Knight Fight – Retro Games Challenge

Project lead & technical implementation – March to June 2024
Retro Games Challenge – University of Applied Sciences Augsburg

Knight Fight is a local multiplayer brawler inspired by classics like Nidhogg. The game was developed as part of the Retro Games Challenge semester project and ran on a custom-built arcade cabinet. The goal was to create a fast, fun and original game under tight technical constraints.

My role

As technical project lead of the Knight Fight team I was mainly responsible for:

• setting up the development environment (TypeScript compiler, TIC-80 API),
• integrating and extending existing frameworks,
• gameplay prototyping and bug fixing.

🔧 Implementations

• Updated TIC-80 TypeScript compiler and migrated code to the new version
• Prototyping & feature work: collision detection, win conditions, movement mechanics
• Integration into existing overworld including asset organization and refactoring
• Sound design: music and SFX for both games on the cabinet
• Team coordination & testing: organizing project structure and integration

Tools & technologies

• Engine: TIC-80 (fantasy console)
• Language: TypeScript
• Build system: custom TIC-80 TypeScript compiler
• VCS: Git
• Workflow: two-team setup with structured branches & merges

Challenges & learnings

• Dealing with TIC-80’s limited memory resources
• Leading a technical team and fixing critical bugs under time pressure
• Improving internal code using modern TypeScript standards
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with design and art

Outcome

At the project day, Knight Fight was presented on a real arcade cabinet and received enthusiastic feedback from visitors — including student groups, tech fans and professors. The project placed 2nd overall. Reviewers highlighted playability, design, and the technical achievement within strict constraints.