Nikolas De la Cruz
Game Designer and Developer
Passionate about creating immersive gaming experiences, I am a dedicated game designer and developer eager to make my mark in the dynamic world of the gaming industry. With a background in start-up companies and indie titles, I bring a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to every project I undertake.
Rumble Runtz
Rumble Runtz is a fun and engaging tactics puzzle game developed over a weekend as part of a game jam project. In the game, players strategically assemble and manage a small team of squeaky toys to engage in battles against opposing squeaky toy forces. The gameplay emphasizes tactical decision-making and puzzle-solving skills.
I designed and developed Rumble Runtz in collaboration with a talented artist and sound designer, ensuring that the game features charming visuals and delightful sound effects that enhance the overall experience. The project showcases our combined efforts and creativity, resulting in a unique and entertaining game.
College Capstone Project
My college capstone project marked my initial foray into understanding the intricate systems that underpin RPG and strategy games. Inspired by my love for classic tactical RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea, and particularly Dungeons & Dragons, this project served as a practical exploration of game mechanics and design principles. By dissecting these beloved games, I gained invaluable insights into the balance, complexity, and depth required to create engaging and strategic gameplay experiences.
Through this project, I developed impressive leadership skills by managing a team and coordinating various aspects of game development. This hands-on experience not only honed my technical abilities but also ignited a deep passion for game design. It provided a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the gaming industry, reinforcing my commitment to creating intricate and immersive gaming worlds.
Prototype: Elderwood
Elderwood is a prototype designed to expand upon the deck-building game concepts seen in titles like "Slay the Spire" and "Potionomics." In Elderwood, players assemble a team of heroes, each equipped with unique cards and abilities, to embark on a story-driven rogue-like adventure through a mysterious world. The game combines strategic deck-building with immersive storytelling, offering a rich and engaging experience.
Players enhance their heroes through equipment, card upgrades, and modifications, allowing for a highly customizable gameplay experience. Dialogue encounters with various characters influence the game's narrative and outcomes, adding depth to the exploration of Elderwood's world. The goal is to create a compelling and dynamic adventure that challenges players to think strategically and adapt to the ever-evolving challenges of the rogue-like journey.
Astrogeo is my inaugural jam project, designed to blend the nostalgic feel of retro arcade games with contemporary gameplay philosophies. In Astrogeo, players pilot a neon spaceship, navigating through an onslaught of endless enemies with the goal of achieving the highest score possible. The game combines classic arcade action with modern design elements for an engaging and challenging experience.
I led the art direction, meticulously designed the gameplay mechanics, and developed the project. The collaboration with a skilled artist and sound designer ensured that Astrogeo features striking visuals and immersive soundscapes, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This project represents our collective effort to create a modern twist on a beloved arcade genre.
Prototype: Familiars
Familiars is my current prototype in development, inspired by classic creature collection games but enhanced with unique twists and modern updates to the mechanics and systems. The game aims to provide a fresh take on the beloved genre, incorporating innovative features that set it apart from traditional entries. The core objective is to create a definitive "nuzlock" style experience, a gameplay approach popularized by the community that adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement.
The development of Familiars is progressing well, with significant advancements in both design and functionality. My dedicated team and I are passionately working on refining the game's features to ensure it meets our high standards. We are actively seeking funding to support the project and bring this unique vision to fruition. Familiars represents our commitment to creating a standout experience in the creature collection genre, blending nostalgia with contemporary innovation.
Prototype Cover: Ogre Battle
This prototype is my reinterpretation of the classic RPG Ogre Battle, where players assemble units composed of diverse soldiers with unique skills to engage in territorial battles. Captivated by the original game's distinctive combat system, I felt compelled to create my own version, infusing it with elements inspired by the auto-battler genre that was trending at the time. The prototype retains the strategic depth and unit management that made Ogre Battle memorable, while incorporating modern mechanics to enhance the gameplay experience.
The development of this prototype was a passionate endeavor, driven by my admiration for the original game and a desire to innovate within its framework. The unique blend of strategic RPG elements and auto-battler mechanics showed great potential, sparking numerous ideas for further expansion. I am eager to revisit this project in the future to fully explore and realize its possibilities, aiming to create a game that honors the legacy of Ogre Battle while introducing new and exciting gameplay dynamics.