Into The Stars

A 2D obstacle-based platformer game built using AWS Q Developer and AWS Polly.

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Project Story: A Short Platformer Game with Unique Mechanics

Inspiration and Concept

While brainstorming ideas, we realized we wanted to create a platformer featuring diverse mechanics, such as innovative traps and movement techniques, but with a fresh and engaging narrative.

Key References

Some of our biggest inspirations included:

  • Downwell
  • Geometry Dash
  • N++

Our goal was to build a short, 5-10 minute game with a complete story.

Learning and Tools

We explored and utilized various AWS services, gaining insights into:

  • AWS Q Developer: A prompt-based programming assistant.
  • AWS SDK Integration with Unity: Although we explored this, we found it less useful for our project.
  • AWS Polly: Used for generating NPC voices.

We learned about project scope, identifying what to include and what to cut, and realized the importance of simplicity in art style and graphics.

Development Process

Our project was primarily built using:

  • Unity: For game development.
  • AWS Polly: For creating NPC voices.
  • AWS Q Developer: For programming assistance.

Step-by-Step Development

  1. Brainstorming and Referencing

    • Gathered references and defined the aesthetic and mechanics of our game.

  2. Prototyping

    • Developed a sample level showcasing traps, mechanics, and gimmicks.

  3. Level Creation

    • Designed 5 progressively challenging levels.
    • Integrated UI elements and narrative segments between levels.
    • Maintained a consistent aesthetic and feel throughout.

  4. Efficiency and Organization

    • Leveraged prefabs and followed strict organizational practices.
    • Created levels iteratively to refine the design and gameplay experience.

Challenges Faced

Communication and Planning

  • Balancing the project with the busy holiday season posed challenges.
  • Strong communication and teamwork helped us stay aligned and efficient.

Scope Management

  • Some ambitious ideas, such as additional mechanics and levels, had to be cut due to design constraints.
  • Despite these limitations, we delivered a fully fleshed-out game.

Final Outcome

We are proud of what we achieved:

  • A short, story-driven platformer with polished mechanics and visuals.
  • A testament to teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.
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