Immunoblast

Winner of the Hopkins Game Dev Society 2024 Game Design Jam

Unlike traditional "edutainment" titles, which often feel more like chores than entertainment, Immunoblast blends fast-paced, skill-based combat and immersive storytelling with real-world biological accuracy. The game draws inspiration from titles like Armored Core VI, Dead Cells, and Risk of Rain, delivering 2D action elements, powerful build making, and mission-based combat levels, while secretly teaching players about the immune system.

Players take on the role of AC-018 "Panacea," an adaptive bio-robot tasked with protecting a human host from infections, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. Core mechanics include acquiring and combining "genetic abilities," each inspired by real-world biology, such as cytokine pathways, viral suppression, and antibody weaponry. Panacea deploys for missions all across the body, but sometimes you must choose where to deploy, impacting the story. In a combat perspective, the game’s Inflammation system offers players a risk-reward balance, with inflammation making Panacea stronger but at the cost of destabilizing itself.

Immunoblast merges authentic scientific concepts with deep gameplay and emotional storytelling. Interact with the intricate network of characters that is our immune system. Learn about the science behind your powerful weaponry. Explore the shadows and ethics of the Adaptive Cell project. Are you prepared to uncover the truth, face impossible choices, and...

...become the cure?