Game prototype · In development
A cell becomes a world to explore and defend
A strategy game inside EcoGenesis BioWorld. Build organelles, manage energy and protect the cell. Beyond combat, explore tissue images, cell structures and a geographic atlas.
Bastion
The challenge
Make biological structures something a player can explore and act on. In Cell Bastion, the player must defend a cell with limited energy: build protection now, invest in ATP production or repair damage before the next wave.
My role
Andrey: concept, biological world, game mechanics, 3D scene assembly, C++ programming and interface.
ECOGENESIS BIOWORLD
Exploration beyond the battle
Cell Bastion is BioWorld’s strategy module. Other modules let players examine tissues and cells, explore an atlas and carry out laboratory work.
Defend the cell
Build organelles, allocate ATP and adapt your strategy between waves.
Explore a tissue
Choose an image plane and channel, identify structures and move into a cell model.
Change scale
Navigate the globe and explore the world at different levels.
The laboratory has its own case study
Hands-on work with specimens, instruments and a research notebook.
Build a defence that can survive the next wave
Five organelle types play different roles: attack, energy, repair and slowing threats. Every purchase uses ATP, so the player balances immediate protection with resources for later waves.
From a tissue image to a cell model
The microscopy module lets the player inspect a root image, switch channels and move through image planes. A route into the cell model connects observation with the next stage of exploration.
Explore beyond the cell
A globe-based atlas adds geographic navigation to BioWorld. The player can change viewpoint and scale, while cell and tissue modules offer a different level of exploration.
A strategic choice at every stage
- 01
Inspect the incoming wave.
- 02
Spend ATP on organelles and upgrades.
- 03
Start the wave and watch the defence work.
- 04
Repair, rebuild and adapt before the next wave.
Five waves lead to an explicit victory or defeat.
I designed and implemented the strategy loop in Unreal Engine: organelle placement, ATP economy, upgrades, enemy waves and victory or defeat. BioWorld also includes tissue microscopy, a cell exploration route and a globe-based atlas. Shared exploration modes connect the visual form of a structure to its function and explanation.
Exploring the structure of a cell
A shared exploration tool reveals form, internal structure, functions and explanations across BioWorld’s modules.
Functions and flows
Sources and explanations
Game prototype captures. Biological functions are interpreted as game mechanics.
The outcome
Five waves form a complete Cell Bastion scenario: preparation, building, ATP management, repair and tactical adaptation. Within BioWorld, cell defence sits alongside tissue exploration, microscopy and an atlas. Biological functions become readable through action: energy production, organelle roles and maintaining the cell’s integrity.
Original concept, game design and engineering by Andrey Mikhaylov. Microscopy imagery: Rea Antoniou-Kourounioti and collaborators, BioImage Archive S-BIAD425, image IM480 (CC0). Globe: Cesium for Unreal; data credits remain visible in the capture.