This game was designed to help familiarize students with algebra. It incorporates variables and expressions into the gameplay, requiring students to manipulate platforms before navigating the character across each level.
My Role
I was involved since the early design sessions and helped shape the design of the game into the platformer that it became. With Curse Reverse, we did a lot more paper prototyping and hands-on testing than normal, which really helped cement the design of the game before building more costly and time-consuming digital prototypes.
Unlike previous Math Snacks games, I programmed this game in JavaScript using the Phaser game framework. Although there was a moderate learning curve, particularly with troubleshooting some of the browser-specific bugs, I found JavaScript refreshing to work with.
For this game, I built an engine that allowed other members of the team to create and edit levels by modifying a grid of ASCII text characters with little or no programming experience required. We had a blast coming up with lots of different levels and crafting puzzles utilizing the various game mechanics. The finished product, I believe, is a game that is quite fun to play and has an appropriate amount of challenge.
What I Learned
In addition to increasing my familiarity with JavaScript, this game helped solidify the importance of paper and real-world prototypes. Curse Reverse went through less iterations than other games I’ve worked on that did not go through as much testing in the early stages.
Although there are a few things I would like to go back and change, this game is one of my favorites I’ve worked on and I am quite pleased with the final product. Our artists did a wonderful job with the backgrounds and graphics, and the puzzles are legitimately challenging. The mechanics of the spikes, keys, and breaking towers and platforms add a solid amount of variation to the gameplay.
Credits: Game Design, Lead Programmer