Hello_World (Original Game)

Jason Leary, Level Designer / Scripter

Hello World (Original Game)

Game: Hello_World
Level: System Boot
Editor: Unreal Engine 4

Duration: 7 weeks
Hours: 180

Game & Level Designer

Designed and Scripted all original mechanics (Slow Motion & Jump Jets)
Designed and Scripted all gameplay (Collectible Logs, Riding Air Flow, and Hacking Mini-Game)
Designed and Scripted all gameplay sequences (Searchlight Stealth Sequence, Laser Avoidance Sequence, Jump Jets Sequence, and Trash Crusher Sequence)
Scripted all cinematic sequences
Level Construction (Solids, Lighting, and Static Mesh Selection and Placement)
Art Creation (Collectibles, Collectible Text Screens, Slow Motion HUD Overlay, Title Screen and End Game Screen, all signs throughout the level, Forcefield shader effect, Light Shaft Material, Hephaes-Tech Logos, and the model, unwrap, and texture for the Welder bot)
Wrote all dialogue & text

Hello_World - Playable First Level

Hello_World Dropbox Download

Instructions

This download is for Windows 64 bit
Once downloaded, go into the "WindowsNoEditor" folder, and double click the "Game_HelloWorld" executable (.exe file) to start the game
After you've finished playing, you can quit the game by pressing "Esc"

Controls

Hello_World is for Controller ONLY!

Movement - Left Stick
Camera - Right Stick
Jump - A Button
Jump Jets - Right Trigger
Slow Motion (Once Obtained) - Left Trigger

Level Overview

“System Boot” is a single player level for the original 3-D platform game Hello_World built using Epic’s Unreal Engine 4. The level presents the player with a series of challenges designed to teach them the core mechanics of the game including hacking, slowing their descent using jump jets, utilizing fans for boost, and overclocking the A.I.’s processor to slow the world around her. As the level begins, E1-13 also known as “Ellie” boots up. A scientist named Dr. Cearn claims to be her creator and explains that she is the first of her kind, a fully self-aware artificial intelligence. He warns her that because she is different, she is in danger and must escape from Hephaes-Tech. Scared, confused, and alone Ellie obeys the voice in her head as the doctor guides Ellie safely through the treacherous journey.

Design Goals

Introduce each new mechanic, teach the players to use the mechanic, and then ramp up the difficulty smoothly

Each new mechanic is introduced in a safe environment to give players an opportunity to practice. They are then required to use each mechanic at least twice in that safe environment before they are able to move on to to greater challenges with more danger.
The introduction of each mechanic is paced so that the player never feels overwhelmed

Utilize those mechanics in new and interesting ways

There is a Quick Time Event (QTE) mini-game tied to the hacking that makes the player an active participant when hacking consoles
A tense sequence with lasers moving down a corridor towards the player, challenges them to use their slow motion and avoid the beams
There is a jump puzzle above an active laser grid that challenges players to use the skills they've acquired up to that point
The jump jets allow skilled players to reach optional collectible logs placed off the critical path
The player is required to use their slow motion ability near the end of the level to avoid the trash chompers in the waste disposal area

Guide the player through the level without the use of navigation nodes