Inspiration
The inspiration for Strife came from a passion for storytelling and action-packed gameplay. We wanted to create a narrative-driven experience that explores themes of loss, resilience, and the struggle against inner darkness. Influenced by classic revenge tales and games that combine compelling stories with thrilling mechanics, Strife was born to offer an emotional yet action-heavy journey.
What it does
Strife is a 2D action-thriller game that places players in the shoes of a young boy on a quest for vengeance after the destruction of his village by a powerful sorcerer. Players battle through hordes of enemies using melee combos, ranged fireball attacks, and a dashing mechanic. The ultimate goal is to defeat the sorcerer, uncover hidden truths, and decide the fate of the boy’s journey—will he let revenge consume him or rise above it?
How we built it
We developed Strife using the Unity Game Engine, crafting a balance of gameplay and narrative.
Programming: C# was used for all game mechanics, including player controls, combat, and enemy AI. Assets: Every character, background, and animation was custom-made from scratch, ensuring a unique aesthetic. Input Design: PC controls were designed to make combat fluid and intuitive (e.g., Space for melee, B for ranged attacks, Z for dashing). AWS Integration: We utilized Amazon services, such as , Amazon Q that was integral in helping develop the game. Amazon S3, to optimize project management and scalability during development.
Challenges we ran into
Time Constraints: Completing a fully playable game within the game jam timeline required intense focus and prioritization of features, especially since we joined a bit late. Game Balance: Ensuring enemy AI and combat mechanics were challenging yet fair took multiple iterations. Art and Animations: Creating high-quality custom assets and animations under time pressure was a significant challenge. Story Integration: We worked hard to integrate meaningful narrative elements without disrupting the fast-paced gameplay.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Developing a fully playable game from scratch within a limited timeframe. Crafting custom assets and animations that visually represent the game’s dark, gripping theme. Designing fluid combat mechanics and responsive controls that enhance the player experience. Delivering a meaningful narrative that resonates with players emotionally.
What we learned
The importance of time management when working within tight deadlines. How to balance gameplay and story to create an immersive experience. Collaboration skills that allowed us to effectively combine our technical and creative strengths. Advanced use of Unity Engine features, including animation workflows and scene optimization.
What's next for Strife
Content Expansion: Adding new levels, abilities, and enemy types to enhance gameplay variety. Narrative Depth: Expanding the storyline with more character development and decision-making opportunities. Platform Support: Optimizing the game for additional platforms like mobile and consoles. Community Engagement: Gathering feedback from players to refine and improve the experience further. Strife is only the beginning of what we hope will become a standout action-thriller title! 🚀
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