VOCABU: Wildlife Edition
A card-based educational word puzzle combining vocabulary with animal classification.
VOCABU: Wildlife Edition is a challenging card-based word puzzle that tests players' vocabulary and knowledge of the animal kingdom. Players complete animal names using missing letters, then classify each animal as a herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore.
Challenge
Design a word puzzle that goes beyond simple spelling by combining multiple learning interactions into a single fast-paced gameplay loop.
Solution
The game uses a two-stage puzzle system. Players first drag the correct letter into an incomplete animal word. Once completed, the card becomes draggable and must be placed into the correct feeding-type chest: Herbivore, Carnivore, or Omnivore.
Creative direction
A unique combination of osu!-style letter targeting and Typing Shark-style word completion, reframed as drag-and-drop card play with a wildlife classroom feel.
Gameplay
| Word completion | Classification | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Complete animal names | Sort by feeding type |
| Input | Drag letters onto cards | Drag cards into chests |
| Feedback | Word validation unlocks the card | Score reward or deduction |
- Drag
- Place letters into incomplete words
- Drag
- Move completed cards into classification chests
Narrative
Wildlife-themed puzzle environment centered around animals and their feeding classifications.
Process
Built for Game On! Game Jam Manila 2025. We prototyped drag-and-drop letter placement first, then classification chests and scoring once the two-stage loop felt readable under jam pressure.
Technical
- Platforms
- PC
- Input
- Mouse + Keyboard
- Origin
- Game On! Game Jam Manila 2025
- Engine
- Unity
- Incomplete-word card system
- Alphabet letter selection
- Drag-and-drop letter placement
- Word completion validation
- Card state changes after word completion
- Animal feeding-type classification
- Drag-and-drop chest placement
- Correct/incorrect classification validation
- Score reward and deduction system
Impact
Top 8 finalist at Game On! Game Jam Manila 2025. Continental finalist and Best Game Philippines at GameJamPlus 2025/26.
Lessons learned
Educational pacing still needs arcade urgency — each stage must read instantly. State changes after word completion need unmistakable visual feedback. Layering vocabulary and classification works when both stages stay short and repeatable.
Recognition
Top 8 Finalist
Game On! Game Jam Manila · 2025
Continental Finalist
GameJamPlus · 2025
2025/26 season
Best Game Philippines
GameJamPlus · 2025
2025/26 season
Gallery
