Team of five - Nik Kim, Liam Hower, Michelle Chen, Pai Yang and Viviana Staicu
Role: Producer, Programmer
Contribution: Ideation, game mechanics programming, project managing
Oct-11-2024
0/6You’re a rookie mole exterminator hired by Mole Busters Inc.! Prepare for your first mission to exterminate these mischievous moles.
1/6
Abstract
Mole-Archy is a blend of Whack-a-Mole and lawn darts with a pinch of horror. The player is introduced to the world of Mole-Archy by Helper Bot, a small but sassy training robot that teaches the player about their new job of mole extermination. By using lawn darts and a stun light, the player makes their way through their first expedition, where they encounter the Mole-Arch, a boss mole that they must defeat to win the game.
2/6
Ideation
Our original game play idea was to have the moles sit in beakers in a typical lab setting and pop out to attack the player. They would each have their own mini projectiles that would then be thrown at and damage the player. We debated either giving the moles HP bars or making them invulnerable until the player broke their beaker. As a last ditch effort, the moles would run out at the player with murderous intent and the player would have to kill the mole before it reached them.
We ultimately decided against giving the moles their own projectiles to avoid any sudden physical movements from the player that might result in injury. Additionally, giving the moles HP bars made the moles feel a bit overpowered, so we ultimately settled on making the moles die on impact and giving the darts an AOE effect to help the player aim.
We also tried different room layouts, and our first iteration of the room was a square format with a circular window.
However, the unique benefit VR affords is the ability to immerse one in vast, larger-than-life. Our intent was to make the game a bit more spatial, so we decided to go back to the drawing board and create a space that has depth and dimension. Details like cutting into ceilings, denting walls, and making dystopian assets like wireframe bars and exposing ceiling foundations.
Learning how to create dystopian structures via geometry nodes and more advanced model making techniques—these didn’t make it into the final environment but represent concept.
5/6
Tutorial Scene
During multiple playtests, we received feedback highlighting the need for a tutorial scene to introduce how to throw darts and explain the overall gameplay. In response to this feedback, we designed a helper bot that not only guides players on how to play the game but also provides context and a storyline as a mole exterminator.
I envision machines that pass my own version of the Turing test: “Can we play with them?” I remember the moments of playing co-op video games with my little brother under a shabby tent made of chairs and blankets. I cherish these small, precious memories—they’re still alive within me.Favourite...
- Fungus: Mushrooms - Animal: Dogs - Series: Arcane (Jinx is my #1) - Movie: EEAT
- Game: To The Moon- Instrument: Guitar