One week ago I published my last devlog and allowed myself a bit of time to think about the future of this prototype, see video above. After much consideration (and encouraging words from my wife) I decided to participate in the 90 Days & Ship It! Jam 2021. I will post status updates until the day of release on August 7th 2021.

This devlog introduces the planned features and how I want to release the game. It’s still a bit messy but I will try to make it clearer in the next posts (with the help of some images).

What is this game about?

Kargo (working title) is a space-themed action game. Transport containers with your spaceship as fast as possible, avoid any obstacles and figure out how to reach your destination. Best played with a friend in local coop using gamepads.

Game Mechanics

• Fly spaceship through levels of varying complexity (single player or 2P split-screen coop)
• Spaceship has health and can be repaired with items
• Spaceship has cargo bay that can be expanded with items (up to 4 slots)
• Spaceship consumes fuel and can be refueled with items
• Players can pick up, drop or use items
• Keys open doors / doors can optionally be directional
• TNT explodes cracked walls
• Walls can be of type normal, deadly or cracked

Items

• Container: Players need to transport it to the designated destination pad; Can be dropped and picked up by other player
• Repair Kit: Replenishes health of spaceship; Can be consumed or dropped and picked up by other player
• Fuel: Works the same as the repair kit
• Key: Available in 4 stylish colors and opens doors with corresponding color code; Can be dropped and picked up by other player
• Cargo Expander: Adds another slot to the cargo bay; Can be consumed or dropped and picked up by other player
• Tnt: Players can throw it at cracked walls to destroy them (be careful, it also damages spaceships); Can be activated (thrown out) or dropped and picked up by other player
• Force Field: Players can activate it to create a force field around the spaceship (attracts other items or spaceships); Can be activated (consumed) or dropped and picked up by other player

Notes

The controls are similar to the original Asteroids with additional buttons for picking up, dropping and using items. As mentioned in my previous post, my main source of inspiration is Crazy Gravity but I wanted to add distinct features. I think the 2-player split screen coop mode will make it quite different from similar titles. The emphasis is on simple controls and complex level designs that make it challenging for two players.

Release Plan

The goal is to release the game with all the above features. But if time is running out I might have to reschedule the local multiplayer and focus on the singleplayer mode first.

Let me know what you think in the comments.