I'm sorry I posted on Sunday this week instead of Saturday. I was away from home all day yesterday and by the time I got back I was exhausted and went right to sleep. I'm also going to apologize because this post is pretty long.
I've been on Spring Break this week, which means I got a lot done. Like adding in missions, and fixing a few pesky bugs. Unfortunately, the missions aren't completely done; I still have to add some features, which don't really change the gameplay but provide the user with more helpful information (and make the game look more professional). I have a couple gifs for you today:
Basically, the story starts in a small town called Estherville, Iowa (no, I don't live there). By the way, all the cities mentioned in the game are real. There are some levels in Estherville, and then the aliens move across Iowa. Eventually they move on to major U.S. cities, and then major world cities. Finally, you lift off into space on a stolen alien ship, then go to the planets where the laser cannons are housed. Finally, you travel to Lithios and battle the final boss, Malos. Also, with the addition of missions, there will be no more XP and leveling up. You will unlock aliens and projectiles by completing missions.
There are a couple types of goals when completing missions:
- Kill all the aliens in the level (tutorial, levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21)
- Destroy a certain number of aliens carrying mechanical supplies (levels 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 16, and 20)
- Break open cages containing some of the aliens' POWs (levels 11, 14, 17, and 19)
- Destroy one of the powerful alien lasers (levels 22, 23, and 24)
- Kill Malos (level 25)
I've also improved the Malos boss battle. Malos will spawn in the center of the screen at the beginning of the mission. Every nine seconds, he fires a laser at you (this was already implemented). After 15 seconds, he begins moving from side to side, making it very difficult to shoot him. Also, normal aliens spawn during the whole battle, decreasing your health even more.
I've also made a minor change to the mission unlocks chart, moving Omega Aliens earlier so they can be used in the planet levels. Level 24 is now the only mission you don't unlock something at.
Which reminds me, I wrote out the story as well (and implemented it into the game). I guess I don't really need a story; most games like this don't. But I feel like the aliens need a reason to be attacking. I also need to explain why Tucker (the name of the alien who helps you) decides to assist the humans. So here's the beginning part:
It is a dark time on Lithios.
Resources are low, farms are failing, and Lithians are dying. A dangerous disease runs rampant. Death's dark grip is closing on the planet.
The Lithian leader, Malos, sees no other option; they must colonize another planet. With an army of his strongest warriors, Malos heads out for a distant sprial galaxy. Upon reaching it, they find an inhabitable planet. The only problem: That planet is Earth, and it is already inhabited. Fortunately, the solar system is rich with planets and moons that can support the Lithians. Unfortunately, the Earthlings will likely defend their solar system with thier lives. Malos devises a clever plan: Destroy Earth.
After sending the message back home, construction begins on three deadly weapons on Lithios. Weapons with the power to ensure the Lithians' security in their new home. Weapons with the power to destroy a planet. However, one small, insignificant Lithian sees no purpose in destroying Earth. There was never an attempt to befriend the Earthlings; destroying them is ending more unnecessary lives. So the alien, named Tucker, heads for Earth to assist the small planet in its defenses.
Malos begins his attack. All is dark, hopeless. Only a single person notices, named [username]. With a science experiment cannon and some small rocks, [username] alone must save the world. Alone, with no help. Or the Lithians will win, the planet will be destroyed, and humans will be exterminated forever.
And, of course, I don't want to spoil the story; you can find out the ending in-game ;)
And, yes, the alien is named Tucker. That name actually has a significant meaning, though (look it up!). I have a special task for him to complete, which I hope will make the game feel more exciting. Again, don't wanna spoil anything.
And here are some few minor changes: The defense aliens previously had a chance of dropping stones. However, I've realized through testing that metal is used a lot more. Thus, Defense Aliens, Light Defense Aliens, and Heavy Defense Aliens now drop metal instead of stone. The normal, green alien now has a chance of dropping stone.
You may notice that the progress for the game has reached 50%. This was such a huge part of the game that I was able to jump from about 40% to 50% in a week (for some reason, itch.io doesn't have a 40% tag). What's funny is that the game wasn't even going to have missions like this. I planned it to be infinite, but when I started testing it I realized that it was really boring. So now we've got different goals for the missions, and I might add even more variety to make the game even better.
Alright, I think it's time to let you guys go and enjoy your Sunday now. Sorry for the lengthy post; I did a lot this week, so I had a lot to explain. Next week's update should be shorter. Have a nice week!