Mmmonster is a Halloween-themed mobile game developed by Wefiends Inc. that combines puzzle and stealth gameplay. As the lead designer, my role was to oversee the overall development of the game, which centers around the objective of capturing a trick-or-treater disguised as a burger by strategically luring them with candy. The game was released in 2016 and aimed to engage players with its unique gameplay mechanics and spooky atmosphere.

 
  • Wefiends Inc.

    Kevin Barrios — Lead Designer, Game Artist

    Nick Barrios — Lead Developer

    Steph Fung — Composer

    Brooke Greenberg — Title Logo Design

  • Creative Tools

    Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Animate)

    Development Tools

    Cocos2D-X

    Proprietary Level Editor

    Project Management

    Jira/ Bitbucket

 

Watch a Let’s Play

 
 
 

Screenshots

 
 
 

Game Overview

Mmmonster is a free-to-play mobile puzzle game that combines stealth, action, and puzzle elements. The game is centered around playing as a variety of monsters that lure trick-or-treaters with candy and eat them without getting caught. The game features 30+ puzzles that get progressively harder and unlockable monsters that can be collected throughout the game.

Gameplay

The player takes control of a monster and must lure a trick-or-treater out of the light to a dark corner where they can devour them. The player uses candy to lure them, and they must avoid being spotted by guards who patrol the area with flashlights.

There are three simple patrols that are introduced over time. They include a stationary patrol, a patrol that rotates in place, a patrol that moves in a straight line, and a patrol that flips based on the player’s location. We used these basic units as building blocks for the entire game.

Initial PC Prototype with Keyboard and Controller Support.

Controls

Movement

The game features tap-to-move controls that allow the player to navigate the environment while avoiding detection. Each puzzle requires the player to think strategically and plan their moves to avoid getting caught while successfully luring the trick-or-treater to a safe spot.

Candy Lure

The player can drop down candy within the trick-or-treater’s vicinity and they will move in order to eat it. This is the player’s primary tool for maneuvering each level. Once the player is in range of the trick-or-treater, they can tap him directly to complete the level.

Level Design

The levels are designed with a focus on accessible puzzles and stealth gameplay mechanics. Each level presents a unique set of obstacles that require the player to use strategy and quick reflexes to avoid detection by guards. The levels are designed to be intuitive, with clear sub-objectives that allow the player to easily understand their goals.

In addition to the primary objective, each level also contains collectible stars that can be used to unlock new monsters. These stars are often hidden in hard-to-reach areas or require the player to complete certain challenges within the level. The inclusion of collectibles provides an additional challenge for players who are looking to explore the game further.

 

Progression

Each game level is a self-contained puzzle. The player completes a level successfully when they reach the following conditions: The player has tapped on the trick-or-treater while being outside of any flashlight areas (indicated by the HUD) AND without leaving any evidence behind (leftover candies).

Monetization

Mmmonster features microtransactions that allow players to purchase unlockable costumes and remove ads.

In-App Purchases

Players have the option to purchase certain in-game items using real money. These items include costumes for the monsters and the ability to remove ads from the game. All in-app purchases are optional and do not affect gameplay. Players who choose not to purchase these items can still enjoy the full game experience.

Advertisements

Mmmonster includes ads that appear between levels and after fail screens. These ads can be removed by purchasing the ad-free option. Ads are displayed at reasonable intervals to ensure that they do not negatively impact the player's experience. The game also offers an option to earn in-game currency by watching ads, which can be used to unlock new monsters.

Our monetization strategy provides a balance between player satisfaction and game development sustainability. Our goal is to offer players a fun and engaging gameplay experience while generating revenue to continue supporting the game's development and updates. Our team was dedicated to creating a fair and accessible game for all players, regardless of their spending preferences.

Collectibles

Each puzzle in Mmmonster contains collectible summoning stars that can be used to unlock new monsters. The stars are strategically placed around the environment, and the player must solve puzzles and explore to find them all.

Player Avatars

Mmmonster features a variety of monsters that can be unlocked by collecting summoning stars. Each monster has its own unique animations and sounds.

Press

Mmmonster is an adorable mobile game in which you play as a monster trying to gobble up kids without getting caught. The stealth gameplay is very compelling as you lure kids with candy and dodge the flashlights of guards. It’s also free to play, but does come with microtransactions for unlockable costumes and the ability to remove ads. It’s a puzzling and charming little game that’s perfect for the holiday as well as children of all ages.
— Heavy.com
 

More like this: