Kristala
Kristala POI Breakdown: Unmute for analysis!
Engine: Unreal 5.5
Genre: 3rd Person Soulslike ARPG
Team size: 40
Role: Level Designer
Tools: Git, Miro, ClickUp, Trello, Blueprints, Modeling Tools.
Responsibilities:
-Designed 2D level layout & player flow
-Blocked out level geometry
-Organized regular playtests & iterated based on feedback
-Scripted combat encounters and quests.
-Requested modular 3D assets from the art team and collaborated with level artists to set dress the level.
The Design of a Kristala POI: Kota Fishing Camp
Stealth Route
Traversal
Route
Combat
Route
Design Goal: Kristala supports a variety of playstyles, so it's important that encounters present fun opportunities for aggressive and cautious players. I consider 3 different approaches when designing POIs and encounters: combat, stealth, and traversal.
Combat Route
Stealth Route
Traversal Route
The aggressive route is well lit, cautious routes are in the shadows
These lights draw attention to the traversal route
The geometry frames & contrasts the tightrope for observant players
The light draws the player's attention to the traversal beam
Loot motivates players to reach the overlook
The "Traversal Rag" is a piece of design language that encourages players to jump here.
The form of these railings communicate to players that this jump is unreachable
The form of the railings & the item pickup positions players for a poleswing into aerial assination against an elite enemy.
It's a cool moment and helpful critical strike on a dangerous enemy for players who pick up on design language
The POI provides opportunities for players to switch up their playstyles on the fly. Traversal players can setup stealth ambushes while combat players can find a path up into the traversal route.
Upon clearing the building at the center of the camp of Kota and investigating the second floor, players find the Kota Battle Plans. This is an important narrative item that suggests to players that they have completed this POI.
Learn more
Because Kristala is still under development, I can't share my most exciting work yet. Please contact me if you want to learn more!