5 Jan 2023

Zone

Zone is a space shooter game offering both first- and third-person perspectives. Designed with an arcade-style approach and intuitive controls, it aims to attract a younger audience while providing an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.

The game integrates PlayFab for online functionality, allowing players to save scores, unlockables, and progress in the cloud.

Developed as a solo project, Zone utilizes asset packs from Synty Polygon and is powered by the Unity game engine.

Play Here!

Overview

Player Controls

I designed and implemented the flight control system for Zone, drawing inspiration from my previous work on games like Asteroid 3D. The controls were modeled after the simplicity of No Man’s Sky while avoiding the complexity of games like Elite Dangerous. This intuitive setup allowed me to focus on additional features, such as online leaderboards and player customization.Control Scheme:

  • W: Forward Thrust
  • A/D: Turn Left/Right
  • Q/E: Roll Left/Right
  • Mouse: Yaw in all directions (for natural, precise aiming)
  • F: Toggle between first- and third-person views

The control system ensures smooth, responsive gameplay, providing a user-friendly experience while allowing for fine-tuned control during combat.

Shooting Mechanics

Zone employs a projectile shooting system, requiring players to lead their shots for accurate hits. This skill-based mechanic offers a more challenging and engaging experience than traditional raycast shooting.

  • Heat-Based Ammo System:
    Players manage a heat bar (displayed in red) that limits continuous shooting. Overheating requires a cooldown period, encouraging more strategic firing instead of “spray and pray.”

PlayFab Integration

PlayFab powers the game’s online functionality, recording:

  • Player experience levels
  • Top scores
  • Unlocked ships and in-game currencies

Players register and log in with an email address, creating a cloud-based record of their game progress. This enables competitive features like leaderboards, fostering engagement and encouraging replayability.

Customizations

PlayFab integration allows for a robust customization system:

  • 8 Unlockable Spaceships:
    Each spaceship has unique gun firing points, creating varied gameplay dynamics with narrower or wider hit registration.
  • Unlockable Spaceship Skins:
    Skins can be purchased using in-game currency earned during gameplay.

These features provide players with clear goals and dramatically enhance retention by adding depth to progression.

XP Pass

Zone includes a “battle pass” system called the XP Pass. Players earn rewards, such as new ships and currencies, by leveling up.

  • High-tier rewards are placed toward the end of the XP Pass, incentivizing longer playtimes.
  • The XP Bar, displayed during gameplay, shows current progress and level-up requirements, providing a constant sense of achievement.

Currency System

Zone features a two-tiered currency system:

  1. In-Game Currency: Earned through gameplay and awarded in larger amounts.
  2. Premium Currency: Earned in smaller quantities through the XP Pass or by watching ads.

Originally, real-money purchases were considered but later removed to align ethically with the game’s younger audience. Ad-based revenue provides a more appropriate alternative.

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