State of the Game #1

If you made it this far, you are probably wondering where the game stands. Before I begin, let me explain the design philosphy best described as 1) build legos 2) build lego rocket ship. Right now I am working on the legos.

So far the game now includes the following features.

--Map generation using several level templates from forest ruins, glacial city, crystal caverns, volcanic caverns, marsh lands, and standard dungeon levels. Using a mix of BSP, Drunken Walk, and Cellular Autonama.

--State based AI: The AI currently has only three simple states passive, aggressive, and sleep. More will come.

--Spell targeting, and spell effects along with over half of the spells.

--All Equipment, equipment generation along the lines of diablo.

--Equipment UI. hitting 'e' will bring up an equipment window and selecting a slot will bring up available equipment.

--All Skills asides from use magic item.

--Offensive Spell targeting AI and casting.

--Melee combat.

--Ranged combat (bows)

--Debuff Spell targeting AI and casting.

--In game combat log.

--In game message system.

--Stealth/Detection for both player and mobs (yes the AI can have a stealth rating, and will sneak up on you.

-- Character sheet

-- Introduction Screen, Character Creation UI

-- Details for equipment

--Summon, pet AI

--Elemental Combat Bonuses

--All status effects from confusion on to blind.

So what's missing, that seems like everything?

Perhaps at first glance that seems to be everything needed for a complete game, however much is missing. Such as the fact that currently there is no game! Right now I am just testing combat with place holder mobs in a single level. Once everything else is working, the game begins, and what follows is internal play-testing before anyone else will have a chance to play. I will likely try and release 5-6 levels to get a sense of early game balance. My goal is late August/Early September for a alpha. However many legos are still missing!

--No potions, scrolls, or wands are yet in game. Wands will be essential for magic item skill users.

--Most of the transmutation school has yet to be complete as well as a few difficult spells such as teleport and blink.

--AI for casting escape spells (teleport blink), buffs, and healing spells.

--Item identification.

--Spell Books

Once those things are mostly finished it will be time to populate continuous levels and for me to begin play testing. At that's before alpha.

I do move pretty fast though...