The Dark West is a top-down ARPG focused on delivering a fast, responsive combat experience within a Western setting. As a combat design consultant, I worked to refine core gameplay feel by evaluating weapon systems, ability timing, and player feedback loops. My contributions focused on strengthening weapon identity and introducing alternate fire mechanics that expanded player expression and build diversity.

Combat Design Consultant

November 2025 – January 2026, Top Down ARPG (The Dark West)

• Consulted on core combat systems: Refined gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player control.

• Designed weapon archetypes and alternate fire mechanics by introducing distinct combat rhythms and playstyles.

• Developed ability concepts and timing structures to improve combat flow and player decision making.

• Conducted targeted playtests by identifying issues in movement, combat readability, and encounter pacing.

• Provided actionable feedback on ability timing and responsiveness to improve clarity and moment-to-moment gameplay.

• Authored modular weapon and combat design documentation, enabling consistent implementation across design.

• Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams (design, SFX, engineering, VFX) to align weapon behavior, feedback, and implementation.

Links:
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3574750/The_Dark_West/
IGN Page: https://www.ign.com/articles/the-dark-west-an-occult-action-rpg-announced-for-pc