Matthew Vecchio / Ready Wolf | Online Portfolio -> Projects

Project Description

Space Invaders: Next Dimension

A ‘Holographic Arcade Experience’ Space Invaders: Next Dimension is a 4-player prototype volumetric arcade machine.

"Space Invaders Next Dimension offers familiar Space Invaders gameplay in a breathtaking true 3D environment. Up to 4 players defend against the Invaders as they move freely in all directions toward the Earth. Move your cannon through the perimeter of the display, dodging enemy fire and blasting Invaders to achieve high scores and win tickets. An exciting mix between competitive and cooperative play presented using out-of-this world technology. The first arcade game to use Voxon Photonics Holo-Game technology which allows computer graphics to be seen from any perspective in 3D. More than a ‘hologram’, simply a glasses-free miniature world before your eyes."

Project Details

Software Stack

Languages:

C++
Microcontroller Programming

Team of 1

Developer

My Role:

Software and Project Lead

Skills Learnt

Key Challenges

Faithful IP on a new medium
An on rails, circular 4 player game design was chosen (like Konami’s Gyruss) with the invaders appearing as tradition, from the top to bottom. ‘Co-competition’ gameplay offered awards to the best players. Players keep their 1 bullet per screen limitation but can bump onto other players for a temporary fire boost.

Keeping gameplay fresh
With many procedural enemy waves patterns and unique invader behavior such aa capturing players or hunting them. True 3D movement gameplay is offered as a bonus round.

Making a challenging game
A dynamic difficulty system is introduced to scale the varied player count and offers an increasing difficulty curve.

Watch

Video Demo

SIND being shown at SAGE 2022

Conclusion

Project Outcome

Demonstrated at South Australian Game Exhibition in 2022 and revenue-tested in Timezone in 2021.