Overview
Systems Programmer | Level Designer
(Custom C Engine; Team of 3)
“K.O. O.S.” is a 2D platform fighter with a unique GUI/OS theme where characters battle across a virtual desktop. Featuring rich fighter customization, the game allows players to tailor their combat styles with a creative point-buy system.
As Systems Programmer, I implemented collision detection, state machines, player controller logic, combat mechanics, and character customization features.
Responsibilities
- Engineered the game's core functionality, including the physics system and AABB collision detection.
- Created robust finite state machines for the player controller and for the animation controller.
- Implemented hitboxes and projectiles with damage, hitstun, and knockback to allow diverse combat scenarios.
- Coded flexible moveset customization, on-the-fly palette swapping, and serialization functionality to support a fighter creation menu.
Technical Highlights
- Developed an animation system flexible enough to handle everything from sprite sheets to keyframing dynamic hitboxes.
- Created a player controller supporting varied abilities including wall clings, wall jumps and a comprehensive set of attack options.
- Designed and implemented a binary bitmask for the efficient serialization/deserialization of custom character data.
Design Contributions
- Conceived and integrated computer-themed abilities, blending humor and interactivity with attacks like "Spam Mail" and “Jitterclick.”
- Crafted the stage names and level designs, ensuring thematic consistency with computer desktops as the arenas.
- Composed a rambunctions main theme using chiptune instrumentation to drive home the bombastic energy of the digital battles.
Project Insights
- Gained significant experience in comprehensive game programming and effective team communication.
- Developed a sound understanding of balancing ambitious design with practical implementation.
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