As mentioned in the previous blog post, 'Part 2', 'Rocket Road!' has both a a progressive level-based game mode and an endless game mode. There are 50 levels and 5 different environments to explore.
Level design can be challenging, depending on your experience with game design. The most common issue can be making the levels too easy which can result in boredom. Of course, on the other hand, making the levels too hard can cause frustration. This, obviously, depends on the game I am making - is it an action/adventure game? A puzzle game? etc.
To get the balance, it a good idea to test the game with multiple users. I have a rule of making the first couple of levels as easy as possible. This is the approach I took whilst designing 'Rocket Road!'. Levels 1 through 3 are very easy, all users can complete them. Very subtly, the levels start to get slightly harder. I found it useful to test the game with multiple people via TestFlight for iOS. You can then change the levels based on the feedback you receive, paying closest attention to your target demographic. The beta testers can leave feedback through the TestFlight app. It is also useful to be able to track any crashes that happen during the pre-alpha testing period.
Below, you will find a comparison between 'Level 1' & 'Level 42'
You can see from the above screenshots - level 42 is far more complicated therefore harder to navigate than level 1. All together, there are 50 levels. Of course, more can be added if needed.
The aim of 'Rocket Road!' is to change lanes before crashing into an enemy. During level 1, the user will only have to change lane once - making it a fairy simplistic level. Gradually each stage has either more 'enemies' to avoid or changing lanes becomes more challenging due to smaller gaps in traffic.
It is important that I tested each level - looking specifically for bugs and impossible manoeuvres.
In-Game Currency
In-game currency coupled with character shops give the user a sense of achievement. Within 'Rocket Road!' the user can pick up rubies (+3) and diamonds (+1) (I will refer to them as gems) - which are added to the user's score. There is an in-game store whereby the user can 'purchase' new rockets to play with. Of course, there are a variety of coloured rockets which are priced differently depending on their demand.
I made sure to place the gems in a variety of scenes - some in easier places to reach than others. Inspired by 'Subway Surfers', there are some scenes, containing a sequence of diamonds (see screenshot below).
When each gem is collected, the 'Taptic Engine' creates 'Haptic Feedback' - this can be very satisfying for the user.
There are multiple 3D assets found within 'Rocket Road!'. Most of the assets are used as enemies.
Here are some key assets:
Taxi
The taxi is a common asset within 'Rocket Road!'. But watch out! They won't get out of your way!
The taxi is a simple looking asset and has fairly simplistic functionalities - to be as annoying and obtrusive as possible. They are set to have a variety of speeds, ranging from a fairly slow pace to something Lewis Hamilton wouldn't mind getting behind the wheel. Some are set to change lanes at 'convenient' times.
Police Car
Much like the taxi, the police car is a common asset found within the game. You may find them stopped at the traffic lights or stopping other road users. These cars are also set to have multiple speeds. Some of these cars spontaneously explode - thus leaving an open lane.
Log
Yes, it's just as exciting as it sounds...
Out of the three lanes, the log will either cover one or two of them. They are either your best friend, or worst enemy!
Road Works
As demonstrated by the screenshot below, the road works block off a lane. In some cases the road works take up two lanes. Of course, when the road works are coupled with a moving police car/taxi it can be quite challenging to steer your way through!
Trees & Rocks
Found in levels 30 - 40. Although they may seem quite innocent on their own - a cluster of trees can be very challenging to navigate through. Much like the trees, the large rocks shown in the screenshot below can be tricky to steer your rocket through. I wouldn't recommend crashing into either of these assets if you can avoid it!
Power-Ups
As a gaming enthusiast, there is no better feeling than picking up a power-up, moments before an inevitable trip to the 'game over' screen. 'Rocket Road!' has two power-ups integrated into the game.
Invincibility Bubble
As you may be able to gather, the invincibility bubble grants a degree of invincibility for a set amount of time. Upon collecting this power-up, a bubble surrounds the rocket - this gives the user two 'lives'. The user may crash into anything they like, whilst the bubble is visible on the screen. When they crash into something, the bubble cracks - indicating they have one life remaining. Upon crashing into another enemy (for the second time) the bubble shatters, indicating the power-up has ended. If the bubble is found in 'Endless Mode' where the rocket gradually increases in speed the longer you play - the bubble resets the speed.
If the user manages to steer clear from any enemies, the bubble will disappear after 15 seconds. See below screenshots for a pictorial demonstration.
Magnet
The magnet can be found within 'Rocket Road's' endless mode. As the target of endless mode is to collect as many diamonds as possible - the magnet can be quite useful.
Upon collecting the magnet, each diamond/ruby in the nearby proximity, will be collected and will therefore contribute towards the score (shown in the top right of the below screenshots).
This can be especially useful when there is a cluster of gems to be collected.
Character Shop
The 'Rocket Road!' character shop displays 10 new rockets which you can unlock via collecting gems. As shown below, there is a range of colours at different 'prices'. I was keen to add a character shop into 'Rocket Road!' as it gives the user a goal to work towards. Upon taping one of the colour schemes below - a detailed photo appears - showing exactly what your rocket will look like. The balance in shown in the top right corner of the UI screen.
