In Development: Word Attack (prototype)

• box2d
• flash
• game design
• July 20, 2009

I have been working on a prototype for a new Flash game, codenamed “Word Attack”. The finished game will eventually be submitted to Word Play- A Flash Game Contest, that is being hosted by Dictionary.com and Mochi Media. Check out the prototype below…

Note: There is no gameplay mechanic revolving around the blocks turning red after they stop moving, this is just something that the Box2D API does to let the developer know that objects are “sleeping” (not being simulated anymore).

As you can see, the player’s goal is to clear every level by creating words with the letters provided (for the prototype I created nine levels). One thing that is worth pointing out is that the player has the choice of completing a level in whatever fashion the player chooses, as long as the player clears out all the letters in the level by typing in valid words. For example, in level seven the letters falling down consist of “c”, “o”, “m”, “p”, “u”, “t”, “e”, and “r”. So the player can complete the level by either typing in “computer”, or by typing in “mop” and then typing in “cuter”.

I plan to expand more on the gameplay by working with a game designer, since it feels like it needs a bit more “fun” in order for it to not just be Scrabble with physics. This is also the first time I have used the Box2D API to develop a Flash game, and I must say, it’s turning out quite well so far .

Feel free to comment on the game, I’m also open to suggestions on gameplay or anything in general related to the game.