StarKid Development Update 2: Level Complete & Gathering Feedback

I have been continuing work on my prototype and it is now in a finished state where I'm happy for people to test it. There is about 20-25 minutes of content that players can play around with. Here are some updates on what I've added and changed to the game.

Level Intro Cutscene

Completing Block Map Level

The initial block map for testing has been finished, I've added collectibles, hazards and challenges for the player to complete. So they can explore, and have tasks to complete which will help give them the adequate time they need to get accustomed to controls and get a feel for the game.

Tutorial Sign

In order for players to easily understand what mechanics they have at their disposal I have added a placeholder tutorial sign at the beginning of the game that will tell them how to activate certain moves. It's a very counter-intuitive way to introduce mechanics, however without animations and a tutorial level it can be difficult for players to understand what actions they may be doing. Down the line when I have animations I will create a proper tutorial level which will introduce players to mechanics through gameplay. Tutorial levels should always be done last during development anyway, no point doing a tutorial for a game that may not have all the mechanics implemented yet.

Health/Damage/Death & Checkpoints

As the player takes damage the player's health count goes down and changes colour. When in critical condition (1 health) the health star will beat rapidly. there will also be visual cues on the character as well as an audio cue when the player is on low health.

Players can find heart pickups around the level to replenish their health. If the player's health is already maxed, picking up a heart will reward the player with 5 Novas instead.

This try again screen will appear whenever the player dies. Whether it be by losing all of their health or falling into a death pit. They will respawn at their last activated checkpoint.

Timed Challenge

Clocks ticking! Once you press this button a nearby gate will open, get there before it closes to collect the Aeon inside.

Failing to get there on time will cause the gate to close. You can go back and press the button to try again.

Bouncepads

Now who doesn't like bouncepads am I right? Here we have a bouncepad I can place with adjustable bounce height. Made a very quick mesh of a rotating star for it. 

Bug Fixes

Along with adding new stuff I also fixed a couple of issues, mainly the homing attack and the ledge grab. I will definitely be shown more bugs as I send it out for testing.

Now, onto testing!

I've got my feedback sheet at the ready and I'm currently getting a bunch of people to play the game. After starting today I've got 5 people to play the game and have received some great feedback, but the more the merrier! Just got to pester people now. I will report the results of my feedback here once I have the data. Stay tuned.