Our alpha test was the first 3D version of our game shown to the class. For this test we focused on our two historical time periods that the player travels to, which is the Middle Ages and Ancient Egypt. A 3D world was built for each of these levels that can be explored by moving around, jumping, and using the camera controls to navigate.
The enemy AI is still a work in progress. For testing purposes, animated Knights were placed in the Middle Ages level as placeholders.
To move on to the next level, you have to explore the level and successfully collect 3 pieces of food that are randomly spawned around the world out of several possible spawn locations. A portal then opens on a designated spot and allows you to continue. The enemy AI is still a challenge, but ultimately the enemies as well as Professor T will chase you throughout the level creating intensity and a time crunch for the player. Originally we had planned for the user to play as a dog, but the amount of hopping that is done in the gameplay made us decide to have the character be a bunny instead. With this was a rebranding of our game name as well- Time Hopper.
Here is the link to play the Alpha version of our game:
We got lots of feedback from the many players that tried out our game in alpha testing, which shaped what we wanted to work on next. The 3 most important pieces we decided to focus on for the next version of the game were:
- Get enemy AI working
- Improve camera (currently you use Q and E keys to turn left or right 90 degrees)
- Add extra UI elements to make game easier, such as an indicator for helping find the portal and an indicator for how many pieces of food you have left to find
Some things that are working well and were well liked in the alpha playtest:
- 3D world exploration
- Audio (jumping, bouncing, collecting food, etc)
Luc is currently working on improving the camera and adding the UI elements, as well as developing and building the levels further. Gio is working on the enemy AI, and Chance is working on level design research and designing our website.
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