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Create Metroidvania Game Prototype

If you’re interested in building a Metroidvania game, the first step is understanding the key elements that make this genre unique. Before jumping into development, it’s important to plan your approach and have a clear understanding of the core features you'll need. Check out Building A Metroidvania Game In Unity which covers the fundamental elements such as exploration, upgrades, backtracking, and progression mechanics.

Importance of Organizing Before Development

Metroidvania games can get complex quickly. Organizing your assets, setting up your project structure, and planning key mechanics like player movement, enemy behaviors, and level design will save you a lot of headaches down the road. You'll also want to break down your game into small, manageable prototypes—that’s where Axis comes in.

Building a Simple Metroidvania Prototype with Axis in Unity

To help get started, follow these instructions to create a basic Metroidvania prototype using Axis in Unity. This prototype will feature core mechanics like movement, simple platforms, and a basic world structure.

Step 1: Set Up Your Unity Project with Axis

  1. Open Unity and create a new 2D project.
  2. Import the Axis Framework package into your project.
  3. Set up your scene by going to the GameObject menu and adding the following Axis elements:
    • NavmeshMatrix: This will handle grid generation for platform navigation.
    • NavCamera: Adds important camera functionalities like zoom and shake effects.
    • Input System: Go to GameObject > Axis > Add Input System to add the default input system which includes gamepad and keyboard controls.

Step 2: Create the Player Character

  1. In the GameObject > Axis > NavObjects menu, select Player > Platformer. This will create a player character preset with basic movement mechanics.
  2. Customize the player by adding jump, dash, or double-jump features using Axis components.
  3. Assign movement keys and ensure your player can move left, right, and jump.

Step 3: Build Basic Platforming

  1. In GameObject > Axis > NavObjects, add NavTiles to create the platforms.
  2. Use the Tile Renderer to set up tiles that represent solid ground and walls for the player to interact with.
  3. Customize the appearance and size of your platforms for a simple level layout.

Step 4: Add Collectables and Obstacles

  1. Add a collectible item by navigating to GameObject > Axis > Items > Float Rotate. This will create a basic collectible object that spins in place.
  2. Create enemies or obstacles using NavObjects > Enemy presets, which come pre-configured with basic enemy behaviors.
  3. You can modify the AI behavior or movement using Axis extension classes for further customization.

Step 5: Set Up Navigation and World Zones

  1. Use NavZones to create areas that change the player's abilities, such as speed boosts or restricted areas.
  2. Set up teleportation zones for quick movement across your map by using Axis > NavLinks > Teleport.

Step 6: Testing and Polish

  1. Press Play