Echoes of Nature
Apocalypse Guardian is an action-adventure platformer that thrusts players into a beautifully rendered post-apocalyptic world where nature has begun to reclaim the ruins of civilization. Players step into the role of Alex, a guardian chosen to uncover the secrets of the Gaia Crystals, inspired by the five elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
The game features a dynamic world that reacts to player decisions, altering the environment and unlocking new paths and strategies for achieving objectives.
Core Mechanics & Design
Acting as the technical and creative anchor for this team project, I spearheaded the engineering of core gameplay systems, translating design concepts into robust, responsive C# mechanics. My focus was on ensuring fluid player control and optimizing the Unity engine for stability.
Beyond the code, I shaped the game's sensory identity by crafting atmospheric level layouts and composing an original soundscape that deepens the narrative immersion.
- Thematic Resonance: Successfully merged interactive entertainment with environmental advocacy, creating a narrative experience that encourages players to reflect on their ecological footprint.
- Polished Execution: Delivered a high-fidelity action-adventure platformer that harmonizes dynamic combat mechanics with a unique visual style and an immersive, custom-built audio environment.
Setting the Mood
Capturing the essence of a world reclaimed by nature.
The Guardian
*Disclaimer: Initial concepts generated via AI for rapid ideation.
Profile: Alex
Background
30-year-old former city dweller. Transformed from an office worker into humanity's last hope after discovering a Gaia Crystal following a catastrophic earthquake.
Personality
Possesses a strong sense of duty, resilience, and adaptability. Initially an average citizen, he develops a heroic determination.
Behaviour
Evolves from office routine to survival instincts. Focuses on exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.
Final Rigging & Animation
Idle
Run
Jump
Attack
Death
Environments
Earth Realm
Desolate farmland with unsustainable practices. Mutated farm animals roam the ruins.
Metal & Fire
A failing nuclear facility. Dark indoor settings with radiation hazards and gear traps.
Wood & Water
Overgrown woodlands. Features carnivorous flora and environmental physics puzzles.
Development Evolution
From initial sketches to final parallax backgrounds. We adapted drafts to create distinct identities for each level, swapping layouts for better pacing.
Initial Drafts
Final In-Game Backgrounds
Tile Sets & Objects
We designed diverse tiles in Adobe Photoshop for all three levels: mud and grass for barn grounds, metallic stands for factories, and rock tiles for forests. Game objects include elemental crystals and vine traps.
Mutated Bestiary
Mutated Bear
High armor, slow movement. Lives in the Eerie Forest.
Giant Toad
Aggressive leaper with multiple eyes. Closes gaps quickly.
King Cobra
Shoots venom spikes from a distance. High priority threat.
Rad-Cattle
Stiff-limbed tank. Blocks paths and charges when provoked.
Feral Sheep
Lost wool, deformed horns. Attacks in hostile swarms.
Laser Pig
Disoriented but deadly. Fires erratic laser beams.
Gameplay Showcase
Main Menu & UI
Level 1: Mutated Farm
Combat formerly friendly farm animals turned hostile by radiation.
Level 2: Power Plant
Dodge hazardous areas and trigger moving platforms.
Level 3: Eerie Forest
Swing through the forbidden forest and survive ambush attacks.
Beyond Entertainment
Educating players through innovative interactive entertainment that highlights the importance of environmental conservation.
Animal Welfare
Encountering mutated versions of farm animals inspires players to reflect on exploitation.
Factory Pollution
Witnessing falling metal structures raises concern about industrial negligence.
Deforestation
Navigating unstable soil in the bare forest highlights the devastation of habitat loss.