Ancient Fireball Magic -- ChaseBall Prototype

A first-person magic combat prototype built in Unreal Engine using C++.

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Gameplay Showcase

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Playable Build

A Windows build is available here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i14Iq47UF-OkovAkCswK4b2xlFaxTsSm?usp=sharing

Download the ZIP file, extract it, and run the executable.

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Overview

Ancient Fireball Magic is a gameplay prototype exploring:

• Charge-based projectile scaling
• Risk vs reward mechanics (size vs speed)
• Sweep-based homing detection
• Dynamic Niagara VFX scaling
• Spatial 3D audio attenuation

The goal was to create a satisfying magical combat mechanic that reinforces fantasy fulfilment while maintaining systemic balance.

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Core Gameplay Features

Charge-Based Scaling

• Hold mouse to charge.
• Projectile radius scales dynamically.
• Larger fireballs deal more impact but travel slower.
• Smaller fireballs are fast and agile.

Directional Launch

• Launch direction follows camera forward vector.
• Accurate reticle-based aiming.

Homing / Chase Mechanic

• Lock-on if aiming at enemy during release.
• Uses a detection sphere for sweep scanning.
• Detection radius scales with projectile size.
• Scan radius intentionally larger than visual projectile for aim forgiveness.

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Technical Architecture

FPS Controller

Handles movement and camera aiming.

Shooter Component

Responsible for: - Handling input - Managing charge values - Spawning projectile actors

AProjectileChaseBall (Core Logic)

• SphereComponent for collision
• Separate DetectionSphere for sweep scanning
• NiagaraComponent for VFX
• AudioComponent for 3D sound

Charge Scaling Logic

const float NewRadius = FMath::Lerp(MinRadius, MaxRadius, ChargeAlpha);
MoveSpeed = FMath::Lerp(BaseSpeed, MinSpeed, ChargeAlpha);

Homing Logic

const FVector Direction =
(TargetActor->GetActorLocation() - GetActorLocation()).GetSafeNormal();

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Niagara System

Fire, smoke, and ember effects created using Niagara.

• VFX scale via User parameters
• Color shifts on target lock
• Dynamic world scaling

Tutorial followed for base effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnxiEY3Khow

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Audio System

• Charging sound on spawn
• Release sound fades in on launch
• Spatialized 3D audio
• Attenuation for distance-based fading

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Controls

Input Action

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Hold Left Mouse Charge fireball Release Left Mouse Launch fireball Aim at enemy while releasing Lock-on chase

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What I Learned

• Unreal Engine C++ gameplay architecture
• Component-based design patterns
• Sweep detection vs line trace targeting
• Niagara integration with C++
• Dynamic parameter-driven VFX
• Audio attenuation and spatialization
• Designing mechanics around player fantasy fulfilment

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Future Improvements

• Predictive homing
• Multiplayer replication
• Spell variations
• Impact damage system
• Enhanced UI feedback

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Author

Aartem Singh
MSc Game Development
Portfolio Project -- Unreal Engine C++

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If you try the build, feedback is welcome.