[Day 7] Gameplay Improvements from Feedback
The first prototype from Day 6 was enough to be a functioning game. It features a problem for the player to solve (hit home runs). Obviously, gameplay improvements and mechanics can be added over the next 9 days. Today's development changes are based on feedback from others on this prototype.
Feedback 1: The game feels slow
First, I received feedback that the game feels slow. By this, they mean that the ball travels so slow that they could fall asleep watching their home runs go into the stands. I actually agree with this, but I haven't made the effort to adjust the physics until now. I simply increased the gravity and adjusted some forces.
Feedback 2: We don't know when to swing
Second, I received some feedback that the player does not know when to swing the bat at the right time. This could be caused by a variety of issues, but one suggestion was to add some sort of visual indicator of the ball's distance to home plate. I settled on using a "timing" meter. If the meter tops off at the white line, then the player's timing is good. I will probably explore this interface over the new few days.
Other Changes
There was two other miscellaneous changes today:
- Leaderboard. I'm a fan of implementing a top 10 leaderboard; but I decided that for a simple game like Guzman HR Derby, the high score table should really be one entry for each of the two modes. I also decided against implementing an online leaderboard for now. I usually host my online leaderboards on Google Cloud, but I've been having issues with securing cloud credits this summer.
- Cameras. I added two field cameras as alternate angles for viewing home runs. There is approximately a 33% chance of triggering a camera on a hit.
Next
Could there be future gameplay changes in the next few days? I want to explore the idea of adding targets in the bullpen areas of the stadium and challenge the player to hit the ball into those targets for extra points.
I'll also be adding the character select screen. I can't wait for you all to pick Guzman!
-Browntul