*development started on June 1, 2017
This is my 2nd game after the egg cooking game Fry Me Omelette (see the WIP post here.)
This time, I'm making a a top-down, tile based puzzle game, with a bit of 'action' elements in it.
Theses are some of the inspirations...
The famous Windows 3.11 game 'Chip's Challenge'. Also, Tinker from Windows Ultimate Extra, love them.
Also some other games like Chu Chu Rocket comes in mind as well! I love them for being so much FUN!
However, the game mechanics I intended are not like those games, something that I'll like to write about in future.
I already have clear directions on the mood & looks for this game:
It will have a 12-bit/16-bit retro pixelated look. Oh yeah, the theme will be based on alien planets, the places can be simplistic, elemental, other-earthy or surreal. And the character will be an alien as well! The music will be somewhat retro, with some synth music. (also and a fan of PopCap's Bejeweled's "space-like" music)
Now, about the character of this game...
The Alien
This is basically my 2nd thing to work on when starting the development (1st is stages' layout). I already have some ideas when I'm developing my 1st game, so the design comes out without much difficulty.
You know, the game is for all ages, so a 'cute' approach is preferable. (or maybe it's just my cartoon-ish style)
I don't want to state it's gender cos' it's not important (maybe it doesn't have a gender) & I have no in-depth background for it, for now though.
The looks of the alien is kinda hybrid mix between your typical grey alien & some imp-like creature.
The choice of the alien's white-grey skin is to contrast against the backgrounds. (which more likely to be colorful & vibrant)
The big antenna on it's head can give signal to the player to dodge certain hidden dangers.
And the blue tie is to just to make it look HIP! Practical? not really.
About the Stages (in general)
In stage, You are to get a few "things" and return to the 'post' while 'platforming' /dodging barriers and traps, you can even plan your steps ahead in certain area of the stage! (a game feature )
All moves are 'Step'-based. Although the alien moves seamless between grids. (Classic Pokemon games in mind)
Graphic wise, I haven't really designed the "visual outlook" yet, other than a purple-blue map. But you'll get the idea it'll be quite simplistic, with an extraterrestrial touch. (but not too outerword-ish people can't understand)
More details of these feature will be explained in future logs.
And lastly, a brief about my current development status:
Actually, I've already done a good portions of the game structure.
These are the parts been implemented:
- Draft Interface & Stages
- Character Walk Animations
- Character Hurt/Win Animations
- Walking & Platforming mechanism
Again, everything is still on very-very early stage.
I can't even decided the game title yet. So right now just call it 'Alien Maze' or 'Alien Step'.
On next log, I'll show some WIP footage on the gameplay, and some of the game mechanics.
Thanks for reading!