2D Vertical Cat Platformer
Punishing precision platformer with innovative weight mechanics (Team Lead)
Project Overview
One-liner: Climb skyward as a determined cat, mastering brutal precision jumps, dodging lethal foes, and choosing between a risky solo ascent or protecting a newborn family on the way back to its balloon-borne owner.
I led a two-person team and wore multiple hats (design, programming, production) to build a punishing, upward-only platformer inspired by "one-more-try" jump games. The story opens with a cat separated from its owner when a hot-air balloon lifts off. The cat resolves to climb after them—through tight, trap-filled spaces where every jump matters.
Core Mechanics
Precision Jumping
- Deliberate, high-stakes jumps
- Jump-King-style difficulty
- Single mistake can cost major progress
- Continuous vertical ascent challenge
- Timing-pressure sections
Weight State System
- Fat ↔ Thin dynamic mechanics
- Idle time makes cat "fat"
- Running slims the cat down
- Modulates jump control
- Encourages active movement
Companions & Family Path
- Optional companion system
- Kittens act as "life swaps"
- Escort and protection mechanics
- Trading speed for resilience
- Branching route choices
Game Structure & Flow
Vertical Progression
- Continuous vertical ascent toward owner
- Narrow platforms and moving hazards
- Enemy patrols and timing challenges
- Set-piece encounters
- Environmental storytelling
Branching Routes
- Solo path: lean, fast, fragile
- Family path: safer via extra lives
- Higher management overhead with family
- Strategic route selection
- Risk vs. reward gameplay
Enemies & Hazards
- Blade-like spider legs
- Environmental traps
- Instant-death mechanics
- Timing-based challenges
- Precision movement requirements
Tools & Technology
Engine: Godot for core game development and scripting
3D/Level Prototyping & Animation: Blender for asset creation and animation
2D Art & UI: GIMP and Krita for visual design and user interface
Third-party Content: Selective, licensed marketplace assets (credited and integrated into our pipeline)
Role & Responsibilities
Project Lead / Designer / Programmer: Responsible for core mechanics (weight state, life-swap kittens), enemy behavior, narrative beats, and difficulty philosophy. Led the design vision and technical implementation of the unique weight system that encourages active movement and adds strategic depth to platforming challenges.
Production: Managed scope control, task breakdown, and asset integration with one collaborator. Coordinated development workflow and ensured project milestones were met while maintaining quality standards.
Development Status
Currently in development with core concepts and systems defined. The fundamental mechanics including the weight state system, precision jumping, and companion mechanics have been prototyped and tested. Level content is not yet built as the team focuses on perfecting the core gameplay loop.
Next Steps: Development of vertical slice (tutorial + first major climb), hazard telegraphing implementation, and fine-tuning of weight-state vs. jump difficulty balance. The team is also working on visual polish and audio integration to enhance the emotional connection between player and character.
Design Philosophy
This project explores the emotional weight of separation and determination through challenging gameplay mechanics. The weight system serves as both a mechanical challenge and a metaphor for the cat's emotional state - becoming complacent leads to difficulty, while active pursuit of the goal maintains agility. The optional family path adds layers of responsibility and protection, mirroring real-world choices between personal ambition and family obligations.