A Toy Military Base
Military Base Design for a Toy Environment
The military base is designed for "To Save A Toy" which is my capstone project at Sheridan College. According to the pre-production phase, this level is supposed to focus more on the stealth challenge and have areas to explore. Besides, players should come up with various stealth strategies while approaching stealth challenges. Therefore, I came up with 3 focus points that can work harmonically with the ideas.
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1. Define an objective that makes the player traverse around the base.
2. Make the map that fits into the objective's intention.
3. Keep the focus of the challenge on stealth.
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Focus Points / Design Considerations
Map
Non-Linear
Semi-Open
Objective
Find 2 batteries and exit from the base.
Stealth-focused
Medium difficulty
Challenge
References & Program
Since the area will be created by toys, it should not be as complex as an actual military base, but it should contain major areas/buildings that can identify the space as intended.
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Program
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HQ: Main building of the Base.
Parking Area: Area for the Vehicles
Charging Station: Works as a medical area for the robot soldiers.
Tents: Residental Area in the Base.
Vehicle Repair Tents: An area for the needs of the vehicles.
Helicopter Landing Zone: An area for helicopter landing.
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Diagrams / Design Path
#1 Bubble Diagram
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* Most of the areas are connected to the centre.
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After defining all those areas, I started to find ways to connect them. After a couple of tests, the most efficient way to connect those areas to a centre point is a helicopter landing zone.
#2 Watchtower Distribution
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* Important areas and other choke points have watchtowers.
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Since some of the areas are needed to be highly protected, some of the areas have watchtowers.
#3 Connection by Roads
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* All the areas are connected with a road.
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After defining the connections and the locations of the watchtowers, an establishment for the connection was crucial. Thus, I added the roads that connect the areas efficiently.
#4 Unscaled Layout
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Final Version
In the Engine (Gray Box)
Changes
#1 Vehicle Tent Area
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After some playtest sessions, I saw that the players didn't understand why this area was here or they were passing this area without noticing it. Therefore, I redesigned this area to fit the gameplay.
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After
#2 Entrance of the Military Base
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This area was lacking challenge compared to the challenge before it. Thus, I revised the area's layout and the enemies' positions to increase the level of challenge.
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After
