Heistman Blog Entry 1 – New Start, New Idea

Posted on Game Design

For this project, I will be creating a demo of a game mechanic in Unreal Engine version 4.26.

Context

The game will be a third person heist game where the player has to steal treasure from a number of locations. It will be split into two gameplay sections; preparation, where the player can purchase gadgets and covertly install them in the target locations, and the heist itself, where the player uses said gadgets to help them steal the treasure and get out without being caught.

The gameplay will take the preparation/heist structure of the Persona series, specifically Persona 5 due to its use of static levels that allow the player to unlock doors that stay open after exiting and re-entering the levels. It will also take inspiration from the Hitman series, giving the player multiple ways to accomplish their task with the tools at their disposal. Where it differs from these games is in the freedom the player has with their gadgets, being able to set up traps or escape routes in advance that can be activated or utilised during the heist.

The Showcased Mechanic

This demo will focus on the mechanic of deploying gadgets in the level that can be used during the heist. These gadgets will be persistent, meaning the player can exit the level and they will be in the same place when the player returns. Some level features will also be persistent, such as doors being left unlocked or stolen treasure being missing on subsequent playthroughs.

The Demo Will Include:

  • At least three unique gadgets that the player can purchase and deploy in the level
    • Moulding Gum: A type of putty that the player can insert into a keyhole and will take the shape of the next key that is inserted into it, effectively giving the player permanent access through the door if they leave the area and return the next day.
    • EMP: A sticky device that can attach to walls and disables electronic security systems in a small radius. This demo will use a laser field for this.
    • Camera: A small sticky camera that can be remotely accessed from the player’s menu. Only one can be placed at a time, although in the contextual game the player would have the ability to switch between several at once.
  • At least one location to explore, with a few interactable elements (treasure to pick up, doors to open and close, etc)
  • An inventory system to track gadgets, money, and treasure
  • A simple menu system or hub world to move between levels
  • Stretch Goals:
  • A shop to purchase gadgets and sell treasure
  • A second heist location with unique item persistence (changes from one level won’t affect the other)
  • More unique gadgets

The Demo Will Not Include:

  • Stealth Gameplay / AI Enemies – Not what I’m wanting to demonstrate, although in the contextual game this would be linked to the gadget system (using gadgets to evade detection, enemies could destroy gadgets if they find them etc.)
  • Fleshed out Level Design – The location will be a basic sandbox containing functional blockouts of interactable objects as well as some simple geometry to traverse.
  • An End Goal / Objectives – Again, this would be in the contextual game but this isn’t the focus of the demo.

Pre-Made Elements

To simplify the development of the project, I will be using the UE4 Third Person template as a base for movement. I also plan on using asset packs for gadget icons and other UI elements; these will all be referenced in the final demo.

Goals for the next update:

  • Set up the Unreal Project
  • Make the sandbox level for the third person character
  • Set up a game instance to store required variables