Miguel Martinez Olivares

The Monster: A Unity 2D Metroidvania Adventure

Overview

«The Monster» is a 2D Metroidvania action-adventure game I developed independently, exploring the full spectrum of game development skills. As a self-motivated project, I handled all aspects of game creation, from agile development methodologies to art and programming. The game, inspired by classics like Hollow Knight and Metroid, follows a ninja on a quest to defeat an ancient evil, blending action, adventure, and exploration.

The Monster Map

Story and Characters

The narrative unfolds through a traditional Japanese storytelling style, introducing players to the legend of an ancient evil monster once trapped by a legendary ninja. Players assume the role of a ninja protagonist, embarking on a journey to defeat this monster and restore peace. The game’s world is populated with a variety of non-playable characters, each contributing to the rich lore and narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Exploration and Puzzle-solving: Players navigate interconnected environments, uncovering hidden areas and secrets, and solving puzzles.
• Combat: A blend of melee and ranged combat using traditional ninja weapons against diverse enemies.
• Abilities and Power-ups: Unique abilities like water smash, fire smash, and air dash, and power-ups to enhance the player’s capabilities.
• Open-World Structure: An expansive world with interconnected regions and areas locked behind ability-based progressions.

Development Highlights

• Full-Stack Development: Managed programming, system design, tools development, and game design documents.
• AI Programming: Crafted AI for regular enemies and boss fights, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
• Balancing: Ensured balanced gameplay through meticulous enemy design and game mechanics adjustments.
• Art and Design: Developed art assets and employed 2D rendering techniques like parallax scrolling to create depth, Unity timeline and animations, and Particle systems.

Technologies and Skills

• Engine: Developed using Unity2D.
• Programming: Scripted in C#, incorporating agile methodologies and self-driven project management.
• Art: Handcrafted art assets and environment designs.
• User Interface: Designed a minimalistic UI for an unobtrusive gameplay experience.

Control Scheme and User Interface

• Controls: Supports game controller or keyboard and mouse, with intuitive controls for movement, combat, and ability activation.
• UI: Features a health bar, energy bar, map, and ability icons, providing crucial information seamlessly.

Difficulty Levels and Progression

• Difficulty Levels: Adjustable difficulty settings to cater to different player skills.
• Progression System: XP-based leveling system for health, energy, and ability enhancements.

«The Monster» represents a culmination of my skills in game design, programming, art, and project management, culminating in a compelling Metroidvania experience.