Blog Post 6: Video Game Prototype
I worked on a platformer game called Yump Man with my partner, Scott Ahearn. I was the programmer while Scott did the artwork. This game was modeled after Mario. We came up with the idea of simple mechanics but all the challenges will be from the levels itself. Our character has only a single jump, however, getting through the obstacles are all about timing. Jump height is dependent on how long you hold the jump key so there are mini jumps/half jumps needed to add some variation.
The arrow keys are all you need to move in this game. I added spacebar option as well for anyone who is more comfortable using that to jump instead of the up arrow key. Yump Man’s goal is to reach the end flag points with the most minimal deaths. You die when you get hit by the black void chasing you, or when you fall off the map. In the latest Yump Man, I have now included 3 total stages. In each level design I wanted to incorporate a different feel and I had to scale the black void’s pressure of chasing you according to the difficulty. In the future, I would like to add monsters and moving platforms to add some more spice into the simple, yet challenging game.
Play the game here: http://vannakittikun.com/old/YumpMan
Or Download here: http://vannakittikun.com/old/YumpMan/YumpMan.exe