Air Ace is has now been published and is available to play. Check it out if you like.
I have so many crazy feelings about this game. On one hand, I'm disapointed that I set my sights so low. I thought as a first project, on a timeline, it would be prudent to keep it simple and not even think about things like fun or polish. Given that I ran out of time due to unforseen consequences, this was probably smart. And on the other hand, I learned a lot. Like, a LOT. I thought I had ideas before, but now I've experienced so much, I have more realistic ideas I can pursue. I don't feel this game represents me particularly well, but I feel equipped to make one that does.
I'd say a few technical things I learned... USE OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING! My code base is a shambles because I tried to program out all the behavior on the fly. If I had planned things out, thought about what I"d need to re-use, I would have had a much more attractive and maintainable code base. Expanding this game would be a nightmare. I have some shmup ideas I want to pursue in earnest, but I would not build directly off Air Ace.
The other thing is like, holy crap I knew I can't do art or music, but I REALLY can't do art or music. If ever I decide to engage in a professional venture (that's a far off dream), I need serious help with that stuff.
So yeah, I feel mixed up. Working on the game, and in this jam in particular, was very rewarding. And I truly learned a lot, which was my objective. But oh jeez, I don't think I'll be able to rest until I build something better to prove what I can do.
I want to say thanks! Thank you to everyone that encouraged me here! Thank you to everyone reading this. And most of all, thank you to anyone who plays my game.
This jam is rad and you all are rad. Making my first game is a big step on a dream I've been stalling a long time. I'm filled with confidence like I've never experienced before. I don't know what else to say. Just thank you. Thank you.