Golf It! - The Valley Series
Idea:
What started out as small sessions of playing around in the Golf It editor soon became an obsession, with its similar layout and controls as unreal engines workspace regarding material editors and event system (blue prints) f.e.
Over the span of 4 years I gained many lessons in level design on my own that has been invaluable
to my skill set. On this page, I will cover my two latest creations,
my so called 'crown jewels' as those are currently the two highest rated ones.​​
Execution:
For the most part, I deviated from classic miniature golf courses and instead built my 'holes' as part of the environment the player experiences​. The two maps are built with a main hub in mind, from where the player teleports to different themed worlds. I have used the editors event system to be able to create unique game play features like 'surf' (control the ball), 2d side scrolling sections and boss battles. Earlier maps have been an open world setting with different biomes and sub-themes. All maps are accompanied with well timed sound effects and fitting music for each world / sub-theme. This will show thinking outside the box working with the game's conditions and limitations.
Project overview:
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Personal project
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Production time: 1500 hours
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Engine: Golf It! map editor (UE4)
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Game: Golf It!
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Number of maps: 5
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Subscribers: 617.948
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From the main hub to the different worlds.
In Dimension Valley, the player is being directed to different worlds by the boss, the all seeing eye. The inspiration was of course Mario 64 with the paitings serving as entry points for the different worlds.
In Chaos Valley, the allseeing eye has trapped the player in a galaxy time loop. The player is teleported to different worlds with a fast sequence, making several wow-moments every time the player(s) go to a new world.
Fast paced jump & run holes
These holes are highly appreciated by the players.
They are fast paced with surprises around every corner.
In this example, I created a homage to 'Tron', where the player will steer the ball through 'The Grid'.
In many cases I use teleporters to quickly switch up the environments. This allows for many wow-moments and is good for performance for lower end PC's, since I don't have to create one long continuous section.
2d side-scroller
I made a 2d auto-scroller where a simple gravity field
constantly pushes the player to the right where enemies and pits needs to be jumped. Cut-outs were made in back walls to let the space background come through.
Boss battles
Boss battles in a miniature golf game? Sure, why not. These are adrenaline fueled section and highly rated moments by all the players. They often have a very high difficulty. Clip 1: Space boss. Clip 2: Part of final boss.
Working with scale
Scale is a fun design concept to work with. Here I have made a tiny village giving players the feeling of being really big, while on the other end, inside the house, the player will feel really small in the environment.
Tribute to games
Popular holes are the ones where I design the game play based on other games. A challenge to make it fun and recognizable while still paying respect to the original.
Two examples here: Portal and Sonic.
A selection of map comments
'This map is phenomenal. Wow. The attention to detail and aesthetics, the idea and the whole level design is next level. Holly hell, play this map if you're playing none other.'
'Very big respect, this is one of the most artistically pleasing and game play satisfying map I've had i vary long time! Much love and keep up the epic work.'
'Honestly one of the best maps I've ever played. So detailed, multiple different gaming mechanics. Each "dimension" could be a separate course in itself.'
'This is by far the most creative custom map I have played in probably any game, absolutely amazing.'
'Map is unbelievable. Better than a lot of paid games. Very fun to play. Highly recommend.'
'You are definitely the most talented map creator of this game. If you aren't a gamedev already I would strongly recommend it to you. I would really like to see your talents in a game of your own. Thanks for the great experience.'
'An absolute masterpiece of a map, amazing adventure and story telling in just a golf game. This sets a new standard of what an amazing level is.'
'By far the best map I have ever played. My mind was completely blown away by the things done in this map. Cinematics were nice and especially the surf stuff was
geniusly executed.'
'New surprises around every corner, innovative usage of game mechanics, and buckets of charm all make this a joyous and exciting experience.'
'I've paid $20 or more for a full video game before, and not had as much fun as I had playing this map.'