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Dev Log: A New Beginning (Part 0)


Overview

Important

If you would like to know more details about certain implementations or anything else, feel free to write me an e-mail at: kevin@lightcastle.dev
I’ll be happy to help 😊

Why

The idea behind this dev log is to record my work and hopefully make sure that I actually finish the project. I do all this in my free time, and in the past, I often lost interest, got sidetracked or demotivated, or started something new. So, wish me luck.

What

The goal is to keep the scope of the project as small as possible while leaving potential room for extensions later on. I will also try to create a minimal viable product first, before polishing things or adding sounds. The actual game is going to be a turn based tactical game with a pure focus and the combat (for now). Any kind of meta gameplay might be added at a later stage, but is not the focus right now.

Gameplay Reference Gameplay Reference (Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance)

Gameplay is going to be similar to games like Final Fantasy Tactics or other turn based tactical games.

Core concepts:

  • Grid-based, so movement, attacks and area effects are all based on a grid
  • Characters have different stats that influence their combat capabilities(Damage, Hit points, Range, etc.)
  • Terrain gives advantages/disadvantages
  • Combat is turn-based, with the teams taking turns (see e.g. XCOM) in contrast to a system where units take turns

Features to add later on:

  • Experience points and character progression
  • Story to connect combat scenarios
  • and so much more 😬

How

I will use Unreal Engine and the grid plugin I am developing. This will be a great opportunity to put it to the test. As and IDE I am using Rider. It provides by far the best developer experience when it comes to Unreal development. Furthermore, I am going to use as much from the Unreal Marketplace as possible, since I am no artist and don’t want to spend too much time with art. The goal is to get to a playable prototype as fast as possible. For everything art related I am going to use Blender, Affinity Designer and possibly Substance Painter.

I plan to release one post at the beginning of every other month, starting in September.