For the Introduction to 3D Games Engines module, I built a level using a pre-built first-person puzzle framework, and another building on third-person framework with custom blueprint functionality. Both levels were built in Unreal Engine 4, making use of a mixture of pre-built assets, royalty-free assets sourced online and custom assets built specifically for the project.
For the first semester's level, I learnt how to use Unreal Engine 4 and some of the features it has on offer, focusing on blocking out and meshing a level, creating materials and particles, setting up lighting and post processing, and creating a cinematic. It also helped to refine my design skills, as I had to make use of the gameplay elements in the framework in interesting ways.
The second semester's level had me implementing my own custom functionality using Blueprint, being supplied with the Deek third-person framework and being taught extra skills on top of the base engine knowledge I had already gained. Using blueprint, I implemented a light beam puzzle system, and intertwined it with the platforming mechanics to create unique gameplay situations in the level. I also focused on player feedback, using level design and lighting cues to point the player in the right direction, as well as building a dynamic music system that added more layers to each puzzle track to indicate player progress as well as convey other information (such as getting more intense when in range of a turret)..