1-Game-A-Month

For the last few months I have been doing what I can to learn more about design, and making smaller games. I made a few prototypes in UE5 since that is what I use in work, but ultimately the engine is so large and limitless that I found it quite hard not to scope-creep. It is not impossible to build a small game in Unreal, in fact I would say its quite easy and quick especially with blueprints. The hard part stems only from within...

Jokes aside, in January I learned more about PICO-8. I liked the idea of being physically restricted scope-wise. I have a base level of programming experience in Python + Java years ago but was still a bit hesitant to jump in. Eventually I thought if I purchased a PICO-8 license then I would have financial incentive to at least make one game, right?

This game is a direct result of following Lazy Dev's series on youtube. I did, however, make some minor changes along the way!

The main one being ammo. I liked toying with the idea that ammo is not infinite in this shmup. Its been fun to restrict it and balance it as the game evolved. I think between the ammo pickups (terrible sprite, I know...) and being able to sacrifice a life for ammo, it works out pretty well!

One thing I did not think would take so long was wave design. Boy oh boy... Playing through waves and trying to make them somewhat linear in difficulty has been hard. The first few waves were easy in all honesty. I've been reading some game design theory books and podcasts, and was trying to stick to the whole "a game should teach the player things constantly" philosophy. So by introducing enemy 1 on its own, then enemy 2 on its own, then a mix of the two, I think it works out quite well in that regard. The main challenges I've had have been the last few waves, with the big yellow fecker. I am writing this a few days before I finish the game so hopefully by then I have it sorted...!

Its been a really cool month, and I have so far loved PICO-8's philosophy. As a 3D Animator I am constantly switching between Maya, UE5, Blender sometimes even and more just to create one file. I love not having to leave PICO-8. I can make sounds, sprites, code, music, levels, all from the one screen. I think it really suits my needs right now, to simplify the process.

In a world of unlimited possibility, sometimes we need restrictions and simplicity to ship something.

(pun intended)