This Unreal Mechanics Sandbox started off as a university assignment. For which we were required to demonstrate understanding of the Unreal Engine and C++ by implementing a minimum of 5 distinct mechanics.
- Each mechanic had to be implemented in C++ with minimal visual scripting used.
- Each mechanic had to be showcased in an individual level.
- The project had to include a "hub" level in which any "player" of the project could transport themselves to each of the test levels. (The screenshot on the right is from the hub level.)
When creating each mechanic, and level to display them in, I went through a number of steps. First I decided what mechanic I should create. Second, I broke down what systems were needed for that mechanic. Third, I checked if there was any other sub-mechanic or another mechanic that could use this system to demonstrate what it can do.
For example in the screenshot on the left, you can see the "Puzzle Mechanics" level. In this level, the first thing I made was a simple push a box into a ditch to cross it mechanic. But then I realised I could also use a smaller version of the box as a key for a door so I then created a button mechanic that was pressed when a box was pushed into it and then a door that would check its selected button and when it was activated the door would open.
