Egg & Politics

Game Description

This is a game made for T-624-CGDD Game Development Course in Reykjavik University as part of a workshop to learn basic game development using a game engine.

The engine I chose was Godot as I was already familiar with it and generally prefer it to other game engine choices.

The core game idea is keeping a moving ball in the middle of the screen by moving an orbiting paddle. The game had a simple hit sound effect and a score that increases when you hit the ball with the paddle.

The changes I made to the core concept were:

• A simple main menu: A simple enough main menu to be able to play and quit the game as well as read the controls and credits.
• Background music: Simple calming music to add a bit of ambience to the game so the sound effects don't overwhelm the final mix.
• Game over screen: When the player fails, you're prompted with a game over screen where you can either restart or go back to the menu.
• Look & Feel: Polished the original game by adding hit animations, background particles, pitch variation for sound effects and score text improvements like a different font and increase animations.
• Background Paddles: Added two background paddles that give additional points if you manage to get the ball to hit them.

Known Issues

• Hitting the ball on certain angles can cause a little jank.

Game Analysis

Aesthetics

• Relaxed feel: The game is meant to give a relaxed feel with it's calming music and minimal background.
• Time sink: The game is not meant to engage the player for long periods of time.

Dynamics

• Keep the ball inside:  The player should be trying to keep the ball inside the center of the screen and not let it escape.
  
• Maximize score: The player should try to maximize their score with risk and reward.
  

Mechanics

• Paddles: The player can move  a single paddle and there are two automatic paddles behind the player. When the ball hits a paddle, it bounces back and increases the score.
• Score counter: The score counter gives an indication of how well the player is performing which encourages them to keep going.