“For what are we but star-stuff, trying to find the circumstances of our birth. We were forged in the hearts of dying stars – and to the stars ablaze we shall return.”
I have a nifty-looking rocket effect, a page full of sketches, a todo list a mile long, and 30 hours.
Let’s do this.
Now with 100% more starfield, and the beginnings of a control panel
The control panel is starting to take shape. I think I’m going to leave it keyboard only, unless I find my self finishing really early. Which seems unlikely.
All non-cosmetic portions of the control panel are now complete, several controls are interactive, and have an influence on the rocket plume. All propulsion-related indicators are working, and show the state of the various systems. All propulsion-related systems states now affect each other appropriately.
Quite pleased with how things are coming along, If I do so myself.
However, interaction+graphics is “merely” interactive art. For it to become a game, it needs goals, and obstacles.
Time to implement the damage system ….. >:-)
Now, there is a source for the shiny plume! Rocket ahoy! etc…
Still no damage simulation. Which is a shame, since that’s sort of the core gameplay mechanic.
Also, the passenger has yet to be implemented. Also problematic, as the passenger is core to Ablaze’s implementation of minimalism.
Ah well …. look at the shiny rocket plume! Who needs gameplay, when you could have a giant rocket?
Damage! Repairs! Complex interplay of variables!
Now to add navigation, hazards to round out the goals/obstacles. And the passenger to round out the story/theme.
It’s going to be close, but I’m beginning to feel that finishing is within reach.
I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.
ToDo:
Oh yeah. You can now destroy the rocket, by pushing it too hard, forgetting to repair something critical, or looking away from the screen for a couple of seconds. Hmmmm. One of those shouldn’t belong in that list …..
The Passenger is aboard!
Also, for anyone interested, there’s a demo up now at http://ignifluous.com/ablaze.html. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Yuss … even managed to get asteroids done before the deadline. By about 30 seconds, if you ask my github commit, I think.
That was a most enjoyable experience. I think I’ll be back next time, somehow …
In no particular order, here are five of my favourites thus far:
Undercolor Agents
http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-26/?action=preview&uid=10234
Fight aginst the Hue Invaders … maintain the monochrome status-quo! Also … the potential for 8-player local multiplayer mayhem means I’m bringing this game (and a couple of extra keyboards) along to my next LAN.
Runnerist
http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-26/?action=preview&uid=16667
Simple concept (just keep jumping) … devilishly hard to succeed. Awesome, addictive … and with some really nifty sound work too.
MinimaLand
http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-26/?action=preview&uid=2645
A nice twist on the minimalism concept … but even more than that, this game begins to reach into “experience” territory. Strangely moving.
Telekinetic Minimalistic Cult
http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-26/?action=preview&uid=21887
Hilarity ensues, as you attempt to sell the contents of your house to passers-by, without getting caught by the cops. Or run over. Words really don’t do this game justice.
(Follow the) Line
http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-26/?action=preview&uid=17883
Elegant, simple, and sublime. Does what it says on the tin, and does it gorgeously.
Played all those already? Why not give my entry a go –> Ablaze. </shameless_plug>