Fleshing It Out Over Time: Devlog #4

In the last devlog we made a game that shared our vision but was executed poorly. Today we get to show you a proper prototype with the added prompt of something to do with time. Both Josh and Max have worked extra hard this last week to bring all you lovely people a prototype that we think is starting to bear resemblance to our final vision.

To recap, our final project goal is to make a gallery shooting game with a horror aesthetic. 

Josh's prototype had added shooting mechanics along with sound effects. It also complies with the time prompt with a mechanic where every animal shot by the player progresses the time of day until they are in pitch black at midnight The playtest went well with praise being given to the art style and sound design, players especially loved the flashlight mechanic. Players did complain that the objective wasn't immediately clear, something we will have to find a fix for. Other suggestions were made and we fully intend to at least consider them.

Heya, Max here, this week's prototype was using "time" our as theme. There didn't seem to be many ideas coming to mind, it was a bit hard to pry away from making a day and night prototype. I concluded that my question will be "Without using a day and night cycle, how would I make use of time in my game?" With this in mind I ended up with making a time counter orientated shooter. I think the playtest was helpful. Majority of my feedback was that the game is easy especially if you pay attention. I discussed the art with most of the playtesters and most enjoyed the art style. Players were lost if they weren't told the mouse controls, which makes sense since there is not text displaying the controls. Ideas were given from some playtesters as well, some of which are planned to come into the future game. This is good to hear people talk about what they'd like, especially if they're thinking of the same things as us. In my conclusion for this week, the playtest was successful in terms of the feedback given as well as people enjoying our future idea, but we won't know until we make it.

CONCLUSION + VIDEOS

Max's prototype:

For next weeks prototypes we will be heading into preproduction. Expect more meaty demos in the next few weeks!