2.5D Post-Apoc Sidescroller Prototype

I’m building a small but polished prototype for a 2.5D side-scrolling game that uses fully lit, low-to-mid poly 3D models rather than pixel art or hand-drawn sprites. The setting is a ruined, post-apocalyptic world overrun by grotesque monsters and demonic creatures, so every visual and audio cue should reinforce that bleak, other-worldly atmosphere—think small villages on the outskirts of ruined cities with scorched skyscraper shells, ash-filled skies, snarling beasts, and occult runes glowing in the debris.

Core loop
The vertical slice I need will showcase moment-to-moment quests and fluid, tactile combat. Players move along a single plane while the camera shifts subtly to reveal 2.5D depth. They can pick up simple objectives (rescue a survivor, power up a generator, retrieve a relic, and help a friend heal with meds and first aid) and then battle through enemies that rush, fly, or fire projectiles. Short boss encounters at the end of each level will prove out the enemy AI and hit-reaction system.

Scope and tools
• You are free to prototype in Unreal (preferred), as long as you provide the full project folder and clear build instructions. (I'm attaching documentation, and concept art and videos - please feel free to take creative liberties with the artwork to make it look better than it is.)
• I’ll supply placeholder audio; you’ll handle grey-boxed environments first, then swap in atmospheric 3D assets—either custom-made or curated from free/paid marketplaces with licenses noted.
• Code must be clean, commented, and organized so I can hand it to a small team later.

Acceptance criteria
1. Playable Windows build that runs at 60 fps on a mid-range PC (or Steam playable in browser player).
2. One contiguous level (~3-5 minutes) featuring at least two quest triggers, three enemy types, and one boss.
3. Functional melee and ranged combat with basic hit feedback, health bars, and death states.
4. Scene lighting, VFX, and UI consistent with the hellish, post-apocalyptic tone.
5. Source project delivered in a version-controlled repository with a short README.

If this slice feels tight, engaging, and visually coherent, we’ll expand to a full production roadmap.