Level Design & Programming
Last Dawn
First Person Shooter, Action Horror
November 2023 – April 2024 (Shipped)
Unreal Engine 5 | PC, Windows
Project Details
Last Dawn is a post-apocalyptic action horror game with unique enemies, a focus on heavy resource management, and an emphasis on player agency. We want our players to have the ability to choose to combat the enemy’s with wit alone or guns blazing if they manage their resource properly. Each level is designed with multiple strategies in mind and many different mechanics can be used to solve a problem.
Role
Level Designer & Systems Designer
Academic Experience at Full Sail University
Unreal Engine 5, PC (Shipped)
Gameplay Trailer
I created the game’s trailer.
Level Design
Overview
The Prison Level is the final level of Last Dawn. I made the level with player choice and expression in mind while also adding environmental storytelling.
Final Send off
The map is the largest in the game with 9 rooms; 2 large open rooms; 4 small rooms; and 3 hallways.
Wide shot of level and progress photos
Level Pacing
Level Blockout
Version 1 of the Prison Level. The player starts on the outside of the Prison after entering through a broken fence. Upon reaching the Cafeteria through the broken wall, the Player will come across with the Air-Gun. A new tool to use for the level and New Game+.
New Tool
The Player will need to use this newfound weapon to get through the hordes of enemies littered throughout the level.
Later on in the Offices there will be a lot of enemies in a tight space. The Player can either use the Air-Gun to rush their way through the end in a frantic escape or they can slowly take out the horde.
Version 1 of the Prison Level
Version 2 of the Prison Level
Environmental Storytelling
Prison Breakout
The aftermath of a successful escape. The prisoners rioted, blew a hole in the wall and tore up the gate to escape.
Unfortunate Soul
This man was squished and trampled on during the riot.
Prison Breakout
Unfortunate Soul
Barricades
Either the prisoners or the prison guards made fortifications here during the riot. Were they fighting the monsters or each other?
Torture Room
Remnants of terrifying past. What went on at this prison?
Another Unfortunate Soul
This man committed suicide before the monsters could get him.
Easter Eggs
Little messages I added for the Player to find.
There’s Still Hope
At the ending there’s some rope leading down. If you look further out in the distance you can see a running vehicle. Can you really escape?
Systems Design
Overview
The Air-Gun is a tool the player unlocks in the last level. It does no damage however, it’s used to keep the monsters away. The Air-Gun is inspired by the Force Gun from Dead Space. The videos below also show off my prototype AI and enemy ragdolling.
Cut Features
Below you can see the AI Hearing before it was scrapped. I created a Whistle command to go with the AI Hearing but that was scrapped early on. Bottom right is the Force Gun from Dead Space Remake which inspired the Air-Gun in Last Dawn.
EA, Dead Space (2023)
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