This project was developed over three months as a two-person university assignment. The goal was to create a platformer with engaging parkour mechanics using SDL, a low-level multimedia library, rather than traditional game engines like Unity or Unreal. I took on the roles of Level Designer, Audio Designer, and Mechanics Designer.

The challenge was to deliver smooth gameplay with tight controls and appealing level design despite the technical limitations of SDL. We built the entire map in Tiled, layering platforms and collision zones carefully to provide fluid movement and challenging jumps. The design included mechanics like buffered jumps, falling through platforms, and environmental interaction.

My responsibilities included designing the layout of the levels to encourage exploration and mastery of the movement mechanics, integrating audio cues to enhance player feedback, and programming key mechanics to ensure responsive and satisfying gameplay. Collaboration between the two team members was essential to iteratively test and refine these systems.

Working with SDL forced us to develop many systems from scratch, which deepened my understanding of game programming fundamentals and problem-solving under constraints. The project helped me improve my ability to adapt design goals to technical realities while maintaining a player-focused approach.

Overall, Through the Depths was a valuable experience in combining level design, mechanics, and audio within a minimalist development environment, preparing me for more complex projects in the future.