[Module 4] Virtual MAX | Project

Virtual MAX


 Platforms: Windows (PC)

Genre: Platformer (Run n' Gun, Action)

Players: Single Player (Story Mode)

Run n' Gun to the MAX!

Guide MAX through his ride in a virtual hub corrupted by a deadly Glitch, in a classic Run n’ Gun experience and nostalgic Synthwave style to complete all the 10 Levels loaded with puzzle events, hectic rush, Boss fights and a futuristic story about MAX & Dr. Kyde’s adventure.

Why create this game?

Virtual MAX was created as an individual study project with the purpose of introducing the author of the game (a student) to new tools and enhance previously acquired knowledge. The artefact had to be idealised and created according to strict specifications documented in an Assignment Brief, allowing the student to develop practical skills in subjects such as Game Design, Production Management and Game Development.

What is unique about the game?

  • Hectic and unforgiving Run n’ Gun with puzzle events
  • Ever-chasing deadly Glitch mechanic
  • Synthwave themed music, narrative and art style

What inspired this game?

  • MegaMan (video game series): throughout the video game titles, MegaMan maintained level design characteristics related to platform layouts and its puzzle mechanics, inspiring the wireframe design for Virtual MAX.
  • Pac-Man 256 (2015): Although not being a platformer, “Pac-Man 256” is the main reference game when analysing the ‘Glitch’ mechanic and how it was developed, influencing Virtual MAX’s flow and difficulty curve. Other games that were considered for the use of a ‘Glitch’-like feature are: Metal Slug X (Mission 2, Aeshi Nero), Crash Bandicoot (Boulders), Rayman Legends (“Dungeon Chase” Level) and Castle Crashers (“Abandoned Mill” Level).
  • Synthwave (musical genre): This electronic musical genre bases itself on the 80s retro-futuristic art, movies and pop culture. Synthwave-based imagery often is related to a strict colour pallet, having black, purple, blue and pink as predominant colours, and textures like neon, chrome and grids.

What is the core experience of the game?

  • Platforming: Being Virtual MAX a 2D platformer, gameplay is built around a character having moving and jumping abilities to navigate the level’s environment, and this constitutes the main mechanic in the game.
  • Glitch: The ever-chasing object scrolls through the level and triggers a fail state for that level if it comes to touch the playable character. The ‘Glitch’ is a core mechanic to the product because it defines how the levels should be constructed, as the final objective is to run away from the lethal threat.
  • Puzzle Events: Virtual MAX is defined not only for its platforming mechanic, but also by event driven activities related to puzzle interactions between special types of platforms, blocks and enemies, serving as obstacles to make the play experience more interesting.
  • Synthwave Theme: The game’s aesthetic style and music are entirely dedicated to resemble the Synthwave genre of Retro-Futuristic art, which is often tied to a cult of digital technology, electronic music and futuristic narrative.

How can the game be played?

  • Movement (Horizontal Axis): Left: A or Left Arrow; Right: D or Right Arrow
  • Jump: Spacebar
  • Shoot: Up Arrow
  • Pause/Resume: Backspace or Escape

Soundtrack

  • Volt Age – Volt’s Theme
  • Mitch Murder – After Hours Run
  • Scandroid – The Veil (Synthatiger Remix) (Instrumental)
  • Dance With the Dead – Screams and Whispers
  • Magic Sword – In The Face Of Evil.
Audio (Soundtrack and SFX) sourced for study-purposed activities only.

Virtual MAX's Wiki Site

Any additional information about the game or its development process can be found at https://virtualmaxgame.weebly.com/ where all the Design considerations and Project Management details are available in an in-depth Wiki format.

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