Video Of the Spline Manager In Use
The Project
Route 88 is a rhythm parkour game set in China, where players deliver food by jumping across rooftops to the beat. We utilized a 2.5D artstyle with fluid hand drawn animation for the character, contrasting against the rigid 3d backdrop. Success depends on precise inputs and maintaining flow through the city.
What I Did & Creative Approach
Over the three week project, I handled most of the programming. My creative goal was to build tools that bridged the gap between audio and level design. I ended up building the game’s two most complex systems: the spline editor and music manager. The spline editor was an editor tool that let designers map BPM data directly onto level splines, tag beats as inputs, and import FMOD data to auto-generate beat markers, earning our team the Best System Award. The music manager processed songs, handled beat and callbacks, and resolved major desync issues. I also implemented player movement and worked with the sound designer to integrate audio.
What I Learned
This project was my first time developing a Unity in-editor tool development, writing scripts that run inside the editor to support designers, not just during gameplay. Additionally, I learned a ton about FMOD integration, feedback and integration, and how to build tools that make development faster for the rest of the team. I also learned how important scope management is; our goals were way overscope at the time, but it has taught me about how to set more realistic estimates.
Why I did this project
I wanted to take on the challenge of making a rhythm game for the first time, especially with a strong sound designers and artists on our team to push the concept to the max.