Protect Santa's Anvil
Game Overview
Protect Santa's Anvil was a solo project created in Unity during a week-long Christmas game jam. The game is a tower defense-style experience set in snowy, mountainous terrain, generated using Perlin noise. Players defend Santa's anvil, which he uses to craft gifts, from waves of enemy elves controlled by a villain. An elf transporting the anvil has crashed, leaving it vulnerable, so the player builds toy defenses to stop the villain’s minions.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Construction Menu: Build different toy defenses, including a snowball cannon, to protect the anvil from enemies.
- Build Preview: Displays a visual preview of toy defenses before placement, helping players strategize effectively.
- Christmas Spirit Currency: Earn and spend "Christmas Spirit" currency to construct defenses and manage resources during waves.
- Snowfall Particle System: Created a custom particle system to add a festive atmosphere with falling snow.
Skills Demonstrated
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Terrain Generation | Used Perlin noise to create varied, mountainous terrain, enhancing the winter setting. |
| Modeling and Animation | Modeled all game assets and utilized Mixamo for character animations to bring the environment and enemies to life. |
| Particle Systems | Developed a snowfall particle system, adding a visually immersive, wintry feel to the game. |
| UI and Resource Management | Implemented a construction menu and "Christmas Spirit" currency system for gameplay management. |
Game Features
- Wave-Based Enemies: Waves of evil elves attack from different directions, requiring strategic placement of defenses.
- Toy Defenses: Build various toy defenses like the snowball cannon to fend off waves of enemies.
- Festive Soundtrack: Background music consists of Christmas remixes to set a festive mood.
- Solo Development: This game was developed entirely solo, including design, modeling, and system implementation.
Technical and Artistic Concepts
Perlin Noise Terrain
Generated mountainous terrain using Perlin noise, adding depth and variety to the game’s winter environment.
3D Modeling
Designed and modeled all assets, from environmental objects to defense items, to create a consistent game aesthetic.
Particle Systems
Developed a snowfall particle system to enhance the game's winter theme and add visual appeal.
Gallery
Learning Takeaways
Developing Protect Santa's Anvil was a valuable experience in managing all aspects of game development independently. From generating terrain and modeling assets to implementing a currency system and particle effects, this project strengthened my technical and artistic skills. Working on each element myself provided a deeper understanding of Unity’s capabilities and the planning required for a cohesive game.
Tools Used
- Unity & C#: Primary game engine for development, asset integration, and gameplay implementation.
- Jetbrains Rider: C# IDE.
- Mixamo: Used for animating enemy elves and other characters.
- Blender: Utilized for 3D modeling and asset creation.