PulseUp XR

Project Type:

Intership VR Game Project

Period:

Mar - Oct 2025

Link:

Website

Role:

Programmer
- Input system for controller
- Pick up mechanics
- Correct potion spawn
- Order mechanics
- Order UI
- Implemented orders into the cauldron

Level Designer
- Level layout
- Asset placement

- Description -

Step into the shoes of a futuristic fitness enthusiast in PulseUp XR, an immersive VR rhythm game that turns your workouts into a high-energy adventure! Players punch, dodge, and move to the beat of dynamic tracks while progressing through visually stunning arenas. Each level challenges your reflexes, timing, and endurance as you rack up points and feel the adrenaline of a full-body VR workout. Can you keep up with the rhythm and hit your personal best?

- Project Overview -

Genre: VR Rhythm-Fitness
Setting: Dynamic arenas with immersive visuals
Core Mechanics: Full-body movement, punch/dodge actions, rhythm synchronization
Objective: Complete exercises in time with the music to earn points and improve performance

Game Structure

Introduction: Players enter a virtual training arena where rhythmic targets and cues guide their movements. Sessions start with warm-ups and increase in intensity as the game progresses.
Arena Layout: Multiple visually distinct arenas designed to encourage movement in all directions. Each arena contains dynamic targets that appear according to the music, promoting full-body engagement.

Gameplay Mechanics

Player: Punch, dodge, squat, and move with full-body VR tracking; interact with targets in time with music; track personal stats via HUD.
Scoring System: Points awarded based on accuracy, timing, and combo streaks.
Feedback: Visual and haptic feedback guides timing and encourages correct movement execution.

Objectives

Primary: Hit all rhythm targets accurately to complete a session and achieve a high score.
Secondary: Unlock additional music tracks, arenas, and personal achievements

Game Flow

Intensity Scaling: Sessions become more challenging with faster rhythms and complex target patterns.
Failure: Missing targets or falling behind the beat resets streaks and reduces points, encouraging replay for improvement.

- Contributions and Learned Skills -

In PulseUp XR, I was responsible for designing and developing the entire game from scratch, handling everything from gameplay systems to backend integration. My work included creating responsive VR movement mechanics, punch and dodge detection, rhythm-based scoring, and syncing actions with music to ensure a fun and immersive experience.

I also integrated Firebase to manage player accounts, track progress, and implement leaderboards, giving the game a connected and personalized experience. This involved Authentication, Firestore, and Realtime Database setup, as well as testing and debugging networked player data.

From a game design perspective, I built all levels and arenas, carefully designing layouts that encouraged dynamic movement and maximized the rhythm-fitness challenge. I fine-tuned difficulty curves and scoring to provide players with a motivating but balanced gameplay experience.

I also focused on optimization and user experience, making sure interactions felt intuitive, VR controls were smooth, and frame rates remained high for a seamless playthrough. Extensive playtesting allowed me to iterate on gameplay, refine timing, and perfect the balance between challenge and accessibility.

Through this project, I enhanced my skills in VR development, full-cycle game programming, backend integration, level design, and user experience iteration. PulseUp XR was a complex but rewarding project that strengthened my ability to deliver a polished, interactive, and connected VR game.