Juan Borges Vega
Partner Collaboration — Sanrio
Mega Cat Studios · NDA · 2024
Contributed to an unannounced title developed in partnership with Sanrio. Specific project details are under NDA. Focused on AI architecture, core gameplay systems, and camera behavior within a fast-paced production timeline.
HIGHLIGHTS
FSM-Based Boss AI
Initially tasked with implementing boss AI behavior. Upon reviewing the existing codebase, identified that the current architecture was unstructured and would not scale or remain maintainable as complexity grew. Proposed and implemented a Finite State Machine architecture as a replacement — establishing a cleaner, more debuggable foundation for the project's AI systems going forward.
Shop & Inventory Systems
Implemented a shop system supporting normal and special item types, alongside a general inventory system extended to support specific item categories. Designed both systems to work together cohesively within the project's broader gameplay loop.
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Implemented challenge room systems including portals, challenge handlers, and room transition logic.
- Developed camera focus effects for room entry — zooming out and refocusing on the full room as the player enters.
- Built a generic screen shake system following industry-standard design guidelines, reusable across different game event.
- Implemented a rage mechanic increasing character stats with accompanying visual feedback including character scale animation.