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Underpass

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Project Introduction

‘Underpass’ is a 3D side scroller. The player must find their way through the level, themed around an underground city.

 

To help a trapped inhabitant of 'the underpass' escape, the player must find a set of keys dotted around the world.

 

This level features a number of new mechanics; two of the most prevalent being elevator pads and acid bombs, which fall onto the player from above.

 

The project also included work on:

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  • Different Classes of AI Enemies

  • Cutscenes

  • Alternate routes through the level

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The biggest challenge regarding the design of the level, from more of a design point of view, was the balancing of the enemy AI to provide a challenging but not irritating experience.

 

Although initially too weak to challenge the player, the AI were balanced by;

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  • Splitting the NPCs into formations so that melee units could block the player, giving the ranged units behind them more time to deal damage
     

  • Placing ranged NPCs in more difficult to reach spots, to allow them more time to damage the player

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The design of the level also included many different elements:
 

  • Lots of verticality

  • Multiple pathways to the end of the level, each with different enemy configurations

  • Damage volumes and obstacles

  • Small side quests, such as finding a key to unlock a door

  • Shorter routes had more difficult enemies whereas longer routes contained easier enemy types

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