Terrence M. Cronin
Game Designer
Dog's Triumphant Return (PC) THE SOURCE ENGINE - 8 WEEKS
Gameplay Design / Level Design / Scripting
Responsibilities:
-
Replaced traditional Half Life 2 gameplay with 3rd person “Brawler” gameplay
-
Scripted three new attack moves including a forward attack (punch), area of effect attack (ground pound), and the ability to throw cars at your enemies
-
Designed a new player health system for players new avatar, Dog that incorporates an absorption shield
Created in Hammer, Dog's Triumphant Return is a Single Player mini-level that gives players control of Dog and pits them against a massive onslaught of Combine Forces. Players unleash Dog's devastation using any one of Dog's three unique abilities, Punch, AOE Ground Pound or Car/APC throw that acts like a grenade. Dog is an adored character from the Half-Life universe and I wanted to show that I can prototype gameplay that fulfills this fantasy.
Gallery
Frantic ActionTo help fulfill the players power fantasy as the mighty Dog, I made sure it was able to handle lots of punishment as well as deal it out in mass. | Simple Map FlowSince this would be the first time players experiences this type of gameplay in Half Life, I wanted them to minimize the learning curve as well as be able to deal out damage with little threat of death. | Making Things PrettyWhile still and old engine, I feel like the quality of assets and HDR lighting can still make some very nice looking levels. |
---|---|---|
Prototyping - Melee AbilitiesBecause of mostly time constraints, I had to use the limited amount of animations and blends created for Dog to piece together the visuals and scripting. | Dog's Abilities - AOE GroundpoundA staple of any brawler. Dog smashes his fists on the ground and inflicts massive physics damage to any enemies around it. | Prototyping - Car ThrowCreated the logic that managed animations, constraints and parenting to create this fun ability. |
Dog's Abilities - Car / APC ThrowThis illustrates the use of animations and physics used when the player initializes this ability. The car is propelled through the air and will kill anything in its path. After it settles the car catches fire and explodes doing AOE damage to anyone around it. | Tutorial SectionSee Image for description. | First EncounterSee Image for description. |
Environmental Challenge AreaSee Image for description. | 3_Map_Area03_3.jpgSee Image for description. | Creating A Diverse PlaygroundWhile limited in size, I wanted to create a polished environment that changes as the player progresses through the level. This image is taken in the starting area outside the Silo. |
Creating A Diverse PlaygroundThe view of the canals from the starting area. | Creating A Diverse PlaygroundProp detail once in the canals. Attention was payed to reflections in the water, prop placement, and lighting. | Creating A Diverse PlaygroundThe location of the final Combine attack on the Silo. Focus was to let the player unleash a massive enemy force onto the player and leave the area open to allow players to hide or engage at will. |