In the first week, we met up on Discord and discussed and proposed various ideas for our final project game. After debating over several ideas, we finally settled on developing a strategy-based card game (inspired by Slay the Spire). However, it would have a twist - a real-time combat system which contrasts the classical turn-based system for card games. We also decided to go for a futuristic dystopian sci-fi robot theme.

With the idea set, we proceeded to flesh it out and document the systems and mechanisms we would need to implement. We divided responsibilities for the design and implementation of the UIs (primarily the selection phase and battle phase), modules, combat system, as well as design and animation for the characters and enemies.

Whenever progress or changes were made and pushed onto Git, we would update each other on Discord and receive feedback from each other. 

By the end of the second week, we had an alpha build ready for playtesting and feedback. It was in a rough state but it could be played on phone. The basis of the battle phase (+ combat system) and the selection phase was completed in the alpha build, as well as the character and an enemy design. The two phases weren't integrated but were functional. We received feedback from the professor and the TA, and discussed our scheduled plan for development for the next week. We aimed to have a battle fully complete for the beta demo.

By the end of the third week, we had a beta build ready for playtesting and feedback. The selection phase and the battle phase was fully integrated, along with a completely functional first level (some basic modules, animated character and and an animated enemy). Two teams play tested our game in class and gave feedback, which we took into account for the continued development. We also noted that we planned to have several levels and a boss stage for the release candidate playtesting in the next week.

By the end of the fourth week, we had a game that was mostly complete for demonstration. It has two different gameplays for the players -- the main story and an endless mode. The players are able to obtain and unlock a variety of different modules as they progress, and encounter battles with different enemies. Valuable feedback were given by the class during the playtest, and some identification of bugs as well. These will be taken into account for the final release of the game.

Development Notes:

(Note that not everything in the notes are reflected in the final build. However, most of it are).

Card game

• Singleplayer
• RPG 
• Aesthetic: DULL ROBOT
• Main character: Robot
• Animations: 
  • Character idles
    • Player
      • Attack - laser beam
      • Attack - Melee
      • Defend - barrier for a second
    • Enemy
      • Idle
      • Attack
      • Damage
  • Cards have their own animations 
    • The cards flash on the screen as you use them
      • Moves fast from left to middle and pauses and moves middle to right
    • They bring particle effects
      • Into damage 
• Alternates between the planning phase and battle phase
  • Planning
    • There are 10 cards starting off (7 are standards, 3 random specials)
      • Special cards get used up and are unique per battle (can have duplicates in deck)
      • _Could be randomized GACHA (coin to mulligan)
    • Select cards to play IN ORDER
  • Battle
    • After using all cards, go to planning phase
    • Have to use cards in correct timing against enemies (enemy animations are telegraphed)
    • Each turn gives the enemies a reset of abilities to use as well

Cards

• Card name
• Card Descriptor
• Card Type <RED Attack, BLUE Support>
  • Basic Shield would fall under support category
• Accuracy -
• Damage -
• Special Effect -

Development Concept Arts