Phase Run

Role:

Solo Game | Level Designer 

Tools:

• Unreal Engine 5 (Blueprints) 

• Unreal Engine Level Design Tools 

• Basic UI Systems (UMG) 

• Post-Process & Audio Feedback Systems 

Team Size: 1

Mechanic-Driven Level Design 

Phase Run was built around designing levels that teach, reinforce, and challenge a single mechanic. Early stages introduce the phase system in controlled scenarios, while later levels combine moving platforms, timing challenges, and tighter platforming to test player mastery.

Level layouts were structured to ensure players first understand what the mechanic does, then gradually learn when to use it under increasing pressure. The environment itself becomes a dynamic puzzle where pathing changes based on the player's state. 

Player Feedback & Readability 

A key design goal was ensuring the player always understands their current state and the consequences of their actions. Visual effects, UI indicators, material differences, and audio cues were used to clearly communicate when the player is in phase mode. Platform behaviors were designed to be consistent and rule-based, reinforcing player trust in the system.

This clarity ensured that difficulty came from execution and timing, not uncertainty or unclear mechanics.

Difficulty Progression 

Each level was designed to add one new layer of complexity at a time — first static phase platforms, then combining movement with phasing, and finally introducing moving platforms and timing-based challenges. Spacing, jump distances, and platform speed were iterated on to create increasing tension without creating unfair failure states. 

Early Mechanic Confusion 

During early testing, players sometimes struggled to understand why certain platforms were solid at one moment and gone the next. While the underlying logic was correct, the feedback surrounding the mechanic was not strong enough to communicate the rule set clearly. 

Iteration & Solution

To address this, I refined platform materials, introduced post-process state changes, and added UI and audio feedback when switching phase states. I also reworked some level layouts so players could observe the mechanic in action before being tested on it, reinforcing learning through level structure rather than tutorials. 

Result

These changes made the mechanic feel readable and intentional, significantly reducing confusion and allowing later challenges to feel fair and skill-based rather than unpredictable.