Comet
Comet is a cosmic arcade game developed for X360 and PC as part of an independent Study project at Cornell University. Comet was originally intended to explore the effects of adaptive difficulty on player engagement and play duration, but, like with most games, that goal changed over time. In its current iteration, Comet still retains some aspects of allowing players to customize their play experience by selecting what types of challenges they most want to pursue.
The Galaxy
Comet takes place in a galaxy riddled with belligerent swarms of technology called spores that produce clouds of toxic, destructive nanoparticles. In order to defend the galaxy, players have the option of descending down different 'arms' of the spiral galaxy, each one with its own unique mechanics and gameplay obstacles. Because all levels are generated on the fly based on a core set of parameters, adjusting even a few values can drastically affect the feel of the game.
Along each branch of the galaxy are five planets with increasing difficulty.
- Amoeba: The amoeba strain of spores are highly aggressive but lacking in defense. Their tentacles are quick to lash out at Coma's estimated positions.
- Hurricane: The hurricane strain, conversely, is focused on defense, forming huge swirling clouds of the toxic nanoparticles to protect themselves.
- Horde: The horde strain are known for their enormous density but relatively minimal particle production.
- Lightspeed: This strain of spores move with exceptional speed, able to quickly track Coma if given an approximate location.
- Barren: The crystals that dot the planets and contribute to Coma's revitalization are lacking in this arm of galaxy, making the trek difficult even despite relatively normal spores.
- Swarm: Despite small numbers of spores, this strain has a remarkable propensity for producing and recover its nanoparticles. It's almost impossible to wear these spores down; cut throat tactics become necessary.
- Toxicity: This strain of spores had developed deadly particle clouds, where so much as a single infestation can annihilate Coma's life force.
- Collapse: Though the spores have no particular advantage, the planets in this arm of the galaxy vary enormously in size, which can make finding or evading spores a challenge.
- Inflation: These planets have a similarly normal spore infestation, but their terrain is known for its increasing irregularity, making it difficult to see spores from a distance.