I wanted to get involved in game programming. This meant not using any engine that would make game development simplified because it would take away the very fundamentals I wanted to learn.

The browser-based games I have done in the past have been directed towards the design. Since my focus this time is on game mechanics, I had to find something that is simple and fun. (An RPG would be a bad example because it needs to be content rich.) Many people might start their first game with a Tetris clone, but I feel this game has been overdone. Still, modeling after another game would require less game design work.

Let me introduce one of my several game mockups: Bama, or Bam Arena, is top-down Bomberman-style game.

Bama title screen mockup

The basic functionality is simple enough. The player moves through the level placing bombs. Bombs destroy tiles and other bombs. Destroyed titles may reveal power ups to increase bomb count or flame strength. The player must complete a task in a set amount of time, such as reaching a door. Later possibilities include additional power ups, enemies, multiplayer, and specialized tiles like teleporters and pads that force the player in one direction.

Game proposal document - Click for larger

I like to keep things simple and yet visually appealing whenever possible. I’m not a graphic artist, but I can pull a few things off. As you can see in the gameplay mockup, everything is one solid color.

Bama gameplay mockup

Tags: game, mockup