On The Origin Of Block.

Play Me

I took the name from one of Darwin’s essays on evolution. I really like the name which funny enough I didn’t have until 645 Sunday when I went to submit. Note: There was a minor panic about coming up with a name in 15 minutes while I was submitting.

I’m glad I didn’t spend too much time initially coming up with a name, but in retrospect maybe I should have spent a few minutes on Saturday thinking of one 😀

>> Tech

I used Libgdx for the competition. I hadn’t ever used libgdx before and I have to say that is one really nice engine (api/whatever you want to call it)

I use java for my day job so that probably helped out a bit. I think the fact that you can write on the Desktop and use the Hot Spot compiler to reload your code is a HUGE reason I got this done.

If you check out my source I coded up my game level to reload when you press T or Y. This reloaded all the assets, including any that may have changed, which again was another HUGE time saver. It meant I could save a change in my TiledMap and then press T in the running debug process and immediately see the results; without having to stop the debug process and restart.

This solidified a talk I watched recently on this matter

Somebody also took that idea and did this, which I think is pretty cool.

>> Game Play

One of my initial designs was to have the mouse create a box when you clicked and dragged, for mating the Mobi. (characters) However it wasn’t working at all, and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why.

So I probably spent more time than I should have on this, actually I wish I’d given up on the idea sooner because in the end I think I liked the hold a button and collide with a Mobi to mate idea better.

>> Art

I was searching the internet for ideas on an art style when I came across a shiloetted mario. I thought it was really sweet, and the fact that I didn’t have to create much art assets really saved a bunch of time. In the end I think it was one of the better decisions of the jam and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

>> Warmup Game

This is sooo important, if you didn’t do one and are wondering why you didn’t finish try one next time; It will help tons.

>> Levels

I really wish I had more time. I don’t think there are enough levels, and that will probably hurt the game’s rating.

>> Conclusion

I had fun and if it does well I would seriously consider fleshing out this game more and releasing it in some other medium. I think it’s a cool concept.