Combat System & Dungeon Prototype · Unreal Engine · C++
Ancient Ward is a combat and dungeon-focused Unreal Engine prototype built as a progression from earlier gameplay experiments. The project expands on core combat mechanics by introducing structured level flow, weapon pickups, timed challenges, and a complete dungeon experience culminating in a boss fight.
Ancient Ward was designed as a direct step forward from earlier gameplay prototypes. Instead of focusing on a single mechanic, this project brings multiple systems together into a cohesive dungeon-style experience. The goal was to understand how individual gameplay systems interact when combined into a full level flow.
The level is structured like a traditional dungeon, guiding the player from the starting area through combat encounters, traps, and gated progression. Timed events and environmental triggers require the player to complete specific tasks in order to unlock new areas, reinforcing pacing and challenge escalation.
The player can acquire weapons such as a sword during gameplay, altering combat behavior and available actions. Power-ups temporarily enhance abilities, while trap systems introduce environmental hazards. These systems are tightly integrated with the level logic to ensure they meaningfully affect player decision-making.
Combat is built around a flexible combo system using light and heavy attacks. Inputs can be chained in multiple patterns such as light-light-heavy (1-1-2) or heavy-light-heavy (2-1-2), allowing for varied combat strategies. The system was designed to support future expansion without rewriting core logic.
UI elements and sound cues provide constant feedback to the player, indicating successful hits, combo progression, power-up activation, and objective status. These cues are essential for maintaining clarity during fast-paced combat and time-sensitive events within the dungeon.
The dungeon concludes with a final boss fight that requires mastery of the combat and movement systems introduced throughout the level. The encounter serves as a validation of the full gameplay loop, combining combat, timing, and situational awareness to complete the level.
Stamina-driven actions affecting combat and movement.
Flexible light/heavy attack chains with multiple variations.
Triggers and countdown-based gameplay gates.