* Initial plan * Add C++ code-first tutorial approach for Unreal game Co-authored-by: kuhyx <147418882+kuhyx@users.noreply.github.com> * Add quick start guide for code-first approach Co-authored-by: kuhyx <147418882+kuhyx@users.noreply.github.com> * Restructure C++ tutorial into part-by-part format and add migration guide Co-authored-by: kuhyx <147418882+kuhyx@users.noreply.github.com> * Address PR feedback: improve part-1, add Expected Results, split parts 4-9 into separate files Co-authored-by: kuhyx <147418882+kuhyx@users.noreply.github.com> --------- Co-authored-by: copilot-swe-agent[bot] <198982749+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: kuhyx <147418882+kuhyx@users.noreply.github.com>
8.2 KiB
Unreal Engine Bullet Hell Game - Complete Tutorial
This tutorial recreates the Unity "magisterka_1" bullet-hell shooter in Unreal Engine 5.
Game Features
- Player ship with movement and shooting
- Enemies that move downward with sinusoidal horizontal motion
- Enemy spawning that increases over time
- Radial bullet patterns from enemies
- Score, lives, and timer UI
- Special "bomb" ability to clear screen
- 5-minute game duration with victory/defeat conditions
🆕 Two Approaches Available
This tutorial offers two ways to implement the game:
1. Code-First Approach (RECOMMENDED) ⚡
→ 🚀 QUICK START: 3-Minute Code-First Guide ⭐
→ Start the C++ Tutorial:
-
✅ 90% faster - copy-paste variable blocks instead of clicking UI
-
✅ Version control friendly - readable Git diffs, not binary files
-
✅ Easier to replicate - copy entire class files between projects
-
✅ Better for teams - code review, refactoring tools, find/replace
-
✅ Type-safe - compiler catches errors at compile time
Best for: Anyone comfortable with C++ or wanting to learn modern game development workflows.
2. Blueprint-Heavy Approach 🎨
→ Start the Blueprint Tutorial (see below)
- ✅ Visual node editing - see logic flow graphically
- ✅ Instant iteration - no compile time for Blueprint changes
- ✅ Designer-friendly - non-programmers can modify behavior
Best for: Complete Unreal beginners, visual learners, or rapid prototyping.
Comparison
| Task | Code-First (C++) | Blueprint |
|---|---|---|
| Define 12+ variables | 2 minutes (copy-paste) | 15 minutes (clicking) |
| Version control | ✅ Readable diffs | ❌ Binary files |
| Refactoring | ✅ IDE tools | ❌ Manual |
| Full game time | ~2-3 hours | ~6-8 hours |
💡 Pro Tip: You can combine both! Use C++ for logic/variables, Blueprints for visual assets.
📖 Migrating from Blueprint? See Migration Guide in Quickstart
Table of Contents
Part 1: Project Setup
Part 2: Create the Player
- Step 2.1: Create Player Blueprint
- Step 2.2: Add Player Visual Components
- Step 2.3: Create Player Variables
- Step 2.4: Set Up Enhanced Input System
- Step 2.5: Create Player Firing Logic
- Step 2.6: Create Player Damage and Special Ability
Part 3: Create the Bullet
- Step 3.1: Create Bullet Blueprint
- Step 3.2: Bullet Movement Logic
- Step 3.3: Bullet Collision Logic
- Step 3.4: Complete Player Firing Logic
Part 4: Create the Enemy
- Step 4.1: Create Enemy Blueprint
- Step 4.2: Enemy Initialization
- Step 4.3: Enemy Movement Logic
- Step 4.4: Enemy Firing Logic
- Step 4.5: Enemy Damage and Death
- Step 4.6: Complete Special Ability in BP_Player
- Step 4.7: Complete Bullet Collision Logic
Part 5: Create Enemy Spawner
Part 6: Create Game Director
- Step 6.1: Create Game Director Blueprint
- Step 6.2: Game Director Initialization
- Step 6.3: Game Director Update Logic
Part 7: Create Score Manager / UI
- Step 7.1: Create UI Widget Blueprint
- Step 7.2: Design HUD Layout
- Step 7.3: Create Score Manager Blueprint
- Step 7.4: Score Manager Initialization
- Step 7.5: Score Manager Functions
Part 8: Create Game Mode and Level
- Step 8.1: Create Custom Game Mode
- Step 8.2: Configure Project to Use Game Mode
- Step 8.3: Create Game Level
- Step 8.4: Set Up Level Components
- Step 8.5: Set Default Level
Part 9: Final Setup and Testing
- Step 9.1: Assign Blueprint References
- Step 9.2: Create Final Visuals
- Step 9.3: Add Background
- Step 9.4: Test the Game
- Step 9.5: Build Standalone Game
Appendices
- Appendix A: Complete Variable Reference (Blueprint)
- Appendix B: Troubleshooting
- Appendix C: Unity to Unreal Conversion Notes
Quick Start
For Code-First Approach (Recommended)
- Read 3-Minute Quickstart
- Follow the C++ tutorial parts:
- Complete the game in 2-3 hours instead of 6-8 hours!
- Already have Blueprint project? See Migration Guide
For Blueprint Approach
- Start with Part 1: Project Setup
- Follow each part in order
- Test frequently using the "EXPECTED RESULT" sections
- Use the Troubleshooting appendix if you encounter issues
Navigation
Each page includes:
- ← Previous and Next → links at the top and bottom
- Links back to this index
- Cross-references to related sections
This tutorial is part of a master's thesis comparing Unity and Unreal Engine.