Hi everyone !
Sorry for not giving any updates in recent months regarding the progress of the full version of The Last Watchtower. The main reason is that I’ve primarily been focused on coding, research, and practice. And I don’t think showing lines of code is the most interesting thing to share with you. However, exploring and testing Godot was a fun experience. Here's an example:
Although I don't have anything fully finished to present, I can show you some new mechanics I've been working on and what the next steps are.
- Reworked Generator Mechanic -
In the current version of the game, the generator is used to generate power for your watchtower, is located nearby, and you simply need to interact with it to restart it. Well, in this new version, not anymore!
There will not be just one generator, but THREE! Each generator powers an antenna that captures radio calls and certain equipment around your tower, such as cameras or lights. If one generator fails, some of your equipment might malfunction or stop working, and you'll have trouble receiving certain distress calls. And if, by unfortunate chance, all three generators stop working, not only will you be plunged into darkness, but you'll become an easy target for the monsters lurking in the forest.
And how do you restart a generator, you might ask? Some would say it's as simple as adding gasoline and giving the starter cord a few pulls. But clearly, this person has never been in the Lost Forest. Because one of the strange phenomena of this forest is that conventional methods of generating energy don't work. Only a strange hybrid between technology and elvish runes seems to function.
That's why each generators contain six runes that generate energy and discharge over time. You will then need to take the discharged runes and recharge them using a nearby rune charger (I don't have a betteur name for now). Here is an example of gameplay (still a work-in-progress):
- Adding An Inventory System -
One of the things that took me way too much time, and was a real nightmare to set up, is this new inventory system!
Now, you'll be able to carry multiple pieces of equipment with you, along with items that could be useful in certain situations and against specific dangers. That said, be warned! You’ll be limited in what you can carry. It’ll be up to you to plan what to take with you based on the weather and the dangers that await when you plan to leave the watchtower.
Here’s what it looks like for now (still a work-in-progress and the items displayed are only for testing):
- A New Forest In Progress -
Since I do coding, 3D modeling, and texturing all by myself, being able to show content ready to be presented takes more time. But I can show you what I’ve been working on lately...
Birch trees!
...
I know, not super exciting, but it’s all I’ve managed to finish modeling so far. Plus, I created this shader that allows the leaves to move, with the intensity that can be increased or decreased :
- What's Next ? -
Well, after finishing modeling the pine trees, I’ll be working on the main area where you, the Watcher, will spend your nights surviving and helping those in need. This will give me a terrain to test future game mechanics and enemies.
I would love to be able to work full-time on the game, but my current job and studies take up a lot of my time and energy, yet my motivation is still going up !
Thank you for taking an interest in the game and the world I’m trying to bring to life. Feel free to let me know what you think of the game and this Devlog.
Take care, and see you next time, Watchers!
- FarakWarmist
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