CASE STUDY: ZAPPY SQUIRREL

The app is available on iOS and Android platforms.

Unity3D Game Engine

CONCEPT

The game is set around Metropolis power station where Eddy, an engineer, and entrepreneur has designed a number of obstacles and deterrents to keep animals out. Users play as Zappy App, a scientist, engineer and adventurer hired by Eddy to help test the effectiveness of the deterrents by breaking through them.

GAMEPLAY

Zappy Squirrel is designed along the lines of a classic 2D side-scrolling game, where one journey through a series of challenging progressive levels. The player has to run, jump, climb and use available tools to pass the series of obstacles in each level while collecting as many acorns as possible. Obstacles range from simple barriers which can be jumped over, to moving electrical fences where the player has to wait to pass at the right time. Other obstacles like sticky gel can be passed only after collecting special items like Super Boots. Level scores are calculated based on the time taken to finish the level and the number of acorns collected.

GRAPHICS AND UI

Zappy Squirrel features 2D perspective graphics with a low-key colour palette. 2D animations are used to enhance character movement and other elements in the game. The interface has been kept basic and uncluttered for easy use. A combination of text and symbols are used for menu items for universal use. Options and buttons are kept to a minimum to reduce the number of clicks to get to the game. Power-ups, hidden items & deterrents are explained in an intuitive way as the gameplay progresses.

POWER-UPS AND HIDDEN OBJECTS

Players can select from powerups like the time freeze, shield, and super jump at the beginning of each level. Other in-game power-ups can be collected for short-term benefits like 2x (a score multiplier) and the Acorn Basket, which collects all acorns.