Through The Depths
Through the Depths is a 2D platformer developed over three months as a two-person university project using SDL. Built without a traditional game engine, the project focused on delivering fluid parkour-inspired movement, responsive controls, and carefully designed platforming challenges through custom-built gameplay systems.

My Role
As Level Designer, Mechanics Designer, and Audio Designer, I was responsible for designing the level layouts, implementing core movement mechanics, creating the audio experience, and ensuring that every system supported precise and satisfying gameplay.
Level & Movement Design
I designed the game's levels to encourage exploration while gradually teaching and testing the player's mastery of movement mechanics. Platform placement, traversal routes, and obstacle pacing were carefully structured to reward precision, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Gameplay Mechanics
I designed and implemented several movement systems, including buffered jumps, one-way platforms, environmental interactions, and responsive player controls. These mechanics were continuously refined through playtesting to create a smooth and rewarding platforming experience despite the technical limitations of SDL.
Iteration & Production
Working in a two-person team required close collaboration and constant iteration. Developing without an established engine meant building many gameplay systems from scratch, encouraging a deeper understanding of both technical implementation and design trade-offs while keeping the player experience at the center of every decision.
Outcome
The project resulted in a complete playable platformer that successfully combined responsive movement, handcrafted level design, and custom gameplay systems. It became an important step in developing my understanding of how technical implementation and game design work together to create satisfying player experiences.
Level Design
Audio Design
Mechanics Design
SDL Programming
Map Creation (Tiled)
Team Collaboration




