Hell of a Job

In the depths of hell, collect as many souls as you can and sabotage your opponent to satisfy your boss.

Collect souls, throw them to your opponent then score them at portal.

My missions

This project began with the establishment of its pillars: easy to learn/easy to play, replayable, fast-paced.

We were two game designers, so we worked according to the 7·3·1 method on Miro to iterate and develop concepts : 7 ideas, 3 concepts, 1 game. We consulted the team at each stage to get their opinions.

Once the initial concept had been chosen, we held several meetings with professionals to better scope the project.

A one-page document was created to ensure understanding and feasibility of the project.

The documentation was created on Notion in order to share it as effectively as possible.

Our main inspiration was Boomerang-Fu. We wanted players to experience similar sensations while playing Hell of a Job: the pleasure of crushing your opponent, the feeling of power with a weapon in your hand but goofy action sequences.

Sketch of the initial concept

1/1

One page document

1/1

Camera

The camera always focuses on both players at the same time, panning, zooming in and out to enhance the dynamism of the action sequences.
This limits player's sight, but indicators show where are offscreen souls.

Dash

This action combine dodging, running, jumping and kicking. Four actions in one to simplify learning and playing.

Throw

In the same vein and due to camera angle, a direction indicator has been added to assist the player with aiming.
A hit stop has been added to enhance the feeling of power.

Trajectory assistance

Since throwing is the core mechanic, we wanted it to be used as often as possible. We made it easier to succeed in order to keep players interest by correcting throw's trajectory.
Also, it maintains game momentum.

Floating state

Above a drop, for a short period of time, players will not fall.
Once again, this reflects the same desire to increase the pace and makes the game more goofy.

Attack/defense balancing

In order to give players the opportunity to influence the course of the game, they can alter state of their opponent and their possessions.

Souls' spawn balancing

Data asset