Role
Lead Programmer

Description
A physics-based, 2D block-stacking puzzle game developed by a small indie team during the early days of the pandemic. Sky Stacker challenges players to balance and stack falling blocks while overcoming physics-based obstacles. Players navigate through different environments, avoiding hazards like ocean waves, sharks, and unstable platforms, while aiming to build the tallest, most stable tower.

Purpose
Designed as a collaborative learning experience, Sky Stacker was the team’s first completed game together. The project served as a testbed for group development, focusing on team coordination, scoped development, and feature iteration within a short timeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Physics-Based Stacking System: Developed the core stacking mechanic, ensuring blocks collided, tumbled, and reacted naturally.
• Game Logic & Object Spawning: Implemented a randomized block spawning system with varied physics behaviors and challenges.
• Level Progression & Events: Designed level-specific hazards, such as the shark event in the ocean level.
• Bug Fixes & Optimization: Addressed collision detection, physics inconsistencies, and UI navigation bugs before release.
• Team Coordination: Managed technical planning and feature implementation alongside the lead developer and sound designer.

Tech Stack

• Game Engine: Unity (C#)
• Physics Engine: Unity 2D Rigidbody & Collider System
• Version Control: Unity Teams

Design Tools

• Aseprite (for pixel art and animations)
• Photoshop (for UI elements and level design assets)
• Trello (for project management and task tracking)

Platform(s)

• WebGL (Playable on Itch.io)

Core Mechanics / Features

• Physics-Based Stacking: Players must carefully position and balance falling blocks, avoiding collapses.
• Dynamic Environments: Levels include shifting platforms, rising water, and moving hazards that affect stacking.
• Power-Ups: Introduced a stability-enhancing power-up to help players reinforce their towers.
• Event-Based Challenges: Special game events, such as a shark knocking into the tower, add unpredictable obstacles.
• Minimalist UI & Feedback: Players receive real-time feedback through animations, sound cues, and particle effects.