Independent Psychological Horror Game
Game Design
Faced with a challenging job market after being laid off from my previous job, I decided to embark on a journey to create a short game. The Island is a Psychological Horror Game where I try to pay homage to the classic survival horror games from the 32-bit era.
Level Design
The goal was to construct a compact, atmospheric environment that encourages exploration and puzzle-solving while maintaining a strong sense of dread. The level should provide sufficient space for player agency but be constrained in scope to allow for completion within a three-month development cycle. The design goal is to create a psychologically tense experience where players feel isolated and vulnerable.
Development
Implemented a flexible Blueprint-based architecture in Unreal Engine 5, using Interfaces, components and inheritance.
I created a simple but scalable inventory system using data tables
To enhance the player experience, I incorporated cinematic sequences and smooth transitions between gameplay sections. By leveraging Unreal Engine 5's powerful cinematic tools, I was able to create emotionally impactful moments that seamlessly integrated with the core gameplay.
