Joe the Zombie

Cross-platform mobile puzzle game with 100+ unique levels. Shipped to iOS and Android.

Joe the Zombie

A Cross-Platform Mobile Puzzle Game

Role: Game Developer & UI Implementer
Duration: 6 Months (2015-2016)
Platform: iOS & Android
Team Size: 2 Developers

Project Overview

Joe the Zombie is a cross-platform mobile puzzle game featuring over 100 uniquely designed levels, each with distinct gameplay mechanics and challenges. As one of two core developers, I was responsible for architecting game systems, implementing UI/UX flows, gameplay mechanics and bringing the complete player experience from design to launch on both iOS and Android platforms.

My Contributions

Game Systems Development

  • Architected and implemented core gameplay systems for 100+ levels, each featuring unique mechanics and puzzle designs

  • Developed progression systems to maintain player engagement across extended play sessions

  • Implemented booster functionality and power-up systems to enhance gameplay variety

UI/UX Implementation

  • Designed and developed comprehensive UI flows including win/loss states, tutorial systems, and onboarding experiences

  • Created intuitive interface screens optimized for mobile touch interactions

  • Implemented responsive layouts that adapted seamlessly across various iOS and Android device sizes

Live Service Features

  • Coded time-based lives refill mechanism to support free-to-play engagement model

  • Implemented systems supporting player retention and monetization strategies

Technical Leadership

  • Owned complete software development lifecycle from initial documentation through implementation, testing, and deployment

  • Conducted code reviews and optimization to ensure performance across device specifications

Technical Implementation

Core Technologies:

  • Languages: C++, Objective-C

  • Game Framework: Cocos2d-x (cross-platform 2D game engine)

  • Development Environment: Xcode

  • Platforms: iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android

Key Technical Achievements:

  • Successfully shipped a polished, bug-free game across two major mobile platforms

  • Optimized performance for devices ranging from older hardware to latest generation phones

  • Created reusable, modular code architecture supporting rapid level development

Outcomes & Impact

  • Successfully launched on Apple App Store and Google Play Store

    100+ unique levels designed and implemented with distinct gameplay mechanics

  • Cross-platform deployment achieved with single codebase using Cocos2d-x

  • Production-ready code meeting app store quality standards and guidelines

Skills Demonstrated

Game Development: Level design implementation, gameplay systems architecture, puzzle mechanics

UI/UX Design: Mobile interface design, user flow optimization, tutorial systems, responsive layouts

Technical Skills: C++ programming, Objective-C, Cocos2d-x framework, cross-platform development

Project Management: Full lifecycle ownership, documentation, testing, deployment

Links

App Store Link | Google Play Store Link

Screen recording of the gameplay for select levels is available at the top of the page