fun fun fun

Things are moving right along. I hope to have a gameplay video up soon. I've been splitting up my time with creating new assets and programming/fixing bugs. This seems to be a good way to go because it keeps me sane. I'm having a blast creatively. The night starts off with some concept sketches, then I move to modeling, and then texturing. The theme is steampunk, so there is a world of fun stuff to create. A lot of the mechanics are now in the game. Thanks to the help of my programming buddy in Georgia (not the state! =). Jump, Double jump, Duck/Crouch, Run, Walk, Ledge hang, Rope climb, Ladder climb, Push/Pull, etc. Many of the animations are done, but I still have some left.

Low down

I've been meaning to write a more detailed blog about why I'm doing this project, what it is, what it's for, etc. So, here it is. =)

The goal
To create a physics based 2d puzzle/platformer with a dark, moody, compelling story.
I think its safe to say that I'm more or a storyteller then a game designer. I'm not setting out to make the most groundbreaking platformer. But, hopefully, sound mechanics and intriguing puzzles will encourage the player to want to hear more of this story.
My goal is to create one good, complete level. Once I have that, I will promote the game, pitch it, and hopefully find interest/funding to finish it.


The story
The game begins with a man on a small boat. Its raining and there is heavy fog. The man is a detective from the early 1900's. He's wearing a gas mask with steam-punk styled goggles. He carries just one item. A diary that was given to him by his daughter. We learn his story through diary entries.

Day 1:
I never thought I'd use this diary. It was a gift from my daughter.
But, alas, its seems this diary is the last friend I have on earth.

The game begins.....

Target Audience
This is an independent game with more meaning then it probably needs. I have complete freedom, which means that I am the target audience. With that said, I think most people who enjoy retro style platforming games such as Mario and Sonic, games with deep/intriguing stories such as Braid, Ico, and Limbo, and those that are fans of films like Stalker, The Last Man on Earth, and Dark City will enjoy this game. I'm certainly not comparing the game to those, but they are what inspired me to create this game.

What is Steampunk?
An imaginary Victorian age, that features brass and copper clockwork and steampowered inventions that go far beyond 1800's technology. Steam powered mechanical wonders.

Why make this game?
First off, I've never programmed before. Programming has always been extremely scary to me (math...ACK!). This project is to help me become a better programmer. For the past 3-4 months I've been teaching myself Unity's Javascript. Unity is a free game development tool. Very artist friendly. I do have some gaming experience. Before I got into film, my first job in CG was at 2KSports, where I worked as a game artist and character artist on such games as MLB2K7, MLB2K8, NHL2K8. That experience definately helps me with the look of this game.
I also wanted to find a new way to tell a story. I written and directed 2 shorts films now, both great experiences. But, being a gamer all my life, I thought it would be a lot of fun to try my hand at Game Design

Do I plan to make money with this?
Nope

What platform will it be released on?
PC (the dreamer in me wants to says xboxlive arcade)

In-Game Shots!

Its getting there. I'm still trying to figure out the color pallet, and theres no background objects or sky, but I think you can get an idea of what i'm going for.

Some Action Shots

Heres the main character in action.

And so another adventure begins

First look...