Portfolio
Isabel's Musical Dream
Solo Project. Midi Controlled, Music Based Puzzle Platformer.
Midi Controls
The game is played by controlling the Main Character and affecting the environment with the Midi Keyboard.
The played notes produce their corresponding pitch and are processed through various music theory systems.
Up to 10 notes can be played at once.
From Theory to Gameplay
One of the main pillars of this project is to leverage theory into actual gameplay mechanics and make them enjoyable. The systems were built from scratch and are easily expanded.
Chord Identifier
A robust and accurate chord recognizer based on intervals.
It recognizes triads and 4-note chords, including inversions.
It uses Event Dispatchers to communicate with other actors.
Bouncy Sheep Platforms
Sheep like harmony and they will let you bounce on them if you play their favorite chord.
Scale Analyzer
Has 2 modes: Prescribed and Spontaneous
Prescribed: The player is shown a scale and must play it, with three mistakes allowed.
Spontaneous: Checks a set of notes played and checks if it matches a scale.
Both support Pentatonic, Hexatonic, Heptatonic, and Octatonic Scales.
_edited.jpg)
Scale Stairs
Certain blocks allow you to build a staircase upward or downward if you play their designated scale.
Rhythm Tracker
Finds the difference in time between notes played and compares it to the closest note value (quarter, eight, whole). If it is within the leniency range, it registers as the correct rhythm
_edited.jpg)
Squirrel Mini-Game
The squirrel claps a rhythm that you must imitate.
Music and World-Building
The setting is the dream world of a young child learning Music Theory and how to play the Cello. This means that the music must extend into the World-Building and I made sure to do it in creative ways.
Modulation to G
Each level is based on a Key. This one is based on C and another level in the sun is based on G. In music it is possible to change keys within a track and that is what happens in the Background music. To reflect this visually the sun peeks from above
A Minor Version
Mid-way through the level, the game transition from day to night. C Major and A Minor are relative keys (they use the same notes but sound different).
Layered Music System
The A minor version of the level has an incremental music system which adds parts as you playthrough it. It also has three layers to reflect the common elements of music: Bass, Harmony and Melody.
Challenges and Reflection
This has been one of the most difficult projects I've ever undertaken in my life. It was my first project in Unreal Engine and there was very little documentation on integrating Midi Keyboards. But I persisted and ended up with something I am very proud of and one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.