Dozer - 3D Destruction Game

A 3D driving and destruction game where you control a bulldozer to demolish buildings while avoiding tanks

Game Overview

Dozer is a 3D action game where players take control of a powerful bulldozer to wreak havoc in a destructible environment. The game combines driving mechanics with strategic destruction gameplay, challenging players to demolish buildings while avoiding enemy tanks.

Developed as a submission to the Boundless Game Jam, Dozer was created under the time constraints and creative challenges typical of game jam development. The project demonstrates rapid prototyping skills and the ability to deliver a complete, polished game experience within a limited timeframe.

The game features retro pixel art aesthetics, satisfying destruction physics, and intuitive controls that make demolition both relaxing and exhilarating. Dozer showcases comprehensive 3D game development skills using the Godot engine with custom sound design and visual effects.

Gameplay

Dozer Game Preview

Ready to Demolish?

Experience the thrill of destruction in this 3D action game

Play Dozer

Controls

  • Mouse Movement - Control direction and aim
  • Left Mouse Button - Reverse/brake
  • Automatic Forward Movement - Continuous bulldozer motion

Objectives

  • Destroy Buildings - Use your bulldozer to demolish structures
  • Avoid Tanks - Navigate around enemy tanks to survive
  • Strategic Positioning - Plan your destruction path carefully
  • Maximize Destruction - Create the most satisfying demolition sequences

Key Features

Gameplay Mechanics

  • 3D driving and destruction physics
  • Real-time building demolition
  • Enemy tank avoidance system
  • Intuitive mouse-based controls
  • Continuous forward momentum

Technical Features

  • Godot engine implementation
  • Custom sound design with Audacity
  • Original soundtrack created in LMMS
  • 3D models built in picoCAD and Blender
  • Retro pixel art aesthetic

Development Process

Boundless Game Jam Experience

Dozer was developed as a submission to the Boundless Game Jam, an event that challenges developers to create complete games within a limited timeframe. Game jams are excellent opportunities to test rapid prototyping skills, experiment with new technologies, and push creative boundaries under pressure.

The development process involved:

  • Rapid Concept Development: Quickly iterating on the bulldozer destruction concept
  • Time Management: Balancing feature scope with available development time
  • Technical Constraints: Working within the limitations of web deployment and HTML5
  • Creative Problem Solving: Finding elegant solutions to technical challenges under pressure

Game Engine & Tools

Development Stack
Game Engine: Godot
3D Modeling: picoCAD, Blender
Audio Design: Audacity, LMMS
Art Style: Pixel Art
Platform: HTML5 (Web)

Technical Implementation

  • 3D Physics System: Implemented realistic destruction mechanics for buildings and structures
  • Vehicle Controls: Created intuitive mouse-based steering with automatic forward movement
  • Collision Detection: Developed precise collision systems for building destruction and tank avoidance
  • Sound Design: Generated custom sound effects using pitch-shifted brownian noise and snare samples
  • Music Composition: Composed original soundtrack using LMMS digital audio workstation

Art & Design

  • Pixel Art Aesthetic: Maintained consistent retro visual style throughout
  • 3D Modeling Pipeline: Combined picoCAD for quick prototyping with Blender for detailed models
  • Visual Effects: Implemented satisfying destruction particles and environmental feedback
  • UI Design: Created minimal, intuitive interface that doesn't interfere with gameplay

Development Challenges

During development, several technical challenges were encountered and overcome:

Rendering Issues

One notable bug involved small buildings not rendering properly in certain conditions. This highlighted the complexity of 3D rendering optimization in web-based games and the importance of thorough testing across different hardware configurations.

Physics Optimization

Balancing realistic destruction physics with smooth performance required careful optimization of collision detection and debris generation systems.

Web Deployment

Converting the Godot project to HTML5 format while maintaining visual quality and performance presented unique challenges for web-based distribution.

Player Reception

Dozer has received positive feedback from the gaming community, with players particularly appreciating:

  • Relaxing Gameplay: The satisfying destruction mechanics provide a therapeutic gaming experience
  • Intuitive Controls: Simple mouse-based controls make the game accessible to all players
  • Retro Aesthetics: The pixel art style appeals to fans of classic gaming
  • Strategic Elements: Balancing destruction with tank avoidance adds depth to the gameplay

The game successfully demonstrates how simple mechanics can create engaging and satisfying gameplay experiences when executed well.

Project Impact

Dozer represents a successful foray into 3D game development and showcases several important development skills:

  • Full-Stack Game Development: From concept to deployment using multiple tools and technologies
  • Audio Design: Custom sound effects and music composition
  • 3D Modeling: Asset creation using industry-standard tools
  • Web Game Development: HTML5 deployment and optimization
  • Game Jam Experience: Rapid prototyping and development under time constraints

This project demonstrates the ability to create complete, polished games using modern development tools while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision and engaging gameplay experience.