The goal of the light project was to see if I could make a game that functioned, on some level, from start to finish. I wanted to make a game with a very small scope, and have some hand in the creation of all aspects of the development of this game. Well, I’m happy to say that I’ve finished an initial version of the project. I’m not 100% happy with it, and there are LOTS of issues to iron out, but I think it served its purpose. It’s a playable game, from start to finish.
I had bigger plans for the project, but in the interest of reducing the scope, I dramatically deviated from my original vision. That said, I think the game is still neat, even though I don’t feel like it’s sellable (especially in its current state). More importantly, to me, is that I learned a ton about what I like and don’t like about the development process.
I really enjoy coding, which doesn’t surprise me, because that’s something I’ve always liked. Even though I don’t consider myself anywhere close to an expert with GDScript, I really enjoyed digging in and learning new stuff.
I love designing and implementing ideas. Unfortunately, due to poor planning and inexperience, it got harder and harder to implement new ideas. The code became a jumbled mess, because I was kind of learning as I was going, and I didn’t have a solid plan in mind before I started. I also didn’t know how to do a lot in the engine, and I should have really taken the time to learn the tools I was using more.
Things I don’t love: creating and managing the audio-visual components. I made the mistake of using 3D models and converting them to 2D sprites. I’m not an artist, and I don’t know 3D modeling software. I found some free animations and some models I got from a Humble Bundle and slapped them together. The issue with this is that I didn’t know how to make the tweaks I needed to make. I learned enough to get by, but 3D modeling and 2D animations definitely aren’t my thing. I don’t hate the sound effect process or the music implementation, but I think if I wanted to take it to the next level, I’d really need to do a better job.
So yeah! I’m done with my first project. For the next one, I’m going to try something bigger in scope, but reduce the number of things I don’t like dealing with. Long story short, I think I’m going to make a Dragon Warrior inspired RPG. Very simple on the RPG and mechanics side, but I want to see if I can tell a compelling story. I’ll use some real 2D assets that I have available, so I don’t need to struggle with art, and I’ll take that into account before finishing the design. Like “these are the pieces I have available, what can I make with this?” I love constraints, and I think constraining myself to what I have available will let me be more creative in other areas.
If you want to try the game out, here it is: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fofkzpw6xrwvtv5skgstg/LightAlive_20250330.exe?rlkey=rkx1y9e5ynfkl8ymlepux1sih&st=tkeakb3w&dl=0
It’s best with a controller, but can be played with a keyboard:
Movement: WADS or arrow keys
Select: Enter
Actions: Ctrl and Alt
If you’re playing on a controller, you should just explore and figure it out. The game is meant to be explored, you’re thrust into a new experience and need to figure it out. Good luck.
Kind of Antsy 