After participating in a new LDs, I sort of like to add a few learning goals on top of completing the game and following the theme.

Sometimes I don't get around to it, and almost definitely won't this time (still up in the air if I'll even submit anything), but I try to keep some challenges in the back of my mind.

After reading about how the ghosts in Pac Man actually have similar, but unique, AI, I wanted to create similar AI opponents who'd have unique behaviors. I accomplished that with Last Bot Standing.

Also, after playing the board game Ninja vs Ninja, I wanted to make a similar strategy game with a somewhat intelligent AI opponent, and have my game support both single and multiplayer. I accomplished that with Dragon Eggs.

There's still a few more challenges I have on my list:

* Smarter AI * Yes I had AI chasing opponents in one game, and a strategic AI in another, but I already have ideas on how I could've made both of theme smarter. I hope I can improve on my AI skills in future jams.

* Map generation * In my mind I have an almost-finished idea of how to generate a Pac-Man style maze, based on some of my own ideas and some map generation tutorials I read. Maybe I'll update or make a sequel to LBS someday, or use it for a different game.

* Achievement System * As I started sharing my games on Newgrounds, I noticed they have a built-in achievement tracking system. I ran out of time to implement it on my last two games (1,2), partially because of time constraints and partially because I wasn't overall satisfied with them anyway, but I want to revisit this

* Online Leaderboards * Pretty much same as the last one, I'd like to have a competitive nature to my games, maybe I such a way that the scoreboards will link to the players LD submissions.

* Multiplayer * I won't make any games without single-player support (because honestly, everyone's likely to play it that way anyway), but I was satisfied with how DE's turned out. I'd also like to take a crack at online multiplayer, but I'm unlikely to ever accomplish that, at least not in LD.

* Memorable Characters * I'd like to actually make games with my own unique, reusable characters, so hopefully frequent jammers will recognize them. Usually the theme requires me to go a bit more generic.

Doest anyone else have personal challenges they've set for themselves?