Halloween Quest Retreat

Halloween Quest Remake
Solo Developer | Unreal Engine 5 | Blueprint Programming | Pixel Art | Game Design

Link: https://retrogamer643.itch.io/halloween-quest-retreat-demo

A complete reimagining of my first published game, rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. Halloween Quest Remake modernizes the original with redesigned gameplay systems, new mechanics, handcrafted pixel art, and improved level design while preserving the charm of the original Halloween adventure.

Project Overview
Solo-developed 2D pixel art platformer created in Unreal Engine 5
Complete remake of my first published game
Designed every gameplay system, level, UI, pixel art asset, and technical implementation
Focused on creating a polished vertical slice demonstrating gameplay programming and level design
Built as both a portfolio project and a playable public demo
Core Gameplay Features
Summon Block Mechanic

Designed and programmed the game's signature mechanic where players can summon magical blocks to:

Create temporary platforms
Save themselves from pits while falling
Reach hidden areas
Solve environmental puzzles
Reverse enemy movement
Expand traversal options

The mechanic serves as the foundation of exploration, combat, and puzzle solving throughout the game.

Platforming Systems

Implemented numerous movement systems including:

Precision platforming
Coyote Time
Variable jump mechanics
Block-assisted recovery
Collision-based environmental interaction
Multi-stage level progression
Combat

Created lightweight combat focused on positioning rather than direct attacks.

Features include:

Enemy AI patrol behaviors
Collision-based enemy interactions
Dynamic enemy direction reversal
Multiple enemy archetypes
Hazard navigation
Puzzle-combat encounters
Level Design

Designed an interconnected Halloween world divided into themed gameplay areas.

World 1 – Haunted Forest
Forest Entrance
Ancient Tree
Haunted Graveyard
Broken Bridge

Each section introduces new mechanics before combining them into more challenging encounters.

Planned Areas
Abandoned Village
Haunted Castle

Designed progression so mechanics evolve naturally throughout the adventure.

Pixel Art

Created original pixel art assets including:

Main character redesign
Enemy redesigns
Environmental tilesets
Interactive objects
UI icons
Collectibles
Animated sprites
Lighting effects

Maintained a consistent retro-inspired visual style while modernizing the original game's presentation.

Technical Systems

Implemented numerous gameplay systems entirely in Unreal Engine Blueprint, including:

Custom Summon Block System
Dynamic Collision Logic
Enemy AI
Collectible System
Health System
Checkpoint System
Pause Menu
Shop System
Music Manager
Persistent Audio Between Levels
Save/Progress Variables
UI Framework
Animation State Machines
Randomized Audio Playback
Palette Swap Support
Level Transitions
User Interface

Designed and implemented:

Pixel-art HUD
Heart-based health display
Candy counter
Pumpkin Coin counter
Pause menu
Title screen
Shop interface
Gameplay tutorial flow
Audio

Implemented systems for:

Persistent level music
Randomized sound effects
Area-based music transitions
Classic retro-inspired audio design
Tools & Technologies
Unreal Engine 5
Blueprint Visual Scripting
Aseprite
Photoshop
Git / Version Control
itch.io Deployment
Challenges Solved

Throughout development I solved a variety of gameplay and technical problems including:

Designing a reusable platform mechanic that supports exploration, puzzle solving, and enemy interaction
Building collision systems that behave consistently across editor and packaged builds
Creating modular level layouts using reusable tile sets
Implementing persistent audio between stages
Optimizing sprite animation workflows
Packaging, debugging, and deploying a public playable demo
Responsibilities

As the sole developer I was responsible for every aspect of development:

Game Design
Gameplay Programming
Systems Design
Blueprint Architecture
Pixel Art
Animation
UI Design
Audio Integration
Level Design
Technical Debugging
Build Packaging
Playtesting
Public Demo Release