Development Log – August 2024: Character Selection and Loadout System Implementation, Tutorial System Finalization, and Level Map Integration

Implemented core character selection and loadout systems, finalized the tutorial, and introduced new gameplay mechanics including an enhanced projectile system, abilities, and quick save/load. Technical updates include migration to a Win64 build, a reworked AI pathfinding algorithm, and various graphical and UI refinements.

[MILESTONE] Major Game Systems & Content

  • Character Selection and Loadout System: Implemented a comprehensive system allowing players to select characters and customize their loadouts, including core functionality and persistent data saving.
  • Tutorial System Finalization: The tutorial level has been completed, encompassing initial design, content adjustments, and critical bug fixes to enhance player onboarding.
  • New Level Elements: Introduced interactive vertical doors and distinct ‘hatches’ within levels, expanding environmental interactions and gameplay mechanics.
  • Level Map Integration: A new visual level map has been integrated, improving player navigation and overview.

[GAMEPLAY] New Features & Mechanics

  • Enhanced Projectile System: Overhauled projectile mechanics to include cinematic visual effects and laser sight tracking, significantly improving combat feedback and precision.
  • New Abilities: Added ‘Health Area Effect’ and ‘Buff Ability’ to expand tactical options during encounters.
  • Quick Save/Load Functionality: Implemented quick save and load features for player convenience.
  • Loot Spawning System: Introduced a new system for managing the spawning of lootable items.
  • Environment Interaction Feedback: Added visual and gameplay feedback for cover changes within environments (e.g., Rocky Hut structures).
  • Ballistics Refinement: Conducted internal testing and adjustments to refine projectile ballistics and behavior.

[GRAPHICS] Visual Improvements

  • Pathfinding Visual Overhaul: Reworked the visual representation of pathfinding, improving clarity and feedback.
  • Projectile Visuals: Enhanced cinematic qualities and visual fidelity for projectiles.
  • UI Styling Updates: Applied new linerenderer styles to various user interface elements.
  • Tilemap Smoothing: Implemented smoothing techniques for tilemaps, enhancing overall visual cohesion and aesthetics.

[UI/UX] User Interface & Experience

  • Improved Menu Controls: Refined navigation and control inputs for all in-game menus.
  • New Cursor Design: Introduced a new banner-style cursor for improved visual feedback.
  • Level Completion Indicator: Added a clear visual indicator to signify level completion.
  • Banner Configurator Fixes: Resolved issues related to loading and saving configurations within the banner customization UI.
  • UI System Stability: Implemented several changes to enhance the overall stability and reliability of the user interface systems.

[PERFORMANCE] Optimizations

  • Platform Migration: Migrated the game to a Win64 build to resolve persistent pathfinding exceptions encountered on WebGL, significantly improving stability and potential performance.

[FIXED] Bug Fixes & Stability

  • Pathfinding Corrections: Addressed multiple pathfinding bugs, including specific fixes for agents blocked by ladders and general path calculation errors.
  • Projectile Bug Resolution: Fixed various issues affecting bullet behavior and interaction.
  • Instantiation Errors: Resolved minor errors related to object instantiation within the game world.
  • Tutorial Level Fixes: Applied specific bug fixes to the tutorial level to ensure a smooth introduction for new players.
  • General Stability Improvements: Addressed several minor bugs across different game systems to improve overall stability.

[TECHNICAL] Backend & Development

  • AI Path Calculation Rework: Reworked core AI path calculation algorithms for improved agent decision-making and navigation.
  • Deployment Pipeline Setup: Established an automated release pipeline for itch.io, including necessary configuration files.

This Changelog is automatically generated with Google Gemini based on my git commit history.

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