Contract - Sniper

A one-month solo prototype exploring ‘puzzle sniper’ gameplay (Hitman Sniper inspired), focused on interaction systems, NPC behavior, and mission structure.

Quick facts row (short, 1 line each):

• Role: Game Developer (design and implementation)

• Context: Professional prototype (solo)

• Tools: Unity, C#, A* pathfinding, state machines

• Timeline: ~1 month

• Status: Prototype (concluded)

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What I owned / delivered

• Built the core sniping mechanic: physics-based shooting, slow-motion follow-the-bullet kill shots, and impact/blood decals.

• Built an NPC system: outfit randomization, ragdolls, patrol routes using A* navigation, custom state machines, and reactive behavior to environmental events.

• Implemented systemic interactions: destructible props and explosives, accident-kill setups, and a scoring system that rewards creative solutions.

• Designed and implemented mission structure: unique targets, goals, and level objectives.

• Built two playable levels using Asset Store packs focused on sightlines, interesting patrol paths, and potential for puzzle setups.

What to Notice (3 bullets) in video/build

• Systemic problem solving: You are not just aiming, you are planning and setting up interactions.

• NPC readability and reactions: Patrols, state changes, and how the world responds to a shot.

• Creativity incentives: Destructibles and scoring encouraging experimentation rather than a single solution.

Context

• Player Goal: Explore the level through a rifle scope and solve a target like a puzzle, using shots to trigger chain reactions.

• Core Loop: Start a level and be given a target → Search the level for the target → Find a good way to shoot them → Execute the plan.

• Purpose of the prototype: Built as a close Hitman Sniper reference implementation: the goal was to reproduce a proven “puzzle sniper” loop quickly and cleanly, then evaluate it through publisher testing rather than invent a new design.

Design goals and Constraints

• Validate the core loop quickly: get to “spot target -> plan -> execute -> replay” with satisfying feedback.

• Support creative solutions: interactions and scoring that reward experimentation and discovery.

• Readable AI: NPC patterns and reactions that are learnable and telegraph player impact.

• Time-boxed solo prototype (~1 month): prioritize mechanics, game feel, systems, and mission flow over art, polish, or content volume.

• Target spec: prototype built to match an existing reference closely, not to explore new design space.