Team Updates 02/03-02/09:
Asset Creation:
Dapper Deer Sprites: Successfully created dapper deer sprites into the game environment.
Box Sprite: Developed and finalized the box sprite for use in-game puzzles.
Object Pooling:
Addressed issues with the player's object pool, pinpointing a problem with the circle collider that caused multiple spawns upon the player's death. Work is ongoing to ensure full functionality.
Meetings:
Engaged in several meetings focusing on design and art aspects, facilitating collaboration and enhancing project strategies.
Team Updates 02/10-02/16:
Asset Creation:
Created caution tape, a wire spring, a gap, a dead deer sprite, and a mutant deer sprite.
Developed the McHenry tileset, which is still in progress.
Designed a tea set sprite for the game.
Gameplay Features & Mechanics:
Implemented a sliding track system that allows objects to interact and stop on colliders.
Created an interactable stairs zone that transports the player between floors.
Designed a journal GUI component that allows players to store and re-read any notes they have collected.
Adjusted the flashlight mechanics so that the light properly updates when shining around corners and is blocked by obstacles.
Fixed multiple bugs related to player interactable zones and lockboxes.
Built a day manager that displays the current day and advances upon player death.
Turret Development:
Worked extensively on turret functionality, but encountered multiple issues, including problems with tethering and positioning.
Simplified the turret's tethering system to improve readability but continued running into issues with the pickup mechanics and bullet system.
Faced challenges with the turret’s tether line not aligning correctly due to how the turret is picked up.
Plan to continue debugging and refining turret mechanics in future work sessions.
Bug Fixes & Game Enhancements:
Developed a system that duplicates objects the player is holding when they die, ensuring the object remains in place.
Implemented a mechanic that allows players to use objects like boxes as shields against turret fire.
Created boxes to fill gaps in the ground, which will be used for puzzle-solving.
Designed a pause menu that allows players to resume the game, view settings, and open the journal.
Fixed fast travel functionality.
Started implementing dialogue reading from a JSON file for better narrative integration.
McHenry Area Development:
Began structuring McHenry with deer and main rooms, with the basement floor currently off-screen and not prioritized for display.
Plan to refine sliding doors and integrate NPCs into the environment.
Will check for existing item assets before creating new ones.
Need to implement the remaining puzzle features and determine how to handle the building’s rotation upon player death.
General Notes:
Successfully implemented deer attack mechanics, though the deer does not currently react to natural light.
Team Updates 02/17-02/23:
Asset Creation:
Completed McHenry Tileset.
Created Red Button, Markus, CS Student, Player Sleeping, and Baskin Tilesets.
Developed Robotic Butler Cat, Cat Headshot, and Campfire sprites.
Gameplay Features & Mechanics:
Enhanced engineering puzzles to ensure mandatory interaction.
Adjusted doors for better player navigation.
Integrated JSON reader for NPC dialogues.
Bug Fixes & Game Enhancements:
Addressed issues with player death mechanics and interactive buttons.
Implemented turret behavior improvements.
General Notes:
Implemented moveable walls with track systems in McHenry.
Started the basement trap setup.
Added turret behavior with interactive prompts to enhance gameplay.
Focused efforts on refining existing gameplay elements and ensuring functionality across all new assets.
Background
This project is a collaborative effort by students from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as part of their CMPM 171 course, which is the capstone class for the Computer Science and Game Design program. The students are tasked with applying their cumulative knowledge and skills in game development to create an interactive, engaging game.