ARAVIND SUNDARARAJAN

Project Overview

EZD (EZDungeon) is an experimental track-based puzzle game that explores unique gameplay mechanics through a combination of track building, enemy avoidance, and strategic movement. The game challenges players to navigate through increasingly complex levels while collecting coins and avoiding enemies.

Developed as a submission to a very early Ludum Dare game jam, this project represents one of the earliest experiments in game development, showcasing fundamental programming concepts and creative problem-solving under time constraints. The game demonstrates the ability to create engaging gameplay using simple mechanics and clear visual design.

The track-based system creates a unique puzzle element where players must think strategically about movement patterns and enemy behavior. The game combines elements of puzzle-solving with action gameplay, creating an accessible yet challenging experience that showcases early game development skills.

Interactive Gameplay

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Master the tracks in this experimental puzzle game

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Gameplay Features

• Track-Based Movement - Navigate through interconnected track systems
• Enemy Avoidance - Strategic movement to avoid pursuing enemies
• Coin Collection - Gather coins while navigating the tracks
• Puzzle Elements - Solve track-based puzzles and challenges
• Progressive Difficulty - Increasingly complex level design

Core Mechanics

• Track Navigation - Move along horizontal, vertical, and corner track pieces
• Enemy AI - Enemies follow predictable patterns requiring strategic thinking
• Resource Management - Balance coin collection with survival
• Level Progression - Advance through multiple rooms with increasing complexity
• Real-Time Strategy - Make quick decisions under pressure

Key Features

Development Process

Early Ludum Dare Experience

EZD was developed as a submission to a very early Ludum Dare game jam, representing one of the first attempts at rapid game development under time constraints. This project demonstrates the foundational skills needed for game development, including basic programming, asset creation, and game design principles.

The development process involved:

• Track System Design: Creating a flexible track-based movement system with multiple track types
• Enemy AI Implementation: Developing basic enemy behavior and pathfinding
• Level Design: Building progressively challenging levels with strategic elements
• Asset Creation: Designing sprites and audio for the game world
• Game Balance: Tuning difficulty and player progression

Technical Implementation

Engine: GameMaker Studio
Platform: HTML5 (Web)
Genre: Puzzle, Strategy, Track-Based
Resolution: 600x600
Focus: Experimental Gameplay, Early Development

Core Systems

• Track Management System: Implemented comprehensive track system with horizontal, vertical, and corner pieces
• Player Movement: Created smooth track-based movement with directional controls
• Enemy Controller: Built enemy AI system with predictable movement patterns
• Collision Detection: Developed precise collision system for tracks, enemies, and collectibles
• Level Management: Implemented room-based level progression system

Game Design Elements

• Track Variety: Designed multiple track types to create interesting navigation challenges
• Enemy Patterns: Created predictable but challenging enemy movement
• Progressive Difficulty: Built levels that gradually increase in complexity
• Visual Clarity: Ensured clear visual distinction between game elements
• Audio Feedback: Integrated sound effects for player actions and events

Development Challenges

During development, several technical challenges were encountered and overcome:

Track System Complexity

Creating a flexible track system that could handle multiple track types and directions required careful planning of the object hierarchy and collision detection. The system needed to be both performant and easy to extend with new track types.

Enemy AI Implementation

Developing enemy AI that was challenging but fair required balancing predictability with difficulty. The enemies needed to follow the tracks while creating interesting gameplay situations without being impossible to avoid.

Level Design Balance

Creating levels that were progressively challenging while remaining accessible required extensive playtesting and iteration. Each level needed to introduce new concepts while building on previously learned skills.

Project Significance

EZD represents an important early milestone in game development experience, demonstrating several foundational development skills:

• Early Game Development: One of the first complete games developed
• Game Jam Experience: Successfully completing a Ludum Dare submission under time constraints
• System Design: Creating a cohesive track-based movement system
• AI Implementation: Basic enemy behavior and pathfinding
• Level Design: Progressive difficulty and strategic gameplay

This project demonstrates the ability to create engaging gameplay experiences even with early development tools and limited experience. The focus on track-based mechanics shows creative thinking in game design, while the technical implementation showcases solid programming fundamentals.

Project Impact

EZD represents a valuable contribution to early game development experience and demonstrates several important development skills:

• Experimental Game Design: Creating unique gameplay mechanics with track-based movement
• System Architecture: Building modular systems for tracks, enemies, and level management
• Game Balance: Tuning difficulty and player progression
• Asset Integration: Combining sprites, audio, and UI elements
• Rapid Prototyping: Developing complete games under time constraints

This project demonstrates the ability to create experimental gameplay experiences that are both accessible and engaging. The combination of puzzle elements with action gameplay shows how simple mechanics can create complex and interesting challenges, while the technical implementation showcases solid fundamentals in game development.