Splatoon 2 Mobile Combat Design
Objective: The goal was to adapt the critically acclaimed Nintendo Switch game, Splatoon 2, for mobile platforms while preserving the core gameplay and immersive user interaction. This redesign ensures players experience the same console-quality action on mobile without any compromises in functionality or enjoyment.
Approach: By incorporating fully optimized controls and innovative interaction designs tailored for touchscreen devices, the mobile adaptation remains true to the original’s dynamic combat mechanics and fast-paced gameplay.
Touchscreen Adaptation: The traditional physical button controls from the Nintendo Switch version were seamlessly translated into a mobile-friendly interface, utilizing standard FPS mobile UI design principles for an intuitive experience.
Movement and Transformation:
Players use the joystick to move their characters.
By pressing the joystick while moving, players can transform their character into an octopus, enabling faster navigation and unique abilities. The transformation is visually indicated by the joystick icon switching to an octopus icon.
Optimization: This mechanic leverages the system’s ability to differentiate between joystick movement and pressing, ensuring precision and fluidity during gameplay.
Ink Management and Weapon Energy:
• Players dive into ink in octopus mode to recharge their weapon energy.
• A horizontal energy bar visually represents the ink required for secondary weapon deployment, allowing players to strategize their actions effectively.
Weapon Interaction Mechanics: To accommodate weapons with dual attack methods, the prototype integrates intuitive touch-based controls for both primary and secondary attacks.
Example: Writing Brush Weapon
Primary Attack: Players tap the attack rocker to launch an ink attack. The direction of the ink throw is dynamically adjusted based on the joystick’s directional input.
Secondary Attack: Players press and hold the fire stick to initiate a continuous painting action. The joystick simultaneously controls both the viewing angle and the direction of the painting, ensuring fluid and precise control.
Secondary Weapon Mechanic:
When players activate the secondary weapon, the corresponding button dynamically transforms into the primary weapon button. This intuitive switch ensures players can quickly return to their primary weapon without additional effort, maintaining fluidity in combat.
Ultimate Ability Activation:
The ultimate ability icon flashes when the player’s energy meter is full, providing a clear visual cue. Players can press the icon to unleash their ultimate move, delivering powerful attacks seamlessly integrated into the gameplay flow.
Death Recap:
Players are informed about the weapon that eliminated them, providing immediate feedback and clarity on the cause of their defeat.
Team Equipment and Buffs:
The table in the upper-left corner of the screen displays detailed information about the team’s equipment and buffs, ensuring players are aware of their team’s current capabilities and advantages.
Teleport to Teammates:
Players can tap on a teammate’s avatar to teleport directly to their location, facilitating strategic repositioning.
Clicking the “Spawn Point” button allows players to return to their base. Selected teammates are clearly marked with a green frame for easy identification.
Map Interaction:
The map can be accessed without disrupting gameplay, allowing players to move and fire normally while strategizing their next actions.
Communication Button:
Located under the microphone icon, this button facilitates team interactions.
Swap Up: Summon teammates to follow you, encouraging coordinated gameplay.
Swap Down: Use this gesture to mock opponents, adding a playful element to communication.
Interactive Ultimate: Booyah Bomb
This ultimate ability requires team collaboration. When activated by a teammate, a prompt appears, allowing players to click or slide the communication button to cooperate and complete the ability.
This mechanic fosters teamwork and synchronizes ultimate execution for maximum impact.