Dance Rhythm Challenge – Prototype Assignment

The client is seeking a prototype for a rhythm-based dance game, where the player controls a dancing character by pressing the correct directional inputs in time with a scrolling sequence of dance moves which follows a specific song during the gameplay. The focus of the prototype is to deliver a clear and engaging rhythm gameplay experience with simple mechanics, readable visuals, and immediate player feedback.

The goal is for the player to successfully complete a dance routine by following a sequence of directional inputs (arrow keys or equivalent controls) while maintaining their performance quality. Mistakes reduce the player’s health, and too many errors will fail the level.

The game can be implemented in 2D or 3D, using a freely chosen camera angle or perspective that best supports gameplay clarity and player experience.

Alongside the playable prototype, the client requires a design document, an asset list, and that the game is published on itch.io with a proper project page.

Key Features

General Mechanics & Dynamics

• The player must follow a rolling/changing/alternating sequence of dance moves which follow the rhythm of the music played, represented by directional arrows (up, down, left, right) 

• The player inputs must be checked for correctness and timing.

• The player character must have a health or performance meter:

  • Incorrect or missed inputs reduce health.

  • The player may make a maximum of 10 mistakes before failing the level.

• At least 5 different dance animations must be implemented for the player character:

  • Up

  • Down

  • Left

  • Right

  • Incorrect key press

• Correct inputs should trigger:

  • The matching dance animation

  • Positive feedback (visual and/or audio)

Level and Gameplay Design

• The prototype must include one playable level featuring:

  • A complete dance sequence from start to finish

  • A clear beginning and ending

• The level must provide:

  • Varied or increasing difficulty (e.g. faster sequences, longer combos)

  • Clear visual guidance for timing and input accuracy

• The player must be able to win or lose the level based on performance.

Graphic Style and Perspective

• The graphic style is flexible:

  • 2D or 3D visuals are both acceptable

• Camera angle and perspective are completely free, as long as gameplay elements remain readable and functional.

Audio

• Background music that fits the rhythm/dance theme

• Sound effects for:

  • Correct input

  • Incorrect or missed input

  • Level completion or failure

Objective & Purpose

The purpose of this prototype is to demonstrate a clear rhythm-based gameplay loop, where the player reacts to visual cues, performs correct inputs, and receives immediate feedback.

The prototype should communicate:

• Core rhythm mechanics

• Player feedback and animation responsiveness

• A sense of progression and challenge within a single level

The experience should be easy to understand but still rewarding to play.

Deliverables

1. Working Prototype Build

• At least one fully playable level

• All required key features implemented

• The build must be:

  • Playable in a browser or

  • Downloadable and suitable for itch.io submission

2. Design Document

The design document must include:

• Game concept and theme

• Target player experience

• Core gameplay loop (input → feedback → success/failure)

• Description of mechanics (input system, health system, animations)

• Color palette

3. Itch.io Project Page

The itch.io page must include:

• A short description of the game and its theme

• A list of core gameplay mechanics

• At least one screenshot or image from the prototype

• Basic instructions on how to play the game

4. Asset List

• A document listing all premade or downloaded assets used:

  • Scripts

  • Models / sprites

  • Animations

  • Audio and music

• Asset sources and licenses must be clearly indicated

Provide the final submission to itch.io as follows and keep in mind that the Game Page of your project must include the introduction of your own game project, so visualize that properly.

1. Zip-file named exactly like in the picture below(replace EtunimiSukunimi with both competitor names)

2. The Zip-file MUST contain 3 separate folders:

On postproduction folder, there should be 1 file named itch.txt which needs to contain a link to your itch.io submission. The file should also list ALL EXTERNAL ASSETS used in your project(including audio etc)

On preproduction folder, you should have only the Game Design Document, which should list out the main design for game mechanics, dynamics and other theme related relevant information. ALSO: create a color palette of your project before starting to create the game and include the palette also to your design document.

And most importantly, the prototype_production-folder MUST HAVE a working Windows-build(OR WebGL) of your project prototype, meaning that once the zip-file is unpacked, any Windows 11 user should be able to start your game either on their browser on as a individual executable.