Wreck Kitchen (Unreal 3D platformer)

Project Overview:

In "Wreck Kitchen," players are shrunk down to toy-size with the goal of navigating through a kitchen environment, creating chaos and destruction while overcoming platforming challenges. The game emphasizes dynamic interaction, encouraging exploration and creative problem-solving through physics-based destruction and movement mechanics.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics:

• Destruction-focused Gameplay:
  Players earn progress by destroying objects within the kitchen, utilizing physics-driven mechanics to break structures and clear pathways.

• Dynamic Platforming:
  Gameplay includes interactive elements such as springs, moving platforms, giant hammers, and destructible walls, each contributing unique challenges and opportunities for creative traversal.

• Level Design and Navigation:
  Levels were designed with clear visual indicators (color coding, distinct materials) to help players intuitively understand destructible objects and navigate complex routes. Special attention was given to tutorialization through level fragments that introduce mechanics progressively and organically.

My Contributions – Level Design and Mechanics:

• Designed and refined multiple levels, including interactive tutorials that teach players core mechanics like springs, moving platforms, and destruction-based navigation.

• Implemented player guidance systems, utilizing visual cues and carefully structured environments to naturally lead players through challenges.

• Optimized destructible object mechanics ("fractures"), ensuring enjoyable interactions while maintaining performance.

• Responded actively to playtest feedback, making iterative improvements to level layout, clarity of mechanics, and overall gameplay flow.

Key Design Insights:

• Learned to balance complexity and accessibility through iterative feedback, refining mechanics to ensure a smoother player experience.

• Developed strategies to introduce mechanics clearly, gradually increasing challenge while minimizing player frustration through thoughtful level architecture.

Collaboration:

• Worked closely with Davide (level design, mechanics integration), Jiang (additional level optimization), and Jack (asset creation), effectively coordinating responsibilities to deliver a cohesive gameplay experience.

Some Reflections:

The iterative process in developing "Wreck Kitchen" taught me valuable lessons about responsive level design and player-guided iteration. Emphasizing player feedback helped refine intuitive gameplay, reinforcing my approach to thoughtful, iterative development. This experience deepened my understanding of dynamic interaction design and level flow optimization, enriching my skills for future projects.