A2-Go - Environmental AR Experience
Project Overview
A2-Go transforms Ann Arbor into an interactive playground where environmental conservation meets augmented reality gaming. This location-based application encourages exploration of the city while educating users about local landmarks and promoting environmental stewardship through gameplay.
Concept
Players navigate Ann Arbor with their phones, discovering historical landmarks that unlock different tree varieties. By planting and nurturing these virtual trees throughout the city, players earn eco-currency while defending their growing forest from the city's famous squirrel population.
Technical Implementation
- Built with Unity and MapBox SDK for location-based AR functionality
- Dual-mode gameplay: Exploration Mode for city navigation and Interaction Mode for AR tree planting
- GPS coordinate system integrated with Unity's spatial positioning
- Custom 3D models for trees, landmarks, and interactive elements
- Dynamic music system that adapts to gameplay situations
Custom Features
Environmental Achievement System
Players who accumulate over 100 eco-currency points through sustainable actions are awarded a special medal that appears above their character, providing visual recognition of their environmental contributions.
Eco-Stewardship Crown
After planting five or more trees, players unlock a floating crown companion that follows them throughout their journey, symbolizing their status as environmental leaders within the game world.
GPS Landmark Navigation
A dynamic directional arrow guides players toward important environmental landmarks, transforming random exploration into a purposeful journey of discovery while helping users locate key conservation areas.
Additional Gameplay Elements
- Eight unique tree varieties with different growth patterns and currency generation rates
- Interactive landmarks that reveal Ann Arbor's rich history
- Strategic squirrel encounters requiring defensive acorn-throwing
- Image recognition for bonus currency opportunities