Toy Trek

Toy Trek: 2.5D Rage Platformer

This game is currently only built to run on desktop a desktop browser. That may change in the future, but for now it only works when you are on a computer browser

Embark on an unforgiving climb in Toy Trek, a rage-inducing platformer inspired by Jump King and the delightful chaos of childhood. Channeling the challenge of Foddian games and the whimsical storytelling of Toy Story, this project delivers a hard-as-nails experience where patience and precision are your only allies.

Project Info

The story is simple: Dolly, the beloved toy, has been separated from Annabelle, and it’s your mission to guide her back to the safety of Annabelle’s room. But beware—this trek is no child’s play. The path is treacherous, and every fall will send you spiraling downward, forcing you to reevaluate your every move. Only the most persistent players will reach the top, but those who do will discover a hidden message waiting at the end of their journey.

This game was crafted for the 2024 Niantic Studio: Real-World Gaming Challenge as a celebration of perseverance, creativity, and a little bit of chaos (thanks, toddlers!).

Gameplay Features

Platformer Mechanics

• Precision movement ensures that every leap feels rewarding—and every fall, devastating.
• Unique arrow-based jump system: Control Dolly’s trajectory with an arrow that constantly shifts above her head. Lock in your angle, then power up the jump for perfect execution (or not).

Cinematic Perspective

• A custom camera controller ensures Dolly stays the center of attention while dynamically adjusting to her position.
• Objects outside the camera’s view are optimized for smooth performance.

Rage Game Design

• Every mistake costs progress. Miss a jump, and you’ll tumble down to the lower levels. But with each climb, your skills sharpen, and victory grows closer.
• Designed for players who enjoy a true test of patience and precision.

The Art of Splats

This is my most ambitious game yet! Every 3D asset was crafted using Gaussian splats, a unique and innovative approach to game art. If an asset itself isn’t a splat, a splat was used to create its texture. Key splat-based assets include:

• All three of Dolly’s animations
• The Window
• The Start screen
• The End screen

This artistic choice not only adds visual flair but also demonstrates the versatility of Gaussian splats in game design.

Hidden Challenge

Think you’ve mastered Toy Trek? The first five players to complete the game will uncover a hidden message, rewarding the most determined adventurers with a secret surprise. Will you be one of them?

Key Design Inspiration

• Jump King: The essence of the Foddian genre—simple controls, brutal difficulty, and satisfying progression.
• Toy Story: A narrative spark fueled by the imaginative chaos of toys and childhood adventures.
• Real Life: Special thanks to Annabelle, my 2-year-old, for being the muse behind Dolly’s quest. Messy rooms and runaway toys never felt so relatable!

Tips for the Trek

1. Be Patient: Falling is part of the journey. Use each mistake as a lesson to refine your strategy.
2. Experiment with Angles: Master the jump mechanics to control Dolly’s movements with precision.
3. Adapt to Hazards: Watch for environmental clues to anticipate tricky platforms and challenging jumps.
4. Keep Trying: Remember, even the best players fall—what matters is getting back up!

Feedback

Toy Trek is designed for those who crave the thrill of overcoming impossible odds. Whether you finish or fall, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

I am still working on the documentation and Readme, but clone it if you'd like!

Good luck, adventurer—and may Dolly find her way home!

Happy climbing! 🚀