Long time has again passed and after the second demo release I had to step a bit back in development to the base. It was again time for reworking some systems!
Movement:
Firstly I was not satisfied with the movement system, it feeled too clunky so I created an empty level and only focused on improving the low level movement. I have written it from scratch, useing a slimer and smarter approuch in combing running, jumping, climbing and now I have a feeling I'm on the right track.
The Ninja is now running automatically, because I noticed since the map is relativly large, the run button was in excessive use. But targeting a enemy enables walking. Furthermore a simple button press guaranties that your ninja ducks when it is needed.
With this I gained a free button to spend on the draw/sheat sword mechanism. Now it is possible to draw your sword when your in danger, or grab unaware enemys when the sword is sheated. Also with a drawn sword it is more difficult to climb. And it is cool to draw your thrusty katana while jumping into the battle.
What is currently missing is non-lethal combat, it should be possible to knock enemys unconcious instead of killing them. In this aspect Metal Gear Solid is my true paragon.
AI:
I also worked on the AI, cleaned it a bit up and put them into a team system. Previously I had enemy and ally scripts. But with the team system it is far easier to maintain the scripts.
The team system is also very usefull for the V.S. mode of the game. It will be possible to choose where and how many AI's are in a team. All against one Ninja? Two Ninjas trying to take the other down midst in the battle of enemys clashing against? It should be possible and only depending of the taste of the players.
In this aspect I try to allow as many AI's as possible, currently I'm searching for optimations and found some points I could tackle.
Inventory system:
What troubled me lately was theh inventory system. But thank god I finally managed it! Now the items are displayed correctly in the hud and the item selection screen responds more intuitive. What now is lacking is a first person mode to accurately throw shurikens. Besides it is now possible to drop items. If your Ninja brother is in danger just drop him a health potion to refresh.
Graphics:
Graphical wise I improved the base model, it constitution looks more stable and not as slim as previouly. Furthermore I improved my workflow a bit as I now use a Ambient Occlusion texture in my second uv channel. The improvement is pretty satisfying.
Also I added rim lighting for the characters to soften the look a bit.
Lastly I created a Day/Night system with moveable clouds. It looks decent but could be improved with atmospheric scattering. I implemented it because it will be now possible to see the sun rising when your mission is lasting to long, thus resulting that the enemys can farther see. The sky/light system needs some tweaking though.
Overview:
- created a dojo, where combat practice in tranquility will be possible
- finished inventory system, with picking up and droping items, items visible in the HUD
- added vertical wallrun
- added blocking for enemys, there is now a push back for the defender on impact
- reworking time of day system
- baking ambient occlusion maps in second uv channel -> improved workspeed
- made the camera a tad dynamic
- made the transition from player 1 to splitscreen to player 2 view more fluid
- worked on AI
- added rim lighting for characters
- corrected audio system
- added critical damage, if you get hit while attacking you suffer more damage
- added crouch attack again
- improved visualitation of taken damage in the life meter
- improved movement, jumping, climbing, still some precision problems
- added rim lighting
- more things... what was it?!...
Anyways here is an access to the small demo of the V.S. mode: Battle against your team against your Ninja brother!
It isn't polished or game ready, but I wanted to let you play something, have fun!
As always any feedback is highly welcome, let me know what you think
be stealthy!
0tacun
Excellent job! This reminds me I need to work on my lighting also! :P
Glad too hear that I encourage to refine something :D. I'm no expert but if there is a question I can answer, just message me :)