In a world where technology and natural magic have merged, Aiden, a sentient AI with the ability to manipulate both digital systems and organic energies, must uncover the mystery behind humanity’s disappearance. Venturing through the sprawling landscapes of Neura Eden, Aiden confronts a corrupting force that threatens to unravel the delicate balance of this once-thriving paradise.
Garden of Aiden combines the best elements of classic Metroidvania exploration with modern 2D physics-based gameplay. By mastering movement, harnessing powers that blend advanced technology with elemental magic, and unraveling the secrets left behind by mankind, players will experience a compelling journey of discovery, danger, and renewal.
Seamless Fusion of Tech and Nature
Explore an environment where mechanical constructs and lush flora co-exist, offering a visually stunning and thematically rich setting.
Physics-Driven Platforming
Make use of precise 2D physics mechanics—from wall-jumps to gravity-shifting obstacles—ensuring every movement feels fluid and responsive.
Metroidvania Exploration
Unlock new abilities and gadgets to gain access to previously unreachable areas, rewarding curiosity and backtracking with hidden lore and upgrades.
Dynamic Combat System
Combine ranged tech blasts and nature-infused melee attacks to defeat enemies corrupted by the malevolent force threatening Neura Eden.
Story-Rich Narrative
Discover the fate of humanity through scattered digital logs, ancient runic devices, and interactions with the few remaining sentient beings.
Striking Pixel Art Aesthetic
Each frame is packed with detail, merging a vibrant color palette that brings both the technological and natural elements of the world to life.
Undertaking my first solo project required me to rapidly broaden my coding skills and become a multidisciplinary expert in Unity. One of the toughest obstacles was perfecting the physics system: I redid the movement four or five times, referencing Celeste’s mechanics to strike just the right balance of responsiveness and fluidity. Each revision taught me more about collision detection, velocity handling, and the importance of tight controls for player satisfaction.
Meanwhile, I also faced the challenge of making the art stand out in an oversaturated market; designing distinctive pixel art and cohesive environmental themes demanded not only creative flair but also smart optimization to maintain performance. Every step introduced a new learning curve, but teaching myself how to tackle each problem ultimately empowered me to build a more refined and engaging game.
- Game Design & Direction: Conceptualized the fusion of technology and organic magic, designed key gameplay mechanics, and led overall creative direction.
- Level & Environment Design: Constructed multi-layered environments that emphasize both vertical and horizontal exploration, ensuring each area feels alive and interconnected.
- Programming & State Machine Implementation: Developed character scripts, custom physics interactions, and behavior transitions (Idle, Move, Jump, InAir, Land, Wall Mechanics, Dash, etc.).
- Art Oversight: Collaborated with pixel artists to maintain a cohesive visual identity, guiding color palette choices and overall aesthetic.
- Playtesting & Iteration: Conducted continuous playtests, gathering feedback and adjusting difficulty, controls, and progression flow accordingly.
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