Do or Die
Project Type: Platforming Game
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Studio: Low Rollers
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Date: March 2024 - May 2024
Location: UCF
Contribution: Designed levels, implemented UI, and programmed and implemented triggered events for dialogue.
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Do or Die is a platforming game where you play as Dicehead, a former magician who gambled all of his riches and soul away at the casino. Learn to use Dicehead’s magic dice throw abilities with the guidance of his old performing partner Stache to navigate through this casino of magic and mystery, and reclaim what was lost in this thrilling platforming adventure!
Gambling
A core mechanic in Do or Die is the concept of gambling. The player must activate objects by throwing their head, also rolling the dice in the process. Rolling a 1 will damage the player. In this level, the player must choose between a more difficult path or a shorter path that requires the player to roll the dice using their health as a currency.
Cameras
This room, designed to act as a security room, has live cameras which relay information to the player. In this image, upon activating a button a door off-screen will open; this will be shown to the player diegetically through cameras. I use cameras in this fashion throughout the game, so the player is accustomed to the cameras highlighting important information.
Boss Fight
In the finale of Do or Die, the player goes up against their partner, the one who was guiding them through the game. The narrative is explained through dialogue, which progresses as the player completes this level. The player can complete this level in any order, and the dialogue pacing will match the player's choice.
Boss Mechanics
This is how the player will fight against the boss. During the climb up the platforming challenges located on either side of the arena, the player will need to dodge projectiles thrown by the boss. Upon reaching the end of the course, the player will need to hit a lever to damage the boss. After, they will need to traverse to the other side of the arena while dodging projectile attacks thrown by the boss.
The Player's Point of View
This is how players see the boss fight. The purple puffs of smoke are used throughout the game to indicate an object that can be interacted with by throwing your head. Once hit, the magically floating dollar signs will flip to act as platforms. The slot machine's levers also have these targets, which damage the boss when activated.
Reflection
Looking back on this project is always productive. This was my first time working with a group sizeable enough to have independent departments on a project large enough to split tasks among multiple members. Communication was essential to piece together different aspects of this project, such as keeping the design consistent throughout the game. I expanded my skillset while making Do or Die, and I see that I was comfortable doing so.
If there could only be one thing I learned from this project, it would be to make sure everyone is on the same page. That was the reason the game turned out so well. The team would always be of one mind before moving forward with a decision, and it kept the game continuous and polished.