itch.io

Riveting read and I adore how the map visuals are coming together, beautiful work.

"One could argue that two more button presses don’t sound that bad. [...]  "

This reminded me of what's called 'menu diving' in music gear like grooveboxes and synthesizers. A problem created by a plethora of things to do but too few controls to do them with. The considered design approach you use in your game isn't always done by music hardware makers which can result in lengthy submenus-in-submenus. Whereas in games this is problematic because tension in the game makes you frustrated with slowdowns (plus also, fatigue), in music it's problematic because inspiration doesn't hang around forever, and speed keeps you in the flow (plus also, fatigue).

Riveting read, as usual :) 

Arguments notwithstanding my insticts goes with silhouettes. 

Reading all this I'm struck by an intense desire for the game to be accompanied by an actual paper book manual. Tiny, like the playdate itself, but well designed, with fun authentic details. Probably unrealistic given the work and logistics involved but one can dream.

> I realize that this log may feel like a lot of fuss for little progress

Good thing then that's exactly what we're here for :)

Great read. I love how a very methodical, deconstruction, research based approach one one hand, and intuition and creativity on the other, come together in this project, and how vividly you describe that process. So much fun already, without even having the game. 

Great read! What a surprising twist to make things turn based, too — very excited about this from a gameplay perspective. And the full view with clouds, water and ships looks amazing; the attention to detail really shows (such artful dithering).

Stunning. Love reading your process and how far you follow your gut in getting the details right -- inspirational.