Little Dragon

Level Design

Little Dragon is a 2D action platformer game where the player controls a Draco lizard whose homeland has been destroyed by an advanced termite civilization. The primary platforming mechanic is gliding, where the player can use the lizard's patagia( wing-like membrane) to traverse the labyrinthine tunnels and caverns that the termites have constructed. While doing so, the lizard begins to discover its draconic roots and gains the ability to breathe fire, which will be the primary combat mechanic. Thus Little Dragon aims to bring fantastical elements into a world of tiny creatures.

As the level designer, my duty was to ensure that players are well onboarded with the unique mechanics of gliding and fire power that we designed based on draco lizard. To achieve this, I break down the onboarding section into two parts: the platforming in the beginning and the combat after the narrative cutscene. Players will start to the left of the level focusing on getting used to the control of gliding in the air while also recognizing the traps in the game. After a challenge from the enemy, players will be sent to the underground shrine where they will learn the fire power that they can use against the enemies. From there, players will encounter combat and platforming in turns and progress deeper into the terminte territory.