next »

[hmm]

27/6/2011 update

I've added a sort of reverse-collectible. As you explore the asteroid explored areas are marked with a little cross. I feel this encourages exploration and aids localisation in an otherwise featureless environment.

Let me know what you think. As ever, I will continue to ponder the future of this project. I am growing to love its non-game-ness.

[Starflier]

27/6/2011 update

I've added a sort of reverse-collectible. As you explore the asteroid explored areas are marked with a little cross. I feel this encourages exploration and aids localisation in an otherwise featureless environment.

Let me know what you think. As ever, I will continue to ponder the future of this project. I am growing to love its non-game-ness.

The crosses certainly help keep oriented, the only other thing that would be nice would be some co-ordinates in the corner so that players could talk about areas that they found in different asteroids. Noctis did this on a somewhat larger scale, but similar concept.

Also, have you seen this game? Space Game : Mujakwi It's like you both started with the same concept, then took it completely different directions...

[foxes8787]

I got stuck in a small room when I crashed
Is this normal?

[hmm]

I got stuck in a small room when I crashed
Is this normal?

Unfortunately, yes. Its the old collision problem of 'tunneling' when the player object is moving too fast or the program is running too slow. Its a glitch that I am currently fixing.

[hmm]

Work is continuing on this and it is going well. Expect an update soon.

I have decided to make it more of a game. I have found that even a simple goal makes the experience much more rewarding and enjoyable. Should have listened to all those game design gurus out there I guess! But its good to discover this kind of thing for yourself.

[Starflier]

I look forward to it

[hmm]

Update 10/7/2011

- The spacecraft will leave a trail to show the player where they have already explored. The trail remains if you crash and retry the same level.
- I have also changed the control of the spacecraft by adding a 'boost' button [hold Ctrl].
- Permadeath. When you crash disconnection if now permanent. You have to press [Enter] to return to the title screen and [Enter] again to reconnect to try the same level again.

I think these simple additions make Telemetry a more satisfying and interesting experience. If I am inspired to add more at some stage I certainly will.

I hope you enjoy it!

[Starflier]

Update 10/7/2011

- The spacecraft will leave a trail to show the player where they have already explored. The trail remains if you crash and retry the same level.
- I have also changed the control of the spacecraft by adding a 'boost' button [hold Ctrl].
- Permadeath. When you crash disconnection if now permanent. You have to press [Enter] to return to the title screen and [Enter] again to reconnect to try the same level again.

I think these simple additions make Telemetry a more satisfying and interesting experience. If I am inspired to add more at some stage I certainly will.

I hope you enjoy it!

I think you're right, It feels like you're actually mapping asteroids now. It would be cool to see the crashed pods littering the asteroid :D

[RichMakeGame!]

awesome, way more enjoyable!

agree it might be nice to see either crashed pods stay or the X from their death position

other thoughts:

I'd love to be able to see a little map of my exploits, maybe when you die? (I mean, only the trails from your ship, but from a distance) So you can see the map you've created, maybe even plan your next route.

Also maybe a way to complete an asteroid- say, map out 80% of it (or whatever % based on intended difficulty / playtime)

Could start the game on a very small asteroid (lower gravity and less space to explore) then begin to crank them up in size to increase the complexity of the player's task

I don't know if you've tried it but I'd be interested to see what happens if you place the follow trail based on time rather than distance, so x milliseconds trail is placed. Maybe also vary the size of the trail / shape based on ship speed. In this way you could also map out the tricky areas traverse because you'll travel much slower in very tight areas. If you were using your trails as a map this is very useful info and helps your further exploration

[hmm]

Thanks for the feedback. Some interesting ideas. I'll definitely add crashed out pods to the 'to do' list.

I already had a feature where you could see your 'map' on the title screen after having flown around an asteroid but removed it because it just looked like a crap scribble. I'll go back and see what I can do with it.

To be continued...