Velociball Design
The initial practice area for the San Francisco Dragon's Velociball team was carefully designed to provide players an opportunity to test and practice all the mechanics associated with playing the game. The verticality of the map encourages players to use their jet pack with both moving and stationary platforms that help players improve their skill and master navigation. The scoring walls, positioned at either side of the area, are easily identifiable as targets, and the point values highlighted at the center of each effectively communicates to the player how much each target is worth. The different point sizes and values of the goals encourages players to master throwing with telekinesis in order to score the highest point value possible. Since, this is a practice arena, players practicing their telekinesis are able to shoot at goals at either side of the arena. This functionality allows players to focus their attention on whichever skill they are looking to practice, whether it be jet pack navigation or telekinesis throwing.
In an actual two-team Velociball game, the design of the arena provides an interesting and balanced play space with plenty of opportunities for big plays on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
In an actual two-team Velociball game, the design of the arena provides an interesting and balanced play space with plenty of opportunities for big plays on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Gameplay Map
Gameplay map side view
(1 Grid Square = 1 Meter)
Gameplay Map Overhead View (1 Grid Square = 1 Meter)
Level flow summary
- Once the player arrives in the practice arena, the Velociball drops into the play space and the game is on.
- The player rushes towards the ball to close the distance, as soon as it is within reach of their telekinetic ability, a blue highlight appears around the ball, and the player lifts the ball into the air.
- Using their jetpack, the player flies high into the air, quickly expending fuel but manages to land on one of the third level platforms where he waits for his jetpack’s fuel to refill.
- Once charged, the player again uses his jetpack to cross to the center of the arena where he expertly navigates himself to land on the floating platform moving from side to side.
- Now in an excellent position, the player uses his telekinesis to throw the ball at the goal, but the player’s aim is off and the ball bounces off the outer rim.
- While still on the moving platform, the player watches the ball come back to him and with expert timing, catches the ball in midair with his telekinesis ability.
- The player again uses his jetpack to reposition himself on one of the highest platforms along the left side of the arena and closest to goals.
- Having lost confidence from his missed shot, the player takes aim at one of the larger goals time and throws the ball with his mind.
- It is a perfect shot! The ball sails into the goal and bursts into flames. Multicolored fireworks along the side of the arena fire off, showering the play space in beautiful sparks of light. A loud celebratory horn sounds and two points appear on the player’s score total at the top, center of the screen.
- There is an audible pop as a new Velociball spawns into the center of the arena for the drop and the player moves to collect the new ball.
Scoring wall
The Scoring Wall is made up of many different targets of various sizes. The smaller the target, the more points it's worth to the player, encouraging players to take a chance on the smaller goals. (1 Grid Square = 1 Meter)
Jump difficulty map
The Jump Difficulty Map shows the skill necessary to use the jetpack to reach each of the platforms. Difficult ranges from 1 being the easiest to 4 being the most difficult.