• FPS Performance and Debugging:
  • Implemented optimizations for better FPS performance.
  • Debugged the entire game to identify and rectify issues.
  • Removed all print strings for a cleaner debugging experience.

Marketing:

• Kickstarter and itch.io Launch:
  • Successfully set up the Kickstarter campaign: Echoes of Destiny Kickstarter.
  • Launched the game/demo on itch.io to reach a wider audience.

UI:

• User Interface Enhancements:
  • Designed and implemented a sleek Store UI.
  • Added Credits UI to be displayed after completing the game.
  • Introduced an Options menu with save and load functionality.
  • Incorporated a screen display in the cockpit for gauges or maps.

VFX:

• Visual Effects Overhaul:
  • Revamped power-ups with enhanced visual effects.
  • Implemented striking shield visual effects.
  • Created dynamic visual effects for weapon pickups.

Models:

• Modeling and Asset Updates:
  • Ongoing progress on modeling tasks.

Blueprint:

• Blueprint Functionality:
  • Developed an engaging opening sequence to captivate players.
  • Enhanced bonus orbs with a x2 multiplier and divided by 2.
  • Implemented the spawning of echo fragments throughout the galaxy.
  • Introduced a persistent game loop with enemy waves and a challenging boss fight.
  • Addressed health pack pickup blueprint and added SFX.
  • Included the option for fragment orbs to drop on AI death, providing score bonus points.
  • Implemented camera shake upon enemy hit.
  • Added a weapon change mechanic upon pickup.
  • Introduced a score counter for kills, pickups, and destruction.
  • Implemented lives pickup with a 0.2% chance after an enemy kill.
  • Crafted an end game sequence with voice-over and credits.

Character:

• Player Character Enhancements:
  • Enabled the use of missiles to attack the Fragment Spawner.
  • Implemented a variety of weapons for the demo.
  • Designed and integrated the main character ship model.
  • Updated turbo boost functionality for the new character model.
  • Introduced a special ability (Spacebar) with a 100% damage radius.
  • Implemented shields and shield pickups, activated upon player hit.
  • Added a cooldown limit to the special ability 'Nova' (Spacebar).

AI:

• Artificial Intelligence Advancements:
  • Enhanced AI enemy movement with Blackboards for all AI characters.
  • Fixed AI health UI on all AI entities.
  • Introduced a formidable Boss Ship with unique functionality.
  • Designed and implemented five distinct enemy ships, each with its own characteristics.
  • Enabled a random chance for enemies to drop loot upon death.
  • Implemented unique reactions for enemies upon being hit.

Sounds:

• Immersive Soundscapes:
  • Incorporated sound effects for all weapons.
  • Added echo fragment pickup sound effects.
  • Introduced hit reaction sounds for both the character and AI entities.
  • Adjusted collision on the laser for improved auditory experience.
  • Integrated specific sound effects for boss projectiles.

Conclusion: The development journey of "Echoes of Destiny" has been a thrilling odyssey. From optimizing performance to creating captivating visual and auditory experiences, each update has been a step toward realizing the vision of an interstellar adventure. With the Kickstarter campaign live and the demo available on itch.io, the universe awaits exploration. Thank you for joining us on this cosmic journey, and stay tuned for more updates as we venture further into the unknown! 🌌🚀 #EchoesOfDestiny #GameDevLog #SpaceAdventure