Hey there fellow indie game developers! Have you ever been captivated by the charm of classic arcade games like Bubble Bobble, Snow Bros, and Mario Bros? Do you aspire to create levels that not only challenge players but also leave them in awe? Well, you're in the right place because today, I'm sharing insights and tips on designing arcade game levels with unique mechanics that will breathe new life into your indie games.
The Essence of Level Design
Level design is the heart and soul of any video game, especially in arcade games where fast-paced action and captivating gameplay are key. As indie game developers, understanding the importance of crafting levels that are both challenging and entertaining is crucial. Let's dive into some two key components that can elevate your game to the next level!
The "Room"
It is importnat to think about how levels/maps/rooms are layed out. Should levels scroll horizontally? Is there depth? Does all the action take place on a single-screen?
In Smoothcade, the entire level takes place in a single view, an homage to retro arcade gaming. Players can wrap around the screen if they move all the way to the left. Similarlly, they can fall down a hole, just to appear at the top of the screen. Arcade games are special like that! How do you want your players to navigate your world?
Let's take a look at the below level in Smoothcade:
While this view is the entire level, there is a lot going on! Smoothcade is a puzzle-platformer, blended with retro arcade routes. The top half of the screen has a long log. Players can move off-screen to be wrapped around to the other side. In fact, that's how most players would get the balloon located in the bottom-right. Most go to the bottom grass, walk left off-screen, and are wrapped around to get it. Some drop down from above once the red blocks are removed. There are multiple ways to solve the same level.
There is also a clear obstacle here: those red blocks. There is a balloon that players need to pop, but it is blocked behind the cage of red blocks. So natrually, players will look for things to destroy it. In this case, there is a switch next to our friend Dolphina, the dolphin. Tapping that switch will turn off all the blocks. But wait! There is a balloon at the top-right of the screen. Players need to use the switch at least once to get the caged balloon. And then again to make a platform high enough to reach the other.
The "HUD"
The HUD, or heads-up display, shows players essential information like lives, scores, power-ups, and more. A helpful tip is to stay focused on the player to avoid collisions with the HUD during gameplay, especially in scenarios like Smoothcade where jumping near the top of the screen is common. To ensure players can see their movement clearly, I designed the HUD to turn transparent if there is a collision, allowing uninterrupted visibility.
Level Up Your Game!
Indie game developers, unleash your creativity with unique level design mechanics like dynamic platforms, gravity manipulation, time-based puzzles, and unique enemies to make your game stand out. Experiment, push boundaries, and create unforgettable gaming experiences that keep players coming back for more. Let's craft arcade game levels that blend classic essence with modern twists, leaving players craving more. Happy designing! 🚀🎮
See all the cool level designs in Smoothcade!
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