In this Devlog I will cover game updates seen in the video, some things on the roadmap, and a little about what I have learned making a better video. Also, a little context before watching, the objective of this game is to overcome the randomness with skill. Please check out the video and then come back here for the details.
In this update, the players' score is shown in the top left corner, as well as the next die that will be thrown (for example, if the 6 were highlighted, then the cube/hexahedron would be next). The bounce and roll physics of each die behaves differently, so the player may need to throw it a certain way to gain the desired result. The score, at the moment, is a simple 1x multiplier no matter which tile the die lands on, but more on that in the roadmap below. If the die falls off the game board, either in the middle or off the side, the total score is reduced by a percentage. Since I am still tweaking game play, I am not sure what the penalty will end up being, but I think it gives a sense of danger.
In the context of randomness, the player's perspective (from which location they are throwing) is random, the next die to be thrown is random, each tile height between throws is random, tile values are random, and, eventually, the die itself will present a random value.
The roadmap should help clear up how skill will help the player overcome the randomness. First, a crosshair should help a little. Second, I am designing the way the player will supply two pieces of input, the forward velocity and the vertical velocity. I suspect both will be a timing based button press, but not yet sure on the form. Once the mechanics are there, then add some fun sounds, animations, and, uh, jazz it up.
Still on the roadmap, I will implement the die numbers rolled as the multiplier and see how it plays, and adjust the tile values such that there is some difficulty and struggle to keep a high score. Losing a percentage of a high score could feel big. Feels like the original idea is coming together.
For this video, I have learned a bit about OBS Studio (recording) and Shotcut (editing), and then upgraded the thumbnail using a free online text generator and Windows Paint 3D. I am presently researching video cameras and microphones, and hope to be able to have that all setup for when I am ready to name this thing officially.
