MIX HERO

Inspiration

The project was inspired by our enjoyment of merge-based defense games. We wanted to create a fast-paced experience where players memorize merge combinations, position units according to their roles, and make constant strategic decisions within a short 10-minute session.

What it does

MIX HERO is a strategic build-up tower defense game where players randomly summon heroes and equipment each wave, merge them in real time, and defend against enemy forces through unique synergy combinations. Real-Time Merge Defense: Uses an intuitive and proven merge system based on the formula 1★ + 1★ = 2★. Dual Synergy System: Players must strategically combine both heroes and equipment, creating deeper gameplay decisions. Randomness & Adaptation: Using a single resource called Soul, players summon heroes and equipment while adapting to ever-changing situations. Strong Replayability: Defeats feel like missed strategic opportunities rather than unfair losses, creating a strong "One More Round" motivation.

How we built it

We designed and analyzed a system consisting of 35 heroes and 48 equipment items, ensuring that merge paths remain diverse and balanced. Considerable effort was spent designing how heroes, equipment, and synergies interact with one another to create a cohesive strategic experience.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was character design. Because the game contains a large roster of heroes, it was difficult to make each character memorable and appealing without relying on extensive story content. Since character appeal is closely tied to player immersion, we invested significant time refining the visual identity of each hero.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

One of our greatest accomplishments was finding a compelling answer to the question: "What motivates players to immediately start another run after completing an intense 10-minute defense session?" Our solution was to organically connect the in-game tower defense experience with an out-of-game Gacha and Encyclopedia (Codex) progression system. Rather than simply clearing stages, players are encouraged to pursue long-term goals by collecting new heroes, discovering hidden synergies, and experimenting with different builds. As a result, MIX HERO delivers a unique experience that combines the high-pressure strategic tension of tower defense gameplay with the sense of achievement found in completing a collection-based RPG codex, giving players strong motivation to keep playing and exploring new possibilities.

What we learned

As the game expanded to include 35 heroes, 48 equipment items, and numerous synergy combinations, we quickly realized how rapidly the number of possible interactions grows. To manage this complexity, we structured all gameplay data into CSV-based tables from the earliest stages of development. We also learned the importance of carefully designing the power curve from 1★ units to legendary 5★ units, ensuring players experience a clear and satisfying sense of progression.

What's next for MIX HERO

We believe great games are created when story, art, music, and gameplay systems work together in harmony. At this stage, our primary goal was to validate the core gameplay experience built around Random Summoning and Merge-Based Progression. In future development phases, we plan to expand the game's world-building, story, and character narratives while combining them with high-quality art and sound design. Our goal is to evolve MIX HERO beyond a strategic tower defense game and transform it into a memorable narrative experience that players can emotionally connect with.