The 1 week dive into exploring the
horror-genre
Greetings, fellow developers! Today, I'm excited to delve into the design process behind a horror game I've been working on called Portal Roulette. This project was not only a chance for me to explore the genre but also an opportunity to experiment with some unique gameplay mechanics inspired by the likes of Buckshot Roulette.
At its core, Portal Roulette challenges players to navigate through terrifying encounters using a blend of strategy and luck. But let's focus on the standout feature of the second level: the Buckshot Roulette-inspired system.
In this level, players are armed with a gun loaded with a mix of live rounds and blanks. When it's their turn, they must decide whether to take a shot at themselves or the menacing creature lurking in the shadows. However, there's a catch: if they choose to target themselves and hit a live, they suffer a significant health penalty.
To add depth to this mechanic, I introduced a subtle but crucial element: the lighter. Through hints scattered in the first level, players are encouraged to equip the lighter, which in turn dramatically reduces the likelihood of accidentally shooting themselves. Conversely, venturing into the darkness without the lighter increases the odds of self-inflicted harm, elevating the tension and challenge for players.
From a technical standpoint, this involved adjusting probabilities within the game's code. Equipping the lighter effectively decreases the chances of hitting oneself while simultaneously increasing the likelihood of hitting the monster, providing players with a strategic advantage.
This project served as a valuable learning experience for me, allowing me to explore the intricacies of horror game design and experiment with innovative gameplay mechanics. While horror may not be my primary focus, the development of Portal Roulette was a rewarding journey that pushed the boundaries of my skills as a game developer.
So, to my fellow developers, I encourage you to embrace experimentation and draw inspiration from unexpected sources. Who knows what terrifying delights you may uncover in the process? Until next time, happy coding and may your games thrill and chill players in equal measure.