
MOLEMAN is a 2D/3D action-platformer, developed over three months in Unity with C# by a team of student game designers, including myself. The game follows Moleman, a determined hero on a mission to rescue his captured wife from sinister forces threatening their farm. The project integrates traditional platforming mechanics with an interactive hub world, allowing players to unlock and equip power-ups and perks as they progress. Each level introduces a unique boss encounter, incorporating theme-specific mechanics and environmental challenges to keep gameplay dynamic.
Beyond traditional platforming, MOLEMAN features run-and-gun segments, heavily inspired by Cuphead, where players navigate fast-paced, obstacle-laden sequences and battle mini-bosses that test reflexes and strategy. This project served as an early milestone in game development, reinforcing skills in game design, programming, and collaborative development, while delivering a challenging, mechanically-driven platforming experience.
Conception
The development of MOLEMAN followed a structured, iterative process, refining core mechanics and level design to ensure a polished gameplay experience. The team implemented blockout objects for early testing, optimizing level flow and player interaction before replacing them with finalized assets. Camera positioning was a key focus, with adjustments made to maintain optimal player visibility and engagement. Custom character movement and physics were fine-tuned to ensure responsive controls that complemented the game’s platforming and combat mechanics. A major gameplay feature was the combat system, which incorporated multiple weapons, each with unique super and ultimate attacks, allowing for varied playstyles. The perk system introduced mechanics such as additional health points, temporary invincibility, and other strategic buffs, giving players more depth in combat encounters.
My primary role in the project centered on level design and enemy AI for the game’s run-and-gun sequences. These levels were designed to challenge player reflexes, incorporating dynamic enemy behaviors, environmental hazards, and fast-paced combat mechanics. Each level introduced unique themes and mechanics, reinforcing progression variety and ensuring that gameplay remained engaging. The development of MOLEMAN served as a major learning experience in game design, AI implementation, and player-focused level structuring, culminating in a mechanically rich and visually engaging platforming experience.
Playthrough video!