIF
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Designed and created the 2D map layouts using Photoshop.
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Concepted the aesthetic and design of the game to fit the narrative.
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Concepted the gameplay loop with each ability and health/timer mechanics.
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Designed all of the puzzles.
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Wrote an overarching narrative.
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Implemented a small UI displaying health, maps, torches and the timer.
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Created all images, audio and assets used in the game.
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Created semi-random level generation using a series of pre-designed "levels" and merging them in random series.
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Created the portal system, gates/puzzles, orbs and every element using JS/HTML/CSS.
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Created a parralax-esque particle system to give additional depth to the environment.
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Created a basic movement controller with 8 directions the player can move in.
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Conducted user testing with several participants to get feedback.
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Implemented and followed an agile workflow using sprints and backlogs.
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Followed the MDA framework for user testing at the end of a sprint.
Blackout was a chance to gain experience developing a game from scratch. I gained experience in HTML5, Photoshop and the Agile workflow.