Part of the expansion involves a cute little fight right here. ...in space for no apparent reason.

...too bad it won't be as epic as the final boss, but still...

Some big motions require big animation.

The least I can do is try to get the big motions right before drawing all the other details.

I realize some players just want to play the game and see the story, while others may actually want to use those revival items, so here's a little compromise for you all.

Also, yes, I NEED to put on that "Pro" flag everywhere.

Back in the old days, you could just flash between these two frames to make dynamic lighting, to show something's flashing in front of her.

I'm just gonna use the other frame to indicate the lights are on. No flashing required.

...let's be honest, I'm a character designer, not a master of hi-res pixel art.

This is supposed to be the backside of a large alien spaceship. It looks too much like a giant escape pod with thrusters. I'm keeping the large tentacles, though.

Don't worry, I backed up the other one, but I'm going with this for the alien spacecraft. Part UFO, part retrofuturist rocket, and only three tentacles for the tripod look.

Line work first, then shading.

Also, if you're asking "where's her hair?", that's gonna animate separately.

I might have to put this in a little black box on-screen, but that's no problem for me.

The best way to let everyone play with whatever controller they want is to let players test it out, reconfigure it, and let them test it again.

...it's a bit messy, since this is a game that should support two players.

Whoooooa, we're halfway there!

...in terms of cutscenes.

I hope you appreciate what I go through for pointless details like this.

I don't plan on going this crazy too much, though.