The Journey Begins!
over 6 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!
over 6 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
Level 1 Redesign
over 6 years ago
– Mon, Mar 09, 2020 at 11:49:59 PM
Hey Everybody!
Today I've been working on redesigning level 1 and adding in the new orb enemies that spawn ladders. I've listened to player's feedback, and level 1 was just too difficult for a lot of people. This new design is much better, check it out:
Sorry that this update links to a tweet - I'm having issues with uploading videos to Kickstarter (they get stuck at encoding phase). I tried to post this video 5 times, over the course of several hours, until I eventually gave up and embedded the twitter video. If this video upload bottleneck continues, then I will swap to just posting links to the twitter videos. I will continue to post gifs in these updates.
I appreciate your patience and support!
//Garrick
The Shipping Pre-Update
over 6 years ago
– Mon, Mar 09, 2020 at 11:41:20 PM
Hey Everyone!
I've been hard at work on a new update for Lazr's demo. Today I've been working on getting full keyboard support into the game, which is harder than it sounds! In the following gif, watch the buttons in the background that help teach players the controls. These buttons change from controller UI to keyboard UI, based on the last used input from the player. If you last used keyboard, then the keyboard inputs are displayed, for example. This clears up some confusion players had about using a keyboard while looking at controller inputs.
Exploring the updated training levels.
On a different note, I have real numbers on how many physicals need to be manufactured and how much production and shipping costs will be. The overall cost will be lower than estimated, which is good.
The process of manufacturing the physicals (discs, tshirts, 3d models, art books) can now begin. I'm working with TopHat to setup a storefront where backers can purchase exclusive Lazr merch, in case you wanted to snag one of those sexy tshirts or a pack of stickers.
I'll have a bigger update soon!
//Garrick
Hover Vehicles!
over 6 years ago
– Mon, Mar 09, 2020 at 11:24:49 PM
Hey Everyone!
In this update, I've added hover vehicles: airbikes, coupes, and sedans. Previously, these objects were part of levels, but they were part of the background texture. Since they were supposed to be hovering, it didn't make much sense that they were stationary, so I moved them from being background level art to being actual level objects, with animations and hitboxes. Having these hover vehicles is more thematic for the world Lazr exists in. I plan on making many varieties of hover vehicles, this is just a first pass to establish the concept functionally in game. Check it out:
I'm very happy with how the weather systems (like rain) layer together with the physics and collision systems to make level objects feel solid and real in-game. I need to add exhaust coming from the bottom of the vehicles, along with variations in their designs and shapes. They will be featured on the airbike boss level as well, in the current demo, soon.
Also I wanted to announce that my publisher TopHat is working on getting a backerkit store setup where backers can modify their tiers and add any items they'd like to purchase, giving you more options. We're hoping to launch that on the 23rd of this month, March 2020. Thanks!
Garrick
