Devlog #7 (05/01/21)

Alright! Time for the first devlog of 2021. These updates were made since the time of the last devlog, i.e. mid December onwards!

The summary is that over the last month or so, I've been working on ways to tighten the game. By this I mean, I wanted to increase the challenges the player will face -- by means of enemies or special mechanics intended to hinder the player's progress through the game.

1. Magnetic fields : These purple blocks generate magnetic fields that will pull the player towards them if he's standing close enough. While the magnetic fields do not directly damage the player, they still pose a serious threat as they can pull the player off a platform and cause him to fall down, usually onto spikes. Right now, they only work sideways, but I will create variations where they will pull the player upwards and downwards. In future levels, the hero will need to use these magnetic fields to access areas that the he cannot reach by normal means. I feel this little addition has opened up several new design possibilities.




2. New enemy type[ Seeker] : This enemy with a high HP is another menace that appears in spike pit sections. While it avoids direct contact with the player, it will try and knock him off the platform by firing projectiles at him. Very tough. Very difficult to beat. Still being balanced. But I'm generally pleased with how it turned out.




3. New enemy type [Spider robot] : This is a more advanced type of enemy that will appear in the later levels. It protects itself with force field that stop your bullets and will lob explosive projectiles at the player. Other variants of this enemy will launch different types of projectiles. Love this character!




4. New enemy type [Orb variant] : This is a variant of the many egg-shaped enemies that appear commonly throughout the game. It follows the player even through walls, dashes very fast and then changes position. They will appear in groups of two or three. Very annoying! Destroy them upon sight!




5. New world theme: I've decided that the newest world in the game will be set in this rainy hi-tech neon lit city. I know it's very, very cliched but I thought it would add spice things up visually! Plus that look is trending in current year so why not make the most of it!




5. Currently working on:
- New levels!
- Story screen and "cut scenes".
- Illustrations for promo purposes.
- Aesthetically pleasing re-design of Citadel Stormer 2 itch.io page!! This will be revealed very soon!

Anyway, that's it for now!

BTW, there's an older demo available and it includes the first 3 levels (Does not include the updates shown in this post). If you haven't already you can download it at this location:

DOWNLOAD FROM ITCH.IO 

 Thanks for reading!