Gameplay Progress
almost 5 years ago – Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 07:08:45 AM

Hey Everyone!

I'm still working on the next update to the demo, here's some progress videos:

I've redesigned level 1 based on player feedback. This introduces the city and atmosphere better, while providing new players with some introductory challenges. I've also been working on sound effects and dash, again based on player feedback. A player made a very good point: when dashing, if you collide with a ceiling or an object above you, you lose your dash and fall. Well I removed that, and now players can dash into ceilings and stay in dash, which has the consequence of making movement more forgiving and 'slippery' kinda. Check it out:

The coming update improves A TON of stuff about the demo. I'm aiming for Monday. Very exciting!

//Garrick

Stretch Goal #2 Unlocked!
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Mar 10, 2020 at 12:04:19 AM

I'm happy to announce that we've hit our 2nd stretch goal and Voth will get a full voice over in English! This will really add to the richness of the character! The next update will discuss the kickstarter wrapping up, the deliverables, and an update to the free demo. For now, here's a fun video showing off the cloth in Lazr again. Thanks for believing in this game! Thanks for your support! 

//Garrick

104% Funded!
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Mar 10, 2020 at 12:02:45 AM

Today was the big day, and we got there! 

It was an intense morning for me today. Overnight, the two biggest backers changed their pledges, dropping the funding total from $12.3k to $10.4k. Everyone close to me involved with the project was worried that we would drop below 100% funding just before time expired. We waited. We watched. We refreshed pages. There was breath holding. Maybe some worry.

It was close, but everything turned out fine.

We went from 2 stretch goals to no stretch goals, which was unfortunate. However, I think I can still add extra Holopets in. I really like the idea of a variety of pets, so I will pursue that idea. I just want to properly set everyone's expectations - based on the funding numbers, I can't do voice over for the main boss Voth, which I had talked about in a previous update.

Now is a very busy and exciting time for everyone connected to Lazr. I'll be updating the project's kickstarter page, contacting backers, and unveiling my plans over the next few days. I'm so proud that we have gotten to this point, and I'm looking forward to the next phase of this project. I want to thank each and every backer that has helped get us here. Your support is bringing this project to life.

Together, we'll make Lazr!

Garrick Campsey

The Journey Begins!
almost 5 years ago – Tue, Mar 10, 2020 at 12:00:46 AM

Hey Everyone!

Kickstarter has begun the billing process for collecting the pledges. In a few weeks, all the pledges will be completed and I'll have concrete numbers for everything that needs to be manufactured. I'll be posting those numbers and being transparent about the entire fulfillment of Lazr's physicals (art book, 3d models, discs). You'll know exactly what I know.

In Lazr development news, I'm working on getting a really big update ready for this week or weekend. I originally planned to have this update ready by yesterday (Monday the 24th), but I chose to focus my time on the finals days of the Kickstarter instead. Now that the Kickstarter has successfully completed, I can focus on the Demo update again. It'll be the last update to the demo.

Today I've been working on adding more variety to the NPCs. All these NPCs are the 'same', they just swap their sprite to look different. Keeps code simple, and scales well.

I've also been working on redesigning the Inferno boss level. This fight takes place a top an upside down pyramid. I cut a path through the center of the pyramid that allows players to climb back up to the fighting area much easier (based on playtester feedback).

Once this Demo update is done and out, I'll focus on the full game design, and shift into that phase of production. Lots to do! I'll post updates as they're ready!

-Garrick

New Ideas!
almost 5 years ago – Mon, Mar 09, 2020 at 11:54:54 PM

Hey Everyone!

Today I've been working on some new ideas involving ropes/ladders. I attached a ladder to a drone, and it's opened up new possibilities for level design. Check it out:

Here's a variation on the drone, which spawns a new ladder as part of it's movement pattern:

The drone and it's ladders will be part of the demo update I have planned for this weekend. This update is going to be a big one, and one of the last for the demo. After all the updates for the demo are done, focus will shift to the full game design. I want to get the demo to a point where I think it's polished and complete, before moving on. Thanks ya'll! :)

Garrick