Devlog - 1

This is it folks, the first exposure of Gango's next game project! Tentatively titled AVI, this game will mix run n gun, platforming, and shmup gameplay with a focus on piloting different vehicles. Sorta like Metal Slug, but with more emphasis on exploration, much quicker, agile controls to permit hardcore platforming, and vehicles are essential tools, each with distinct gameplay, and their own unique levels. Furthermore, the game will have a fairly classic arcade structure, with a mix of secret levels and hidden items to inspire repeated playthroughs. While we considered procedural gameplay, and complex leveling structures, we want to cut the fat and focus on the art. That means no grinding, no necessary backtracking, no boring dialogue or overwrought story - what I describe as a pure video game experience.  

Of course, the entire game will be done in pixel art, with me at the helm for creative direction, and Markus, the programming whiz. Just the two of us make up the core Gango team, but we will likely outsource talent for audio. The game is being built in Unity. I use Photoshop and Pyxel Edit to create pixel assets, which are organized into sprite atlases using TexturePacker. After all those years working together on HE, we've got a pretty solid workflow figured out.

So many bits and pieces starting to come together, I'll share a smattering of images that can still only represent a small fraction of the work that's already gone into getting here. Screen resolution, and pixel perfect issues have been carefully planned for, ensuring we avoid a plague of problems we encountered with HE. Player control and movement is coming along smoothly with a fully animated sprite. I've completed the first iteration of several vehicle concepts, and you can see a full environment concept taking shape, however there are still more layers in the works. New custom palette in the works as well. Heck, I've even created a new custom pixel font to use in the game. But we're still at ground zero here. Can't wait to share more! These devlogs will be part of my standard content from here on out. It will be a massive undertaking, and I want to take you on the journey, all the way from the humble beginnings. It all starts with a sketch!

I apologize to Pixelcast fans. With my priority shifted back to gamedev, this Devlog replaces the Pixelcast I had originally scheduled for today. While I want to stay focused on the game, I pledge to continue my original contents and new tutorials bi-monthly. A new Pixelcast will come eventually. Let's see what next month's schedule looks like...