This project started from an existing brick breaker template, and the comparison video shows the original template next to the modified version.
The goal was to add more twists to the basic formula - varying block sizes, special blocks such as explosives and line sweepers, different grid sizes, powerups, and progression.
Fuse timer and screen shader
I added a fuse timer to keep pressure on the player. Breaking blocks increases the timer, while passing time and missing shots decrease it, so the player has to keep fighting against the clock.
I created the fuse timer visual effects using particles, and the timer was done using a tweening library.
I used Shader Graph and a regular vignette shader as the starting point for the red screen outlines that appear when the fuse timer is running low.
That gave the player a stronger warning signal without needing to rely on UI text or numbers.
Grid sizes and block sizes
I added support for larger blocks, so 2x1, 1x2, and 2x2 blocks could exist beside regular blocks.
On each full clear, the player needs to pass a premade pattern level in order to progress further.
Clearing these challenges increases the player's level, which makes the grid bigger and introduces more blocks.
Patterns
I made the premade pattern levels system, and built a barebones editor scene so they could be created and adjusted quickly.
Each pattern has multiple phases/sub-patterns that increase in difficulty.