This is a solo learning project for myself to dive deeper into the Unreal Engine 4 API and Unreal Motion Graphics, as well as integrating native C++ code with Blueprints. I started with a basic endless runner game and then extended the features on my own from there (acknowledgements below)

Implementation Details: https://justindxln.github.io/siderunner.html

CURRENT FEATURE EXTENSIONS:

** Gameplay Systems **

• Level Generation: All levels are stored in Arrays in Game Mode instead of individual hardcoded references
• Level Generation: Test mode with special levels are accessible through entering "password" as player name
• Movement Mechanics: Player movement properties are adjustable and saved in settings menu
• Core Mechanics: Instant death is removed, and the player has depletable HP and Shield
• Core Mechanics: Different damage types are introduced, doing instant damage or damage over time
• Core Mechanics: Powerup pickups in the levels provide boosts to the player (health, healing, shield, speed boost, score boost, etc)
• Scoring: Player accumulates scores as they survive, the more risky they play by staying close to the wall, the higher the score multiplier
• Scoring: High scores are saved to the game, and displayed at the end of each run

** Menu UI **

• Main Menu: Player can enter a player name, start a new game, or go to Settings Menu
• Settings Menu: Player can adjust various game settings and go back to Main Menu. Settings are saved upon returning to Main Menu
• Game Over Menu: The final score is displayed along with high scores. Player can go back to Main Menu

** HUD UI **

• Player Status HUD: Player health bar with number text display, dynamic fill color depending on HP, and HP gain/loss animation
• Player Status HUD: Shield bar showing shield presence around HP bar
• Player Status HUD: Double Jump indicator light showing double jump availability and cooldown progress
• Player Status HUD: Status Icons Tray shows current active status effects and their remaining durations and/or stack amount
• Score HUD: Score Multiplier display with dynamic color and animation speed, plus "pop" animation when multiplier changes
• Score HUD: Current Score display

** Misc **

• Adjust camera position to show more on the side the player is facing
• Various edge case bug fixes and code architecture reworks to the original tutorial code
• Various aesthetic changes

Planned extra features include:

• More environmental hazards and damage types
• Destructible environment

Assets I've used for this project:

• https://krukowski.itch.io/free-sci-fi-game-icons

References I've used for this project include:

• https://docs.unrealengine.com/4.26/en-US/ProgrammingAndScripting/ProgrammingWithCPP/CPPTutorials/UMG/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOjZTmOMGcY
• https://unrealcpp.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M2v2SYJDJk
• https://docs.unrealengine.com/4.27/en-US/
• https://joyrok.com/UMG-Layouts-Tips-and-Tricks