Weekly Devlog #001

11/25/24

This Is the 1st issue of a weekly Devlog series, in which I will cover Development progress, Current Projects, Update Status, and whatever else arises. Let me start by introducing myself. I'm

 Stcash, I'm a solo-developer, and I've been working on games for 1 year. My previous focus has been on learning and practice, but now I invite you join me on a new adventure, into the future. My goal is to release quality games, that are fun to play, and fun for me to make. My Current projects are: "Dedcay", "MiniZone!", "Retro Unknown", and "Quick Haul 3D".

    Dedcay-In Development: A top-down, multiplayer, wave defense game.

    MiniZone!-In re-programming: A minigame experience with great potential. Collect batteries across many minigames and compete against others to be the best! Demo Available Now. Also, currently being completely redone and optimized, with a bunch of additional content, including multiplayer. Play Minizone!

    "Retro Unknown"-Demo Available Now!: My 1st take on a small rpg. Top-down retro-shooter. Remake is currently in development. Play Retro Unknown!

    "Quick Hail 3D"- "Quick Haul" is my most successful game to-date. Over the last 4 months I have been working on a 3d adaptation that is a joy to play. Play Quick Haul now and stay tuned for "Quick Haul 3D"! Play Quick Haul!

    Most weeks I participate in the Hyper One Hour Game Jam

Enjoy one of the twenty- odd games I have made this year and join me as I continue to make cool games.

See You Next Week!

Welcome Back! 

Hello everyone and thanks for taking the time to check out my Devlog. It might be a little scrambled, but it is raw.  Let's get right into it!

What Is New:

 A new update for "Quick Haul" is available now! Play Quick Haul 

The Menu system has been overhauled, and almost all UI has been fixed. New Music has been added. After reviewing feedback, the next update for "Quick Haul" will be focused on the graphics. A link to the full Update Log can be found HERE.

I have started a new YouTube series, titled "Music With Stcash" . This is a weekly series where I will be making some sample music and practicing with video making. I make one song every day and would like to eventually share them. Watch Music With Stcash #001 Here.

What is Happening now:

I have been reviewing a lot of my old jam games and prototypes, and in conclusion, I would like to give some of them some love and polish.

Following the update of Quick Haul, I will be releasing some minor updates and bug fixes over the next couple weeks. I am currently still working on Dedcay as well. By revisiting some of these old projects I hope to see some of my errors with new light, and to help build on some of the systems I have created. Essentially, I would like to get these games to a state that I can move on to larger things. 

I have added a fun new routine to my workflow, in which I create one new art asset everyday as well. I am considering sharing some of those on here.

Upcoming:

Look forward to more "Music With Stcash" and fun indie games coming your way. No major announcements as of now!

I will be participating in the Hyper 1 HOUR Game Jam on 12/06/24. It's a really cool Weekly Jam you should check out for yourself.

At this point I would like to shine a little more light on my studio goals. I would like to one day create a ridiculously fun Fantasy/ Creature catching game that is accessible to everyone and CONSUMER FRIENDLY. This has been a passion of mine in one way or another for most of my life, starting back in the 90's with home-made card games. Working towards that, I want to focus on making solid games without the bs. I make everything from the ground up on my own, and I plan on keeping it authentic. Stay tuned if you would like to see more.

Any feedback is welcome and appreciated. If there is anything else you would like to see included in future instalments, let me know. 

Thanks for your support! See you next week!

Welcome Back!

We have some yummy stuff cooking up in our Game Kitchen!

A new Milestone was hit! "Quick Haul" got 2000 plays on Gd.games check it out HERE.

Thank you to everyone who has played and tested Quick Haul in anyway. Your amazing!

I participated in the Hyper 1 HOUR Game Jam @ https://itch.io/jam/hyper-1-hour-game-jam-087 

The Theme was 'Chaotic'. I made "Chaotic Chao-tic", a top-down game where you play as a small tic trying to avoid being captured by nets. Its simple, but you can try it out HERE. I will be participating in the Hyper 1 HOUR Game Jam On 12/13/24 @https://itch.io/jam/hyper-1-hour-game-jam-088

I also released a small update for "The Fish with the Flow". this mainly consisted of Ui improvements and remapping the menus. stay tuned for future updates! You can try it out HERE.

I released 2 new "Making Music Videos" on YouTube. I make music every day using Beepbox. I use these songs in all of my games. Once a week I share the process. I hope you guys enjoy it. Any feedback is welcome, or if you need someone to make music, Check It Out!

I have another update planned for the end of this week and will continue to provide weekly improvements. Please share if there is a certain game you would like to see worked on.  As stated in my last Devlog, I have a few long-term projects that I am currently working on, but I am also spending some time fixing and improving the games I learned with. I have truly enjoyed every minute of development over the last year and I cannot wait to see these games enjoyed by many others.

Retro Unknown:

I would also like to use this space to start sharing the story behind "Retro Unknown." In "RU" you play the last playable character in the "Retro Game World". You have been loaded up to solve a mystery that crosses genres and generations.  What happened to the magic of games? originally designed with the NES in mind, I've remade the game with 2d/3d hybrid graphics. Play top-down Twin-stick shooter style, and fight enemies, solve puzzles, outshoot bosses, level up and increase your firepower and unlock the secrets of New Retro Gaming. See Below

1st Image: Current version @ https://stcash.itch.io/escape-res-retro-unknown

2nd Image: Version in progress

Any feedback is welcome and appreciated. If there is anything else you would like to see included in future installments, let me know. 

Thanks for your support! See you next week!

12/18/24

Welcome Back!

It's been another exciting week!

I participated in the Hyper 1 HOUR Jam on 12/13/24. The theme was "Jumping Lasers" and I made Lazer Dash.  Check it out.

I will be participating in the Hyper 1 HOUR Jam on 12/20/24

I posted a new "Game Music with Stcash" video. I make music for my games daily using Beepbox and once a week a share a video and a song. This week's song was "Before the Battle". Check it out HERE. I really like how this one turned out.

I have finished rounding out my small games for now and will be returning to my main three games, starting with Retro Unknown as the primary focus.

So, on to Retro Unknown. The current version is being worked on under the project name Retro Unknown: Uploaded. The entire game is 2.5D, made in GDevelop. The core game consists of multiple small areas, all connected to make one large game map. Each area will be tied to a special tool that you will unlock to use on your journey. These tools can be used to fight but also play a key role in accessing once-inaccessible areas. For example, the Dynamic Whip can be used to attack at medium range or to obtain out-of-reach items and trigger out-of-reach objects.

By collecting these special tools and defeating the Gate Keepers of the Game, you may solve the greatest mystery: what happened to the magic of games?

My inspiration for this game is the magical grind of old RPGs and JRPGs: hunting down monsters, finding new weapons and magic items, and progressing from the little guy to the hero. I would like to capture a glint of that feeling in this game without leaning on turn-based combat. The player will not be limited to one weapon style.

I have been working on the backstory for Retro Unknown for quite some time and will be sharing pieces of it here, as well as building a full story on my Full Log Here.

The world of Retro Unknown consists of a frozen timeline in the year 1999. Everything remains as it was on the surface, but in the Game World, time has never stopped. Now, the old games are controlled by the Gate Keepers of the Game, evil game bosses that have evolved into something far worse. The special tools you search for will be reminiscent of forgotten styles and mechanics of older games.

Key Features:

• Multiple ways to play: Although parts of the game require certain tools to progress, most of the game can be played how you like, with guns, swords, whips, magic, and more.
• Stat progression: Players can upgrade their stats across a broad spectrum.
• RES: In-game currency collected by slaying monsters and unlocking secrets. This can be used to unlock your skills and abilities.
• Enemy variety: I am creating all original monster designs. Some are inspired by previous games I have made, and others are inspired by games I have played.
• Save/Load feature: Allows you to resume your session later.

This is just a dip in the water. Stay tuned for more!