Sanctuary
Project Type:
Engine Used:
Language Used:
Primary Role(s):
Project Length:
Solo Project
Unreal Engine 4.27
Blueprints
Game and Level Designer
Created in 6 weeks
Sanctuary is a game I created for my Action Adventure & RPG Level Design course where we had to create a game that took place in a modern-style abandoned train station. We were given two concept art images of a utility closet and a ticket booth and were required to include the images somewhere in our level design concept. This was my first project where I learned about level design and creating games in Unreal Engine, so I created a game where aliens have invaded earth and are patrolling the subway. The player wakes up after their train derails and crashes, and has to find a way to escape the abandoned train station by avoiding enemies and crafting a laser cutter to cut their way through the escape door.
Game Creation Process
Game Design
Throughout this class I learned how to create level design documents, top-down maps, asset lists, level time-lines, and reference sheets when creating the concept for a level. Our only requirements were we had to include rooms from two concepts images we were given, which were the ticket booth room and the utility closet. I came up with a backstory for the game involving aliens invading the planet which causes the player's train car they were riding in to derail and crash. The player is an engineer and has to find pieces scattered around the subway to craft a laser cutter so they can escape to the streets above.
Level Design Document
Top-down Map, Time-line, and Reference Sheet
Level Design
This was my first class I took on level design so we spent about 6 weeks learning what constitutes good level design, and what does not. I learned about how to create detailed block mesh with Unreal's brushes and static meshes, and designing an interesting player path with enough scripted level events to keep the player engaged. I tried to make the environment feel dark and abandoned like it would in an apocalypse-like event.
Level Design Screenshots
Scripting
The scripting for this project was very basic level triggers, as this was my first project I created in Unreal Engine I was still learning how to script. Most of the objects in the game are triggered by the player walking in to them to activate something. Comparing this project's scripting to how far I've come with my Thesis Project is complete night and day for my scripting capabilities.
Level Event Scripting
Project Take-Aways
This was my first level design project and the first project I used Unreal Engine to create a game. We spent about half the semester working on this project and I learned many useful skills from my professor about level design and working with Unreal Engine. I often use this project as a benchmark to see how far I have developed my skills, comparing this project to my thesis project that I also created in Unreal Engine, that are just completely night and day apart.