UE4 Pong
Overview
UE4 Pong is a arcade prototype that I worked on while in Game Development Coding Bootcamp. The goal of this project was to replicate the classic arcade game Pong in UE4. The focus of this project was coding in C++ and then using that code within the engine to create specialized Blueprint nodes.
Final Gameplay Trailer
Studio: Game Development Coding Boot Camp
Type: Individual Project
Team Size: 1
Development: October 11th - 15th, 2021
Ownership: C++ Programming, Visual Scripting, Level Design
Responsibilities: Programmed C++ game classes and functions for Pong. Scripted gameplay blueprints for ball game behavior, level boundaries, and for Pong AI Player.
Tools used: C++, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine 4, Blueprints
Pong - A Classic Arcade Game in UE4
UE4 Pong
To recreate the classic game Pong in UE4, I took on the following responsibilities :
Programmed the C++ header files and CPP files to create specialized nodes in Blueprints.
Scripted blueprints in UE4 for gameplay programming and functionality.
Developed Pong BP Assets such as the Pong ball, Player, Player AI, Boundaries, and Board.
Arrange Pong Level
Pong Ball Class
Pong Ball Header File
In the Pong Ball Header file, the class for the Ball is stored along with its functions for hitting the paddle, and hitting the boundaries. Also, the properties that are stored within the class are contained here. The functions HitPaddle() and hit HitBoundary() are Blueprint callable and are of the category, “Hit Response”. Most of all, this Pong Ball Header file provides the properties and functions that will be instantiated in the Ball Blueprint.
Ball Actor
The Ball Actor is composed of Collison Sphere and a 2D Sprite. This helps to the classic arcade feel.
Pong Ball CPP File
Here is the CPP File for the Pong Ball class. the CPP file includes the Ball header file and creates the sphere collision for the ball actor. Finally, it sets up the attachment to the root component.
Collision Check Function
This Event ActorBeginOverlap function casts to the paddle to determine if the paddle was hit by the ball.
If not, then the function casts to the Boundary to call the function Hit Boundary.
Hit Bounds Functionality
This blueprint calls a custom event that takes in the parameter of the sphere and gets the velocity of the ball. The function keeps the ball in range and ensures that it does not go out of boundaries.
Hit Paddle Functionality
This custom event takes in the target’s collider and gets its velocity to set a new velocity and bounce the ball off of the paddle.
Pong Boundary Class
Pong Boundary Header File
In the Pong Boundry Header file, a reference to Pong Game Mode is stored Within the Boundary class, are references to the UProperties for IsGoal and IsLeftGoal. Finally the UBoxComponent reference for the Bounds is set to private.
Pong Boundary CPP File
Here is the CPP File for the Pong Boundary Class. It creates the Box Component for setting the bounds and sets the Root Component equal to the Bounds.
Boundary Actor
The Boundary Actor is composed of an inherited Box Collision that will create the bounds for the game UE4 Pong.
Store Reference to Game Mode and Check if Current Object is a Goal.
In the Event Begin Play Function for the Boundary Actor, a reference to the game mode is cast and set a variable to be used later.
The second function determines whether the ball hitting the boundary is goal, and whether the player or the AI should be awarded the point.
Pong Paddle Class
Pong Paddle Header File
In the Pong Paddle header file, a reference to the ball class is stored. In the Paddle class, the properties of the collider for the paddle and its sprite reference are stored. Finally, its UProperties are stored within the header file.
Pong Paddle CPP File
In the CPP File, the box component is instantiated for the actor along with the its sprite components.
Pong Paddle Actor for Player
Pong Paddle Actor for AI
Pong Paddle Player Blueprint
Paddle AI Blueprint
Pong Game Mode Class
Pong Game Mode Header File
In the Game Mode Header file a class reference to the ball class and the Game HUD are stored.
The main functions in the class deal with increasing either the Player’s or the Player AI’s score. And the function to spawning a new ball is stored here also. Finally, the properties for the direction, ball speed, and the Player Score and AI Score are stored in this class.
Pong Game Mode CPP File
The Game Mode CPP File stores the SumTest Function that returns the result.
