Fright Train

Project Overview

Fright Train is a short first-person horror experience built in Unity in which players explore abandoned rail tunnels while being hunted by a twisted version of Thomas the Tank Engine. The project was developed as an assignment that required the use of the Thomas the Tank Engine franchise as the thematic foundation. The goal was to reinterpret the recognizable children’s character within a horror setting, using environmental tension, limited player guidance, and scripted encounters to create suspense. Players navigate the tunnels, uncover story elements through notes, and restore power systems in order to escape before the pursuing engine reaches them.

Environment Construction & Asset Implementation

For this project I constructed the playable level using a 3D environment asset pack integrated into Unity. I modified the underground tunnel layout, placed environmental props, lighting, and atmospheric effects to establish the horror tone, and configured colliders and navigation paths to support gameplay. The asset implementation process included organizing and integrating modular environment pieces to create a cohesive space that guided player exploration while maintaining clear sightlines and tension throughout the level.

Gameplay Systems & Scripting

My work on the project focused heavily on implementing gameplay interactions and progression systems using C# in Unity. I scripted interactive note systems used to deliver environmental storytelling, objective tracking systems that guide players through tasks such as activating fuse boxes and turning valves, and gameplay triggers that control progression through the level. Additional scripting supported player interaction prompts, environmental events, and enemy spawning conditions that escalate tension as players approach the escape sequence. Together these systems create a structured horror experience that combines exploration, narrative clues, and timed pressure from the pursuing enemy.