Chase of Shadows - Unreal Engine (Blueprints/C++)

"Chase of Shadows" is a fast-paced adventure game where you, the player, have fallen into a network of underground caverns. Equipped with only a light wand, you must navigate the labyrinth while evading shadow creatures attracted to light. As you attempt to reach the cave’s exit, you must acquire light resources to navigate the corridors, but use them sparingly to avoid attracting enemies.

Chase of Shadows, UE 5.3

VIDEO DEMO

Design Goals

Main Design Features

• Player goals and objectives:

  • Main goal: Reach the exit door in each level.

• Secondary goals:

  • Evade shadow creatures.

  • Use light to navigate the tunnel system.

• Type of challenge(s):

  • Utilize various types of lights and powerups to navigate dark corridors.

  • Balance use of light to advance without attracting enemies.

• Type of conflict(s):

  • Enemies actively diminish light and hinder the player's progress.

  • Possibility of enemy encounters and occasional combat.

• Winning condition:

  • Player wins a level by reaching the exit of the cave.

Main rules and procedures

• Operational rules:

  • Players begin at the start of a cavern system and navigate through it.

• Main game mechanic:

  • Players use WASD controls to move, with additional controls for interacting with objects and combat.

• On a second by second basis:

  • Players must consider direction, proximity to exit, and enemy presence.

• On a minute by minute basis:

  • Players must consider direction, available resources, and pathway illumination.

• Interesting Gameplay Features:

  • Fear of the darkness/unknown.

  • Enemies attracted to the player’s light usage.

  • Navigating a maze-like structure.

Player Resources

• Types of resources:

  • Light Wand (main resource).

  • Light grenade.

  • Stamina powerups.

  • Wall/cavern lights.

• How resources are used to achieve goals:

  • Resources primarily assist in finding an exit path, with limitations to avoid making the solution too obvious.

Boundaries and Constraints

• Game environment:

  • Players are confined to a cavern structure and must navigate allowed pathways.

  • Players must weigh the tradeoff between darkness and difficulty navigating or light and attracting enemies.

Hardware

• Minimum hardware configuration:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit version 1909 revision .1350 or higher, or versions 2004 and 20H2 revision .789 or higher

  • Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.5 GHz or faster

  • Memory: 8GB RAM

  • DirectX: DirectX 12 compatible graphics card with the latest drivers

Software/OS

• Version required:

  • Unreal Engine: >= 5.3.0

  • DirectX: >= 12

  • Windows: 10, 11