Space Roller is a fast paced platforming puzzle game in which player must navigate their way to the goal. Each level is designed to be short as this is a casual game. Each level has its own obstacles as well as an optional collectible as an added challenge.
Genre: Puzzle/Platformer
Engine: Unreal Engine 4.26
Team size: 1
Engine: Unreal Engine 4.26
Team size: 1
My Role
My role is to create functional levels that include a variety of interesting game elements that are intuitive to players as there is no tutorial. I wanted each level to feel unique and easily completable but add a collectible to add an extra level of difficulty. I also paced the levels to become increasingly difficult by combining game objects in later levels.
Initial Design Intentions
The game initially started off as a cube that had the ability to bounce off of certain objects but the levels did not flow very well. I later changed it to a ball as being able to gain momentum on slopes was a lot more fun than just simply jumping. I also wanted the levels to be short so that they appeal to casual players. I decided that adding a timer to each level entices more hardcore players to replay the level for a faster time.
Game Objects
The Goal
The goal is located at the end of each level. Players need to roll into the hole to proceed to the next level. The goal can be easily located on each level by its glowing green flag. I reserved the color green for the goal so players can know which direction to head in when they see its green glow.
Edge Guards
Edge guards are raised edges to help keep the player from falling off the edge. These also help give the player an idea of where to go as often times edges without a guard lead to the intended path. These are easy to see by their pink glow.
Bumpers
Bumpers push the player back when the player collides with them. They are often located near edges to knock the player off the level sending them back to the beginning. They are easily distinguished as they are the only game object that is red.
Ramps
Ramps are an easy way for players to cross gaps. They rely on the player having enough momentum to launch off of. Depending on how much momentum the player has, they can control how much distance or height they gain.
Moving Platforms
Moving platforms are platforms that will go back and forth on a set path. Players might need to ride these to cross large gaps. These platforms are defined by their yellow color.
Rotating Platforms
These platforms will rotate in place. they can be used to gain momentum or as a challenging way to cross gaps. They are defined by their cyan color.
Launchers
Launchers fling players across great distances. They are a great way to gain a lot of speed and height. Players will need to roll into them to be launched.
Suns
Suns are a collectible that players can pass through to collect. They are an extra challenge for players as some are hidden or in hard to reach places.
Level Showcase
Level 10 Game Moments
Game Moment 1
The player can immediately see the goal as soon as they are dropped into the level, which will help them orientate themselves throughout the level. The player should also notice that the ledge located ahead does not have a guard so they should feel inclined to approach it. Once at the edge, they will see the staircase and know to head down.
Game Moment 2
The player will need to continue down the stairs while maintaining a proper speed or else they might roll off the edges.
Game Moment 3
Once down the stairs the player will be faced with a large gap. They will need to cross this by moving across a set of three moving platforms.
Game Moment 4
The player needs to roll on top of the cube when it is down in order to be launched into the air and land into the goal.
Full Level Playthrough
More Levels
