Monsters & Rizz 

Project Overview

Solo Dev - Level design - Asset placement - Scripting  

Monsters & Rizz is a third-person, 3D role-playing game with turn-based combat mechanics. The player takes on the role of a time traveler sent back to the medieval era with a singular mission: to drink from the sacred waters of Rizz and ascend to ultimate Rizzdom. To achieve this goal, the player must explore a vast, open world, facing off against ferocious beasts and completing challenging quests.

​For this solo project, I was responsible for designing gameplay systems, scripting some of the combat mechanics, and iterating on level design. The game was developed using Unreal Engine 5, PurdueRPGTemplate, multiple assets packs, and various environment packs ​

Design Goals
Open World with Story-Driven Exploration and ​Engaging Quests
     The central storyline revolves around the player’s quest to obtain a powerful magical ability known as "Rizz." Players must explore the world, collect fragments of this magical power, and use it to defeat the monstrous threats that plague the land. This blend of exploration, environmental storytelling, and varied combat creates a deeply engaging medieval adventure.
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 An immersive open-world map with a captivating storyline, where the environment itself helps narrate the tale. I envisioned a medieval-themed map that transports players into a world filled with intrigue and danger. The setting includes an abandoned castle, a deserted village, mysterious caves, lively taverns, and a grand main castle, each contributing to the rich atmosphere of the map.
     
  To enhance the medieval theme, monsters roam the land, creating a sense of adventure and peril. Adding to the immersive experience, animals such as deer, wolves, pigs, and foxes can be seen roaming or running across the island, bringing the world to life and making it feel dynamic and alive. 
   Creating engaging quests with compelling storyline, diverse monsters, and interactive objectives that present meaningful challenges to keep players immersed. A strong narrative provides players with a clear sense of purpose, while unique creatures and dynamic gameplay elements bring excitement and unpredictability to their journey.
   To elevate the player experience, there is a hidden treasure chest in the caves, guarded by formidable enemies, encouraging exploration and strategic combat. Collecting magical powers is also a key component of the adventure. By completing specific quests, players unlock a unique ability that enhance their progression, allowing them to defeat challenging foes and interact with the environment in new, creative ways.  

Hidden Collectibles and Rewards
I incorporated coins throughout the map to encourage players to explore every corner of the world. These coins can be used to purchase items and outfits, allowing players to enhance their character's strength and customize their appearance for a cooler, more personalized look.

Special attack for turn base
One of my goals was to create a unique special attack called Rizz. When activated, this ability "charms" the enemy, causing them to lose their turn. Additionally, the player’s next attack deals double damage, making Rizz a powerful and strategic tool in combat.

Process on the map design 
​On the right, you'll find a basic map layout I designed using Figma. My process begins with gathering inspiration from reference photos, which helps me shape the initial concept. From there, I create a preliminary map design, like the one displayed. ​As I progress to blocking out the map, new ideas naturally emerge to refine and enhance the gameplay experience.

While blocking out the map, I was inspired to include buildings scattered throughout the environment, each containing collectible coins. These coins encourage players to explore and engage with the world in a meaningful way (see circled area in the picture below). Additionally, I designed/found assets that served as key locations as focal points, providing players with compelling destinations to navigate toward and uncover unique features or challenges (highlighted in the picture below).

To add an extra layer of gameplay, I introduced a river that creates environmental hazards. Players must parkour across it to avoid taking damage, adding a dynamic and skill-based element to exploration (see circled area in the picture below).