Rocket Panda Panic - If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Hi again, I'm Matt.
And I'm Gugu.
It's time for an update on Rocket Panda Panic. June has been really busy but it was worth it. I worked mostly on finishing the core gameplay loop, including the pace changing panic mode! All the story and gameplay code is basically done. It's all just content creation (Level 2 and 3), testing and refinement left to do.
In the month of June, the artworks were mostly done, so the focus was on how to improve something or is there anything that needs to be improved in the game. We ended up changing parts of the original story, therefore, also changing the artworks for it. Some of the original visuals were done during a game-jam weekend. It was really nice to spend some time updating those without a time limit to stress me!
This means the first level, set in the USA, is finally in beta form. At last we can test the Jet-pack gameplay, panic mode and satirical story we've written. We're especially proud of the story and its simple parody of the lockdown situation we're all facing. We hope it cheers up a few struggling with the stress!
The jet-pack lets our hero Pandy navigate the world of Rocket Panda Panic. By pressing A or Space-bar repeatedly, the player can hover or fly up to the sky. This is perfect for shooting down enemy forces without losing control. You can also put the jet-pack into fast flight mode. By holding down the pad triggers, Pandy catapults forward reaching much higher speeds. We considered putting a "fuel" mechanic into the game. Requiring Pandy to stop and recharge or gather resources. However, we found this was less fun. The point of a jet-pack is freedom! Fast flight feels very satisfying when you get up to top speed.
The fast flight mode can be dangerous too! Its better to clear out some of the enemies first. Then you can zoom back and to at top speed. There's also the blast off skill. If Pandy stays still for a moment, he can boost his take off, gaining speed much faster. It's fun, but it can be dangerous if there's lots of enemies about!
We've also added panic mode to the core gameplay. Given the Panda-emic spreading across the globe, the World Helicopter Organization has deployed to capture the panic producing pandas! The WHO won't distinguish between Pandy and the other Panda critters. So you'll have to use your jet-pack to dodge their rockets, flamethrower and metal retrieval claw.
The WHO helicopters can be tricky to avoid. Pandys weapons don't work against their armor. So you have to avoid the attacks until their engine overheats. Then you can get back to the task at hand. In the USA, you need to rebuild the Lincoln Memorial Statue. Critters have pulled it to pieces. Pandy has to fly all over retrieving the pieces before he faces the USA critter boss. A giant Panda critter who's merged with US drone defense technology!
His homing missiles are tricky. But if you can take out his helmet and weapon systems, he's just a big soft Panda underneath!
Thanks for following the development of Rocket Panda Panic. We'll be posting a gameplay video in the next week. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram <u class="sDZYg" <instagram="" <="" u="">and Facebook</u>to make sure you don't miss it!