Hey Friends, it's me: Crow. random Crow.
I was busy creating the visuals for the first level of the game. Let me tell you more about it and show you a preview:
The stage's layout is pretty much done for this first alpha. It's not so big for now, but it should be enough to get a glimpse of the games intention. When in testing phase, I can add more lenght if necessary.
The background uses parallex scrolling, including the bushes. Things like the stones or treestumps (and the enemies) will be considered objects and will get placed randomly troughout the level. I haven't yet set up a spawner for these things. I will do this once I got every component to build a level. There are still things missing (like more enemy types, portals or gameplay events).
I needed a bit of time to figure out a fitting composition for the level. I ended up with Susette being deep into the forest and the trees in the background are fading out. I like that. I might add some more layers in the future; especially in the front. Some more underwood and scrubs. I will see.
As always, I will share a preview video in my Discord, that shows of the parallax scrolling, sounds and the destruction of background objects. I made a system for that in the past (and build onto it right now) that adds such objects differently into the scene. For example:
tree stumps and stones block spells, but can be destroyed
a crate could have pysics, making Susette be able to shove it around. It can also be destroyed
a table in the background has no direct collission for spells, but reacts nevertheless to it's impact and might get knocked over
I also added crystal objects to every stage that can be destroyed rather easily and serves the player with quite a bunch of mana essence to collect. By the way, every object that can be destroyed will drop mana essence; some more, some less. Stones for example are hard to destroy and have a tiny outcome, while crystals will definitely be worth while.
I hope you somewhat like the composition of the level so far. Let's continue with:
The next step:I still have quite a lot of loose ends that I need to tie together. All main mechanics are into place now, which is really great. The game starts to look like an actual game.
I wanna work on the portals next. The current one is just a placeholder. Portals have multiple uses. There will be one that:
Let's Susette bring home mana essence (she only can carry around a certain amount)
Give her access to her home closet to change clothes
Work as a way to exit the stage
Gives Susette access to Eleanors Tailor Shop to buy and repair clothes
They can also work in combination. Some portals, I don't know how to say it... will be made more beautiful/fitting? I mean, for example that I wanna have Eleanor open a small shop in front of the portal while the player is in the level. Basically bring her into to level some more for nicer interaction.
Working on the portals should be done rather quick (well, game development "quick"). Not sure what I wanna do after. I will make a patreon post and tell you my decision though.
That's it for now! If you have questions about some game mechanics or whatever, feel free to ask!
I wish you a happy day!
Yourrandom Crow