Justin Almendral
Game Engineer
Boston, MA
Professional Experience
Storm Flag Games
April 2023 to PresentResponsibilities
- Working for client supporting an in-house C++ PC/mobile client and Java server for long-running MMORPG
-Tasked with resolving bugs and developing a first-party modding system.Roles
- Mid Game Engineer (January 2025 to Present)
- Associate Game Engineer (March 2023 to December 2024)Highlights:
- Developing 1st-party mod API for the C++ client using Lua via the Sol2 library.
- Supporting an in-game mod manager using the mod.io API and zlib library.
- Implemented Lua API functions for: listening to in-game events, generating UI via the ImGUI library, and reading+writing asynchronously to a local SQLite database.
- Working with QA to create automated performance benchmark tools.
- Mentoring college interns in development of Lua API system
Game Projects
Project Crow
February 2025 - Present
Overview
Project Crow is a rhythm game prototype developed as an exploration into traditional 4-key/6-key games. It is modeled after games such as Chunithm and Project Sekai in both its gameplay and its menu system.Project Crow uses FMOD to manage audio and supports both songs shipped with the game and the import of user-created levels/maps through the use of programs such as ArrowVortex.
Systems
Main Gameplay
How it works
- By reading the current position of the audio via FMOD and comparing to the information of the loaded beatmap, notes are generated in time with the music.
- Supports rebind-able controls
- Both note speed and offset can be adjusted via the settings menu
Packs and Song Management
How it works
- Project Crow uses a system of tags to group together songs into browseable packs.
- Packs are generated for each unique tag and act as filters on the full list of songs
- When browsing songs, hitting the borders of the list will automatically advance to the next pack.
Level Import System
How it works
- The game supports the import of packages with the extension .crow placed into the import folder, which is can be opened via the System Panel in settings
- At current, the game supports beatmaps mapped in the .osu format via ArrowVortex.
- Song information, tags, and beatmap paths are supported through the use of a YAML file
- FMOD is used to load and play audio from both user-imported files and the pre-built audio table via Programmer Instruments.
Distant Melody
April 2023 - November 2024
Overview
Narrative Rhythm fan-game based on the music of nostraightanswer created in Unity as a hobby project by a remote team
Systems
Rhythm Dashing System
- Created system for syncing music to gameplay action timing through BPM.
- Dash strength is correlated to the accuracy of the dash to the beat
Rhythm Assist System
- Created toggleable options to help players with rhythm timing.
- Added Metronome bars that move in from sides to center on beat
- Added blinking to partner character on beat
- Added Rings to partner character that contract and contact sprite on beat
Settings & UI
- Created system for storing player settings between runs using PlayerPrefs and singleton SettingsManager
- Implemented Pause system and menu navigation
- Handled platforms-specific changes to available settings and certain UI elements
System Refactors
- Refactored project to enable new Unity Input System and handle game events through delegates
- Maintained compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Android platform
Organization and Management
- Broke tasks into tickets and managed ongoing issues via Trello
- Used Git source control to share project with 2 other active programmers
- Created numerical labeling system for issues on Trello and Git to organize branches and incoming pull requests.
Game Jams
Chat bubbles
Jan 2025
Overview
Narrative match-3 game created in Unity for Global Game Jam 2025 with the theme of Bubbles
Systems
Match-3 System
- Implemented adjustable progression goals for each element to determine narrative progression.
- Used weighted randomness when replacing elements to contribute to narrative.
Phone Text Dialogue
- Implemented scrollable phone text UI to display ongoing dialogue
- Used Yarn Spinner to handle branching dialogue based on player performance, leading to 20 different endings
- Leveraged Yarn Commands to configure visual elements and board settings based on current dialogue
Rock On Manager
October 2023 - November 2023
Overview
- Stat raising simulator created in Godot for Northeastern Game Development Club's 2-week 2023 Jam-O-Lantern Game Jam
- Playable on both Windows and Android
Systems
Stat-Raising Gameplay
- Designed stat raising mechanics and goals that can be checked on training screen to determine success on end-game stat-checks.
- Implemented Day system using Godot resources to allow for ordered placement of interchangeable training, dialogue, and stat-check scenes.
Dialogue
- Handled branching dialogue using the Dialogue Manager Godot asset.
- Used Godot resources and Dialogue Manager commands to implement sprite and background changing via commands within dialogue script
Wren's Transporium
June 2023 - Aug 2023
Overview
Narrative game with a rhythm mini game created in Unity for Trans Representation Jam 2023
Systems
Crafting Minigame
- Designed crafting rotating rhythm minigame where players must click in time with music
- Created scriptable object configuration where designers could adjust the timing windows and score value for each judgement
- Implemented parser to read maps created via ArrowVortex to use as levels
October 2022 - November 2022
Overview
- Rhythm avoid game created in Unity for Northeastern Game Development Club's 2-week 2022 Jam-O-Lantern Game Jam
- Developed with the theme: Stick to the Shadows
Systems
Command Pattern Attacks
- Implemented three different methods of tile attacks - row, column, and single-tile.
- Parsed chart at start of level and stored as a dictionary of commands read at every beat calculated via BPM.
Chart Mapping
- Created plaintext line parser system that allowed composers to chart their own levels with timing attacks to beats
July 2022
Overview
- Medical Management Sim created in Unity for Game Maker's Toolkit Jam 2022
- Developed with the theme: Roll of the Dice
Systems
Performance-Based Dynamic Audio
- Implemented vertical layer-based dynamic audio using FMOD that changes depending on player score
Gameplay and Data System
- Implemented drag-drop behavior using IDragHandler
- Created decoupled system using Scriptable Objects that allowed for transferring of data between scenes
- Implemented state and stat calculation system for main gameplay loop
Tech Demos
Unity to Trello Card Form
Unity Demo of UI form that can look up tables, lists, and then create a card on the user-specified list using Unity Web Requests.
Target Throwing Game
Proof of Concept demo of 3D throwing game in Unity with subcamera system and multiple game modes.
© 2025 Justin Almendral