CPSC 4170 / Slipstream Black
Russell Welch
Game Description
Slipstream Black is a high-speed, first-person shooter that combines vertical traversal with fluid parkour and stylish combat. Set in a futuristic urban environment, players are challenged to master advanced movement techniques to navigate complex levels quickly while eliminating all enemies. The game draws inspiration from movement shooters like Dishonored, Mirrors Edge, and Ultrakill. Players must scale buildings, jump between rooftops, and run along walls, all while engaging in high-speed combat. The objective is to complete levels as swiftly as possible, defeating all enemies to achieve the highest score. The game encourages players to utilize the environment creatively, using physics to their advantage, such as throwing enemies off rooftops.
The primary goal in Slipstream Black is to achieve the highest possible score by eliminating all enemies and reaching the level's exit as quickly as possible. Players are encouraged to master the parkour and combat mechanics, using their skills to navigate the environment efficiently and defeat enemies with precision.
Game Mechanics
The gameplay involves navigating rooftop levels filled with obstacles and enemies, requiring players to use a combination of movement and combat skills. Key mechanics include walking, sprinting, sliding, crouching, wall running, and double jumping. Players are equipped with a pistol and must manage their ammunition by reloading strategically. The levels are designed to test the player's ability to move fluidly and react quickly, with each enemy defeated granting bonus points. The game also features a scoring system that rewards speed and efficiency, encouraging players to balance rapid movement with thorough enemy elimination.
Technical Description
Slipstream Black is built using the Unity Engine, leveraging its robust physics and rendering capabilities to create a seamless and immersive experience. The game features a custom movement system inspired by classic arena shooters, utilizing a state machine to manage various player actions such as sprinting, sliding, and wall running. This system allows for precise air control and dynamic interactions, essential for the game's fast-paced traversal mechanics.
The animations are driven by a combination of code and physics, ensuring that player movements and weapon handling are fluid and responsive. This approach enhances the player's connection to the game world, providing a more immersive experience. The UI is designed to be diegetic, integrating seamlessly into the game environment and reacting to player actions in real-time.
Combat mechanics rely on raycasting for accurate hit detection, with a modular weapon system that supports easy expansion. The AI for enemies is state-based, allowing for complex behaviors such as detection, targeting, and launching attacks. This AI system is integrated with a central GameManager, which coordinates enemy actions and player progress.
Controls
Game Limitations
Future Work
Future iterations of Slipstream Black would significantly expand the game's content and features. Plans include introducing a variety of enemy types with diverse behaviors, adding new weapons to enhance combat dynamics, and designing more complex levels to challenge players' skills. Additionally, a progression system is envisioned where players can use their scores to purchase upgrades, thereby enhancing replayability and providing a deeper gameplay experience.
Game objective
Game Screenshots
Currently, the game features a single enemy type and weapon, with a focus on showcasing the core mechanics. The minimalist graphical style, while aiding in gameplay readability, reflects the current development stage. The AI is straightforward, focusing on direct attacks, and the level design is limited to one level.
The controls are intuitive, allowing players to focus on mastering the game's mechanics. Movement is controlled using the WASD keys, with Shift for sprinting and Ctrl for crouching. Players can slide by sprinting and pressing crouch, jump with the Space bar, and perform a double jump by pressing Space again mid-air. Wall running is achieved by sprinting towards a wall, jumping, and holding the directional key towards the wall. Combat is handled with the Left Mouse Button for firing and R for reloading.