Hello.

Going through my previous posts and getting some feedback from my peers and (superiors), I going to try a new format on how to present my future blogs.

WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON?

I’ve been working on editing the available art assets I have to make the game more lively, for example, the background itself.

DISCLAIMER: Every image and video were NOT created by me, and are only used for EDUCATIONAL purposes

This, is how it looks now. Just added speed lines to give the illusion to the ship travelling quickly through space.

I know, it’s not much, but combine this with the other art assets and use a feature on Stencyl to make the background scroll on its’ own, it should look marvellous.

How to the background scroll in Stencyl, read this article.

Wait, is that it?

Yes, for now, I’ve been pouring most of my time into researching different games and media to see if I can tackle my problems from a different angle, or if someone else did and I can use it.

RESEARCH, WHAT ABOUT THAT?

I’ve looked into two different game for this: One, is Lost Orbit (Playstation 4 and PC) and two, My Little Pony (Android and iOS) for gameplay reference AND study on how they used their art assets to tell the player what is harmful or what is not.

Below, is the official trailer for Lost Orbit. In the video, albeit short, players can see WHAT they are controlling due to the player’s ship emitting super bright PURPLE light, contrasting with a dark hued background. Anything positive for the player is also represented with bright PURPLE light.

Any dangerous obstacles (bullets, swirling blades) are also represented with a bright light so players can clearly see the danger coming, but with a key difference: it’s YELLOW. There is a contrast between the two so, players can tell. Opposites, one colour good for you, while the other is your main threat.

The same goes for the My Little Pony mini-game section “Clear the Skies“. You know you’re controlling the pony, based on where she is positioned, left side of the screen.

As guidance for the player on a safe path, they put WHITE clouds in between the harmful ones (with lighting to indicate danger to the player) and a path of of shiny, rotating GOLD coins to encourage them along that path.

I’ve also stumbled upon a good read on The Principles of Design, it even has a neat short video, provided below for your viewing pleasure.

Now what the heck does this have to do with my game idea? Bear with me.

Video games are a combination of several tools and media in order to create an “interactive experience” for the public.

Therefore, I should look into other forms of media other than video games to see what kind of experience I can offer or put together with the data I’ve collected. Based on what I got so far, I am reconsidering on HOW I place my assets to give the player a visual treat, and have a “meaningful” design choice to the game.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO NEXT?

Well, I got my work cut out for me, I got to:

• ensure all my other art assets are edited in the right frame so they possess the right  touch of animation essential for the game experience overall (if I have the time)
• rethink my approach on how to use my assets properly with a Principle of Design in mind (line, shape, direction, size, texture and colour)
• find and, if I have to, edit audio assets to enchance the mood of the game
• put all the assets together in Stencyl and create the prototype
• get the prototype ready for public view by 15 June 2016

Later, everyone. Have an exciting day, wherever you are.