*Phew* Ludum Dare is so damn crazy. I think this Ludum Dare I didn’t make enough progress on the first day. The game turned out pretty nicely, although it’s probably not as original as I wanted it to be. One of the core mechanics I had planned for my game was having the wolves be able to chase the player around, so you could lure the out of the way instead of fighting them, while running the risk of getting trapped. It also could have used more original obstacles, with more gameplay depth than “go to A to get the key then go to B to open the door”. Kind of like the fighting. It also needed more levels. In fact, when I first submitted it, before knowing that there had been a 12-hour extension to the dead-line, the game only had a test room. Afterwards I realized that I still had time, so I was able to make a real level, test it properly, and even add sounds! It’s only a few, though. And there’s still no music. Another issue is that I didn’t make any decorative props, like I planned originally. This might sound superfluous, but scenery is actually very important in any game with big areas (mazes and exploration games), especially when you’re using walls that all look the same.

Escape from the Wolf Castle

Studies show than posts with chinchillas have a 20% bigger chance to attract attention from the common page-scroller

On the bright side, I think the game turned out fun. I made a checkpoint movement mechanic that I had never done before, I was able to make some nice animations for my rabbit, and I even made a turn-based combat system that players are able to learn on their first try, all under 48 hours! And I even crunched some home-made sound effects in there, too! It was the first time I made sound effects, and I have to say it was surprisingly easy. I have next to no experience with sound effects, but with a microphone and some free software, I was able to much together something. I realize now that it’s a HUGE difference in quality, from having no sound effects to having some basic crappy ones. It’s also very quick and easy to make.

I hope you all enjoy playing the game as much as I enjoyed playing it! Eventually I’ll want to develop this some more to make it more complete, but for now I’ll listen to my victory song (Frog’s Theme from Chrono Trigger. It’s a very encouraging song) and relax after my exhausting 60 hours of making a game. Thanks for reading!