Dev Log - Week of November 13th (Beta Test Update)

Hello! This week, we made significant strides in preparation for our upcoming Beta test. Our focus has been on enhancing the core gameplay, refining player engagement, and improving the rewards system to create a satisfying and exciting experience.

Progress

Programming:

• Level Redesign:
  • Condensed the overall level size to shift focus from exploration to fluid movement and trick performance.
• Springboard Functionality:
  • Added animations for springboards and updated their mechanics. They now launch the player in a fixed direction.
• Tutorial Level:
  • Developed an outline for a basic tutorial level to teach players essential mechanics, including jumping and performing tricks.
• Level Selection Screen:
  • Added a new Level Selection screen, including an optional Practice Mode that allows players to explore freely without a timer.
  • Tutorial level is still work in progress
• Combo System:
  • Enhanced the UI to show:
    1. The name of the trick performed.
    2. The current score accumulated.
    3. The combo multiplier, which increases with each new trick performed.
  • Expanded the list of tricks contributing to the combo multiplier:

• Animated Skybox:
  • Implemented a dynamic skybox with animated clouds
• Options Menu:
  • Moved the options menu in-game and added a screen for control settings.
• Trick animations
  • Integrate animation to the character when trick performed

Art:

• Level Redesign Assets:
  • Created new ruins assets to complement the redesigned level layout.
  • Resolved previous export issues with animations, ensuring smoother transitions.
• Asset Refinements:
  • Continued work on polishing trick animations for improved visual feedback.

Audio:

• Sound Enhancements:
• • Increased the volume of flip and backflip sound effects to better match the jump sound effect.
  • Added a distinct sound effect for item collection.
  • Introduced a new sound effect for landing tricks

Challenges

1. Combo and Scoring + Collectable Balancing:
   • Ensuring the new trick types and scoring mechanics are well-balanced for an engaging player experience.

Next Step

Programming:

• Finalize the tutorial level 
• Refine the combo system based on additional playtesting feedback.
• Implement secondary objectives, such as:
  • Having a to-do list of trick to perform
  • Achieve certain amount of points

• Intergate animation and camera to have more immersive experience.

Art:

Updated UI assets for our tutorial and level select screen.

Audio:

Additional sounds to play when completing a combo.

We’re excited to share these updates during our Beta test and look forward to gathering more feedback from players. Stay tuned for more updates next week!