Project Groups 2008-2009 - Mark Henderson & Ben Kantor

• Intuitive Rocket Science (Game) (Mark Henderson & Ben Kantor)
  
       [Abstract] | [Project Blog]  | [Proposal] | [Final Report] | [Final Presentation]
  
  

Abstract

Platforming has been a cornerstone of the video game industry since the early 1980's, and has existed in many different forms, from the classic side scrolling Mario Bros to the Free Running simulation Mirror's Edge. Platforming as a gameplay mechanic has been included in many genres, and has been adapted and changed for each genre.

One of these adaptations, that of using explosions to launch the player long distances (rocket jumping), has received very little professional attention, and is generally only accessible to people playing online multiplayer first person shooters like Team Fortress 2 and Unreal Tournament. Rocket jumping is usually a quick way to trade a player's health for an advantageous position behind enemy lines, but in every game it is well supported a group of players begin to create specific maps designed around this mechanic.

This project will, for the first time, create a platforming game based around rocket jumping. To make it more interesting and challenging, the game will be set in a stylized space environment similar to the setting of Mario Galaxy, allowing level designers to employ dynamic gravity and small planetoids.

The project's dedication to platforming over combat will allow for several other improvements for players. Aside from optimized controls and less inadvertent suiciding, players of Intuitive Rocket Science, the Game will enjoy alternatives to static maps with challenge after challenge. A survival mode will have players fleeing from imminent death over an endless field of procedurally generated planetoids, and if time permits a co-op mode will allow two players to complete jumps impossible to accomplish alone.

Advisors: Dr. Norm Badler and Dr. Stephen Lane