Very shortly I’ll be releasing the next tech demo, on controlling entities with state machines. Before I wrap that up, here’s an update on the progress since the last demo:

What’s Done

• faux-3D depth: What a headache. I spent days banging my head against different methods of faux-3D depth sorting in 2D, until I finally realized the problem: it’s impossible. Depth in 3D is not sequential, and approximating it cannot be done perfectly using a back-to-front rendering system without some big hacks. So I adjusted the tiles to be slightly less 3D, and I think it’s just as good with no sacrifice in speed.
• control: input bindings, command queues, state machines, actions
• animated effects: “tween” style
• created entities: ball, spring, missile, retro jetman

What’s To Come

I had hoped to get pre-alpha relase 1 done by December 31st, but my work needs me for extra time this month. When its done, this first official release should be a roughly playable “retro-mode” of a few levels, using the original graphics. I also have gall bladder surgery scheduled in early January. Hopefully that will cure or at least help with my chronic fatigue.

Remaining tasks for the pre-alpha:

• basic sound effects
• basic menus
• retro tile behavior: ladders, gems, treasure, teleporters, conveyor belts
• retro creature behavior: jetman, ball, spring, missile, homer, bat, trackbot, flitzer, spikes