It's been a long time, like YEARS, when I last worked on a game project. Busy times didn't let me sit down and code as I liked. Now, to force myself to finish at least one full game, I joined this Devtober 2022 jam! I hope that posting my devlog here will help me find the drive and ideas to finish creating a game that I can be proud of.

First off, I will be using python 3.10 as my base and arcade 2.6.16 as the game engine. I have made a game in arcade once so I can't say I know this engine from top to bottom, but since there are tons of updates that was done after all those years I didn't use it, now it's like working on a new engine altogether.

For now, all I finished is creating a window that keeps the original aspect ratio on resizing. This causes some squishing/stretching on the screen, but that can be ignored for now.

Right, the game I'm planning to do is a JRPG using self-made resources (as much as possible) since this is just a prototype. I decided on this since I originally wanted to join the Ludum Dare last weekend but wasn't able to spare time. So, I'll be doing this project with the spirit of submitting for the Compo!

Day 1 - October 4, 2022

Ok, so for now, I started setting up my codes on github, visible here: https://github.com/SeraphWedd/rpg 

I will be trying to continuously add more features to it, one small piece at a time. For now, I made a basic, bland, and honestly, not that good looking menu. This will be all for my first day update. For the next day, I'll try to add the credits, options, and continue pages (yes, I am procrastinating since I don't want to touch the actual game yet) and hopefully touch on the actual game before the week ends. That's all for now!

Day 2 - October 5, 2022

Today was quite a slow one. I don't know why, but there's an error with my widgets when resizing a window. I wasted a lot of time in an attempt to fix it but ultimately decided to give up on it for now. I decided to skip this feature for now and move on to making the other parts of the game (like deciding on game save format, transition between maps, NPC conversation, etc.)

Still haven't touched the main game part. I wonder when will I go into that part?

Day 3 - October 6, 2022

Today, I started refactoring the codes and fixed the formatting. I also added some comments and docs to here and there. As progress, I made the Continue window where you are supposed to choose either save file A or B to load. The actual load part is yet to be done since I haven't consolidated the format for the save file yet. I guess I need to work on the actual game next, to see how to approach this problem.

As an expert procrastinator, of course I'm still not doing any part of the main game (probably will this weekend though). Though the general idea for the game is already quite solid, only the finer parts need to be decided on. Maybe I'll go with graphics or audio first before focusing on the game part?

Well, the me tomorrow will surely handle it well.

Day 4 - October 7, 2022

I can't postpone it any longer. I need to work on graphics now before I can make any other progress. Will do it tomorrow... Surely... Yeah... Today, I finished the class to handle all basic game entities (monsters, NPCs, and player) so the next step would be to put it to use (inside the game). Next on the targets would be to make a working demo of the first stage!

That's for tomorrow since I feel tired for today already. And as the me yesterday said, I will handle all graphics for the rest of the day. Wish me luck!

Day 5 - October 8, 2022

Today, I created a basic map tileset. Yes, CREATED. Since this is just for testing, I just made a basic one formatted in a 64px unit on a 512px aggregate (since 32px feels a bit lacking if I add some more details). I also tested loading it using arcade and it worked fine (for now). Next, I will be doing the character sprites. I guess animating the standby image would be postponed for later, just the basic four directions with about 3 images each (steady, step1, and step2) for walking (running animation... maybe no).

The sample tileset:

Intermission:

Long time no post! Sorry, but I had a bit of a job spree and needed to go somewhere rural (no electricity and internet) so I couldn't post the past few days. I will take this chance and procrastinate a day or two more before continuing. See you in a while!

A little over 3 days left... And to tell the truth, I haven't touched this thing in weeks! I'm too busy with work this month and probably will be too next month. I'll probably try and finish it within the time frame but will probably compromise on some things. Though I guess not finishing in time is more likely to happen (or ultimately not finishing the game)... Got 3 more days, I believe I can do this (as long as I keep trying).