Cascade
Role: Level and Technical Designer
Genre: Action-RPG
Date: 2024
Engine: Unreal Engine 5.2
Link: Watch on YouTube!
Cascade was a solo project developed to upskill myself on blocking out level geometry and implementing game mechanics in-engine using Unreal Engine 5.2. The project was inspired by isometric action-RPGs such as Death’s Door and Tunic.
The core feature of the game is that the level geometry builds itself as the player explores the map, inspired by the game Bastion. To implement this, I created geometry blocks that were modular and could be easily placed in-editor to build the critical path the player must follow. When the player hits certain triggers placed in the level, the blocks ‘cascade’ ahead of the player to signpost the next explorable section. I chose this mechanic as it creates a natural sense of curiosity in the player, while also taking advantage of the blocky low-poly asset pack I used for the initial level blockout.
In addition to the level design, I also worked on all the technical and gameplay implementation aspects of the prototype, including the various enemy NPCs scattered throughout the level. Each enemy featured various states and behaviours based on unique AI behaviour trees and tasks they were assigned. The goal of this portion of the project was to get more familiar with using Unreal Engine’s blueprints, which was a success. The project was hugely beneficial in upskilling my design and technical knowledge, and it set me up for success when later working in-engine during DARE Academy and beyond.