Project 01 / Game design & development
Shapeforge
A Java game, from the first design ideas to the detail of debugging and testing.
01 / The project
From an idea to a game.
Shapeforge is my Computer Science A-level NEA game. This case study brings together the game itself and the analysis, design, debugging and testing behind it.
Add the original project brief, intended players and the problem the game set out to solve.
Repository available; its match to the finished game is not yet confirmed. A tested desktop download is not currently available.
02 / My contribution
The work behind the work.
My work spans Java development, game design, graphics, analysis and documentation. The selected documentation will show how that work developed, with specific examples of decisions and revisions.
03 / Design & decisions
A closer look at the choices.
Draft outline · the source material will ground these sections in the actual work.
Designing the HUD
The early HUD concept on page 21 is selected to show the starting point. A written account will explain what changed between the initial concept and the final interface, and why.
Choosing data structures
Page 36 is selected for its discussion of A* data structures and membership lookups. The source excerpt is needed before presenting the implementation or its rationale.
Testing the edges
The Blink ability tests on pages 138–139 are selected as manual functional and boundary testing. The original cases and results will be added when the document is supplied.
04 / Supporting evidence
Open the inventory.
Selections identified in an earlier review of the NEA documentation. Written summaries and page references will be added once the source material has been reviewed.
Optional addition: the recorded algorithm simulations on page 8. Check the timing-unit typo before transcribing; the results should not be presented as universal performance claims.
05 / Outcome & reflection
What I’m taking forward.
Add the actual outcome, what worked, what was difficult, and what I would change. Results and learning will be written from the project evidence.