Stage 1: The core game loop
Start with one question: What does the player do every five seconds, and is it fun on its own? Kettleboom explores chain reactions and dynamic physics.
If movement and feedback do not feel satisfying with simple placeholder geometry, detailed models and a story will not solve the underlying problem.
Stage 2: Rapid prototyping in Unity
The prototype should test a gameplay hypothesis quickly.
- Use simple shaders and basic shapes.
- Use Unity Physics or 2D rigid bodies with interpolation for smooth movement.
- Add an instant restart, such as the
Rkey, to shorten the testing loop.
Stage 3: Game feel
Camera shake, brief hit-stop, particles and sound feedback can make a simple mechanic feel responsive. Use these details to communicate what happened and help the player understand their actions.