SplashShot
OVERVIEW
SplashShot is a first person shooter set inside of a water park, where players will find themselves refilling their guns at water stations, healing up at drying pods, and traversing through the level by sliding at high speeds.
The main game mode for this arena is a classic 5 versus 5 team death-match with matches lasting up to 10 minutes long.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
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To Implement Level Mechanics which will guide players through the arena such as Ammo Stations, Healing Pods and Traversal Methods
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To create an arena that promotes close quarter combat with Fast Paced Game-play, similar to DOOM multiplayer
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Provide the sense that the player feels like a child Navigating Around a Water Park
LEVEL MECHANICS
Blue is identified as Ammo. Water tanks located around the arena are needed to refill guns
Orange is identified as Health. Players can heal up by drying themselves inside of a drying pod
Green is identified as Movement. Players are able to quickly traverse through the level by using slides
Red is identified as Level Hazard. These are stationary mechanics that can be used to take out players
LEVEL PACING
Whilst documenting the 'how' and 'why' to my design process, there were 3 main rules that greatly contributed towards forming the fast paced game-play I set out to achieve, these were:
(1) - Push Forward Combat
Also known as 'Combat Chess', is described as a method of encouraging players to constantly be moving forward when attacking enemies.
This was achieved by ensuring that at every intersection or junction, players are clearly presented with 2 or more routes in front of them and to design pathways not to loop or curve around backwards.
Within the same frame, players are presented with 2 possible routes which they can take next
Example of how the direction of each pathway encourages the player to move forward rather than back
(2) - Minimal Cover
Providing players with a limited amount of cover further increases the incentive to keep players on the move during combat encounters, similar to how a real life water gun fight would play out.
(3) - Short Lines of Sight
Another aspect that contributes to creating a real life water gun fight is the presence of close quarter combat. The below screenshot talks through how one area has been designed a certain way to promote this game-play
NAVIGATION
To balance exploration with intuitive navigation, I designed clear pathways and distinct focal points, helping players feel oriented while still offering the impression of multiple areas to discover
Spawn Points
A Spawn = Relaxation area (Sunbeds/Jacuzzi/bar)
B Spawn = Communal Area (Entrance/Toilets/Lockers)
Slides
Slide A = Spiral ramp with tipping water bucket hazard
Slide B = Vertical Staircase with large balcony area
Underground Tunnel
Entrance A = Nature Assets (Plant Pots/Rocks)
Entrance B = Industrial assets (Benches/Boxes)
