HOT TAG is a 2D arcade-style game designed during the GDD Game Jam 2024. Created for two players in an in-person arcade setting, the game emphasizes fast-paced action, strategic power-ups, and a unique “hot vs. cool” theme.
Play HOT TAG or view the code on GitHub!
Gameplay Overview
- Objective: One player, the “Hot” player (red), attempts to tag the “Cool” player (blue). If the Cool player evades for 10 seconds, they win the round. If tagged, they lose.
- Rounds: The first player to win five rounds emerges victorious.
Features
Dynamic Map Design
- Randomized Spawn Points: Players and obstacles, including lava blocks, are positioned randomly each round to ensure a unique experience.
- Warmth Circle: A central area doubles the player’s speed but increases their warmth bar, risking overheating.
Player Abilities
- Enlarge Ability: Temporarily increases the player’s size, aiding the Hot player in tight spaces but potentially restricting movement.
- Teleport Ability: Enables quick escape, perfect for the Cool player in dangerous situations.
Visual and Sound Design
Developed using Python’s Pygame module, HOT TAG focuses on gameplay and mechanics over detailed art, creating a retro arcade-style visual experience. Background music builds tension as rounds progress, adding to the excitement.
Future Enhancements
- Multiplayer functionality to enable remote play.
- Additional abilities and power-ups to deepen strategy.
- Improved sprites, animations, and environmental design for an immersive arcade experience.
Thematic Inspiration
The theme for GDD Game Jam 2024 was “Warmth.” HOT TAG embraces this through the Hot vs. Cool concept, lava obstacles, and the innovative Warmth Circle mechanic.
Learning Outcomes
Through HOT TAG, I gained experience in:
- Designing balanced 2D game mechanics.
- Implementing player abilities and dynamic obstacles.
- Leveraging Python and Pygame for rapid game prototyping.
Explore More
Check out the project on GitHub: HOT TAG Repository