Posted April 27, 2022 by Drone Garden Studios
Crystal Lakes was the most complicated Godot project I've made yet. It's also the first time I started a project for one jam and then finished it for another. There was a lot going on with the making of this one, and I'm amazed that it all somehow came together!
I really enjoyed learning how to code a visual novel and a match-3 game in Godot, as well as figuring out how to switch between the two. I was so focused on learning the coding aspects that the narrative aspect - the one I usually focus on - suffered as a result. Which is a shame, because this was a story concept I'd been sitting on for years. I'd hoped to do it a bit more justice. Ah, well. I could always remake it down the road once I get even better at coding and can therefore put equal emphasis into both code and story.
I also really enjoyed working with two different sprite editors, it created an interesting visual distinction between the "real" and "ocean" worlds. I wish I'd edited more expressions in with the "ocean world" sprites, though. They're a little too static as-is, especially with longer conversations.
Still, as a learning experience, I am super happy with how the game turned out. Now, on to more learning experiences!