Zephyr: Shards of Destiny

Introduction

Zephyr is a 2D action-adventure game set in a dystopian future where players take on the role of a scavenger exploring dangerous ruins. This project was independently developed using Unity, showcasing gameplay mechanics, immersive storytelling, and creative problem-solving.

Game Overview

Zephyr is a daring scavenger who uncovers an uncorrupted Aether Shard, a powerful energy source, bonding it to himself while becoming the target of the Voidborn. Players must explore, fight enemies, and unravel the mysteries of a broken world.

Key Features

• 2D platformer with exploration and combat mechanics.

• Collect energy shards to unlock new abilities and progress.

• Dynamic environments with hidden secrets to uncover.

• Challenging enemies and bosses tied to the game's story.

• Atmospheric visuals and immersive storytelling.

Tools and Technologies Used

• Unity Engine: Used for game development and scene creation.

• C#: Scripting language for game mechanics and interactions.

• Adobe Photoshop: For designing sprites and visual assets.

• Itch.io: Hosting platform for sharing the game with the public.

Development Process

The development process involved creating an engaging story, designing the gameplay mechanics, and implementing features step by step. The process included:
1. Prototyping the basic mechanics like movement and interactions.
2. Designing the game's levels and adding dynamic elements.
3. Writing scripts to control player abilities, enemy behaviours, and level transitions.
4. Adding sound effects, animations, and particle effects for polish.
5. Testing and debugging to ensure smooth gameplay.

Links:

1. Itch.io: https://sharma-advaita.itch.io/zephyrshards-of-destiny

2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/advaita-sharma_indiegame-unity-gamedev-activity-7269132896307671040-aAHw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

3. GitHub: https://github.com/Advaita1409/Zephyr-Shards-of-Destiny

Challenges Faced

• Learning Unity from scratch as a beginner.

• Debugging animation and collision issues during development.

• Balancing gameplay mechanics to provide a fair yet challenging experience.

Outcome and Reflection

This project allowed me to deepen my understanding of Unity and game development as a whole. It was an exciting challenge to design, build, and share a game entirely on my own. The final game, Zephyr, is a testament to my perseverance, creativity, and problem-solving skills.