Space Defenders
An arcade inspired game
In August 2022, I teamed up with a friend to embark on an exciting game development endeavor called Space Defenders. This project was our entry for the GameOff Gamejam 2022, which revolved around the theme of 'Clichés.' Drawing inspiration from the cliché 'The bigger they are, the harder they fall,' we set out to create an arcade-inspired survival game.
Throughout the course of this project, typical of game jams, I took on multiple roles and responsibilities. I was primarily responsible for game production, coding the project, and crafting pixel art assets. Additionally, I documented the development process by creating a YouTube video to provide insights into our journey.
Engaging in game development is a passion of mine, particularly during my free time. Participating in game jams like the GameOff Gamejam allows me to challenge myself, enhance my development skills, deepen my understanding of C#, and above all, have a blast while doing so.
Year
2022
Category
Game Development
Role
Pixelartist and programmer
Made for
GameOff Gamejam
A yearly Gamejam hosted on Itch.io, with the theme for the year 2022 being 'Cliché'
Tools and stack
Unity, Aseprite, C#
Brainstorming
As soon as the gamejam commenced and the theme 'clichés' was unveiled, we delved into an exhilarating brainstorming session. Given the broad and captivating nature of the theme, we generated numerous ideas. Eventually, considering the time constraints and our expertise at the time, we settled on developing an arcade-style game centered around the popular cliché 'the bigger they are, the harder they fall.'
Space Defenders
We aptly named our creation 'Space Defenders' to encapsulate its setting in outer space. The title also pays homage to the classic arcade game 'Space Invaders,' aligning with the arcade style we aimed to achieve. In Space Defenders, players must navigate a series of platforms, avoiding incoming meteorites. Along the way, strategically placed power-ups aid their survival in the treacherous cosmic environment.
Development Kickoff
To emulate the weightless sensation of space, I meticulously crafted the game's code, ensuring players experienced responsive yet floaty controls. I also implemented platform mechanics that offered satisfying responsiveness when leaping on top or passing through them. Pixel art assets, including meteorites and power-up icons, were personally designed to bring the game to life. While the player sprite originated from a royalty-free spritesheet, all other visuals were custom-made.
Finalizing Development
In the later stages, I focused on integrating the power-up functionality, integrating sprites into the game, fine-tuning the meteorite spawner code to provide better control over variables, and incorporating royalty-free music and sound effects. Additionally, I crafted visually appealing menus and buttons that seamlessly blended with the game's overall aesthetic. Once all these elements harmonized, I proudly uploaded the game to Itch.io for the world to enjoy.
