Summer 2024 Progress Update

It's been long enough since my last update that it doesn't really make sense to go into a huge amount of detail about everything. So, in the interest of clearing my "devlog block", here are some broad updates. This basically covers all of Summer 2024.

Level Design Iteration

One of the benefits I found immediately with my map system was the ability to see how things should actually connect to each other, and I can quickly block out the correct amount of space for an area before I even start building it. Level design updates were long overdue - I recall looking back at videos of the game from about 16-18 months earlier and the layout was about the same.

One new (optional) area was added and existing areas were reworked/expanded.

Boost Pad

I wanted there to be some unique element to the new area I added. It's currently the "boost pad" area. Overlap with a boost pad to get a free boost of speed. These have also come in handy elsewhere in the game.

Map Markup

I've added some markup to the map: 

• Icons representing various types of hazards.
• Borders outlining the bounds of each room.

Dialogue

The game has dialogue now! I think this is a meaty enough topic to save for its own post, so I'll do that. Hopefully soon!

...and the rest!

• "Reset points" to return the player to safety if they're about to get pushed through collision by enemies or hazards. This is an edge case handling thing mostly.
• Store UI updates to make the upgrade purchase flow more clear.
• Lots of minor tweaks to things all over the game.