Working on Mario: VR was like stepping into a childhood dream, but with a whole new perspective—literally! The idea was to take the classic gameplay of Mario and translate it into an immersive, first-person VR experience. This wasn’t just about recreating the Mushroom Kingdom; it was about making players feel like they were really there, stomping Goombas, collecting coins, and exploring pipes. The challenge was balancing the nostalgia of the original game with the unique mechanics and constraints of VR.
Tools
Area of expertise
Branding
3D
App Design
UI/UX
Virtual Reality
Motion Design
Overview
Role
All Aspects
Year
2023
Genre
VR Game
Platform
PC VR, Meta Quest
Tools
Unreal Engine 5, Maya, Substance Painter, Photoshop
Contributions
Locomotion System
Movement is a cornerstone of any VR experience, and I wanted Mario: VR to feel fluid and natural. Using Unreal Engine, I designed a smooth locomotion system complemented by snap rotation to cater to different player preferences and avoid motion sickness. For jumping, I implemented a VR-adapted mechanic where players press a button to execute a predefined arc, giving the satisfying sensation of a classic Mario leap without disorienting the player. Balancing freedom of movement with VR comfort was challenging, but the final system feels intuitive and fun.
Combat System
One of the highlights of Mario: VR is the combat system. Stomping Goombas in first-person VR is incredibly satisfying. I used collision detection to register when players land on an enemy, triggering animations and visual effects that mimic the iconic "pop" from the original games. For Bowser, I programmed a more complex enemy AI with patrol paths, attack triggers, and reaction animations. Facing Bowser in VR feels larger-than-life, adding a level of tension and excitement that only immersive gameplay can provide.
Interactive Elements and Power-Ups
Interactivity is at the heart of Mario: VR. I created destructible bricks and collectible coins using Unreal Engine’s blueprint system, ensuring every interaction felt tactile and responsive. Power-ups like mushrooms and fire flowers float and rotate, just like in the classic games, and collecting them triggers particle effects and sound cues that enhance player satisfaction. These elements bridge the gap between nostalgia and VR innovation, making the world feel alive and interactive.
Dynamic Moving Platforms
Platforming is central to Mario games, so I designed dynamic moving platforms that feel natural in VR. Using physics-based behavior and custom blueprint logic, the platforms react to player movement and timing. This required fine-tuning parameters like speed, collision boundaries, and response times to create a sense of challenge while keeping it fair. Navigating these platforms in VR adds a whole new layer of excitement to the gameplay.
Flying Through Pipes
Traveling through pipes is one of the most iconic parts of Mario games, so I wanted to make it special in VR. When players enter a pipe, the screen briefly transitions into a tunnel animation, and they “fly” through to the other side. This mechanic uses camera animation paths and particle effects to simulate movement, creating a seamless and immersive transition that feels magical.
Mushroom Kingdom World Design
Creating the Mushroom Kingdom was all about capturing the essence of Mario’s colorful world while optimizing it for VR. Using Maya and Substance Painter, I modeled low-poly assets like bricks, question blocks, pipes, and Goombas, staying true to the original aesthetic. Textures were designed with subtle details to give depth while maintaining VR performance. The landscapes feature iconic elements like floating platforms and castles, all brought to life with Unreal Engine’s dynamic lighting and atmospheric effects. Walking through this vibrant world in VR was a surreal and rewarding experience.
Final Reflection
Working on Mario: VR has been an incredible journey, allowing me to reimagine a beloved classic for a new medium. From the satisfying stomp mechanics to navigating vibrant, immersive worlds, every feature was designed to blend nostalgia with modern VR technology. Each mechanic presented unique challenges, but overcoming them made the project even more rewarding. It’s been a labor of love that brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life like never before.
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