Vanessa Aguillar
Level Designer • Game Designer • Architect
Umbilical

Position
Work Period
Platforms
Engine
Media Links
Info
Announced and showcased at multiple events; not commercially released.
Overview
Umbilical is a rogue-lite game that explores the bond between a mother and her unborn child in a visceral, hostile world. Combining systemic gameplay with psychological horror, the game challenges players to survive and adapt in a decaying sci-fi environment through exploration, tension, and narrative ambiguity.
Responsabilities
Game Design
Designed core rules, progression loops, and feature flows supporting the rogue-lite structure. Developed system interactions and traversal logic typical of metroidvania-style games.
Level design
Created interconnected zones using graybox prototyping in Unreal Engine. Designed level layouts with emphasis on enemy pacing, obstacle timing, and unlock progression. Placed enemies and challenges considering the narrative context and player agency.
Horror Atmosphere
Implemented immersive horror sequences, such as silhouettes passing through doors, ambient triggers, and environmental audio cues, to support the emotional tone and maintain tension across the level.
Playtesting
Organized and executed both internal playtests and external sessions at public events, gathering live feedback from the target audience. This data was helpful for adjusting difficulty curves, encounter density, and the emotional rhythm of exploration.
Team Collaboration
Maintained detailed documentation of levels, features, and event triggers upadated to facilitate efficient implementation by programmers and artists. Ensured integration between mechanics, visuals, and storytelling.



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