Anomaly Clean-Up Squad
Description
Anomaly Clean-Up Squad is a horror adventure game developed as part of a university assignment in spring 2024. My team of four created the game in Unity, combining strategic gameplay with eerie, suspenseful encounters.
In the game, players take command of a specialised squad tasked with hunting down mysterious anomalies. Observing their team from a drone's perspective, players can use a heat vision camera with various thermal colour gradients to detect anomalies lurking in the environment. Since the anomalies are easier to spot from above than on the ground, players must strategically direct their squad, selecting individual members or multiple units to issue movement commands. Beyond tracking and eliminating anomalies, the squad is also responsible for completing smaller tasks, such as securing gates and maintaining defensive positions. The mission is only successful if all anomalies are eradicated and at least one squad member survives—making every decision a matter of life and death.
My Contribution
As a small team, we collaborated closely to bring our vision to life, supporting each other throughout development. However, my primary contributions focused on level design and soldier behaviour.
For the level design, I created an environment where anomalies would roam freely, ensuring a balance between tension and strategy. It was crucial to include multiple hiding spots to make spotting anomalies more challenging, such as dense tree cover that obscured their figures and fires that interfered with heat vision detection. At the same time, I designed open areas where anomalies could ambush the squad, keeping players on edge and forcing them to adapt their tactics.
For the soldier behaviour, I implemented Unity's NavMesh system and a behaviour tree system to create autonomous squad members capable of detecting and engaging anomalies without direct player input. Soldiers were programmed to spot anomalies when they moved too close or stepped out from behind large objects. Once an enemy was detected, the soldier would automatically turn towards the threat and open fire, allowing for a more immersive and dynamic combat experience.
