Hi everyone! Got some big updates this time around. I'm going to try a different approach to how I lay out what's been done, and if I like it I'm going to stick with it.
TL:DR - Got in contact with the guy who created the idea for the game, there's some collaboration for story, levels and main character. Music is in the process of being designed and will be designed along with the game. First level layout is knocked out and pictured above, still needs a couple more passes, but it's progress none the less. Main menu is in. Working on a system for AI controls that makes doing AI very simple and expandable as needed.
If you're going to continue reading, I'll break down more of what's going on.
Update - Progress has been steady, and I'm finally getting back into the groove of game development. I got moving platforms in pretty quick, but I tried to make the code generic so I could use it in other spots. Speaking of code, I'm still trying to figure out a clean way to handle the room transitions in a script. I have an idea, but it's been a little lower on the priority list.
Moving on from that, I got in contact with /u/CybixStudios, and he thought it was awesome that I was working on this game. He mentioned I get the final call for development, but that he's going to give feedback where he can. We think we've come up with a main character design, as well as a plot line for the story. I'm trying to keep the game from blowing up too much in early development, but I have a good idea what the end goal is now.
Next is music. I have a friend that's working on the music as I type this, and just from his quick brainstorming I can tell this game is going to have a fun soundtrack. It's going to be pretty up-beat and there's definitely going to be some bass (no Mega Man pun intended) in it as well.
So, where's the state of the game currently you ask? The first level's layout is just about complete. I have a vertical room I'm still figuring out, but the shape is where I want it. I'm finally getting the hang of how to use a spritesheet to make my own levels and have them look good. What's funny is in the image you can tell where things changed from being the same block tiled repeatedly to having some more variation. I'll be doing a couple more passes to make sure everything is up to the quality I'm shooting for. In terms of the GUI, a simple layout has been put in and it needs some updating, but as of right now is functional. Looks like programmer art, but it is what it is.
What's Next - Next update will be a fun one. I'm currently working on adding in a new AI controller for movement and attacking. I'm hoping when I get the system setup I can use it to easily change how the enemies and player work without having too much overhead. Let's just say Richard Fine's video on Unity Scriptable Objects has a huge part into how things are going to work. I'm also planning on fleshing out the details of the story.
I think that's all for now, and if you like this new format let me know! Hope everyone had a great Christmas (or Holidays) and I'll catch ya next decade!
-TJ
