You probably thought I was dead. Nah. I've been quiet but far from inactive (in the past few weeks anyway). Aside from the extensive tinkering I do, here's some of the new stuff since I last posted:
More blocks
As well as pushing and pulling big blocks (40x40) I've added in smaller blocks (20x20) that Spud can push/pull and pickup/throw/stack.
Ocean / Swimming
I was never satisfied with the size of the ocean in the game so the past couple of days I've made it wider and deeper.
I've mentioned the abilities in the game that you find as you progress, well you can walk in the ocean as soon as you find the [aqualung] ability (haven't named it yet, idea's?) but there will also be a swimming ability that you'll find in Poseidons temple with which you can fully explore the whole of the sea.
Temples
Some area's of the temples didn't feel right so I've been muckin around with em, adding puzzles and traps. My idea with the whole game is that there shouldn't be a single screen that's there without reason.
Not sure if I've mentioned previously but I've strayed from item-based puzzles in the dungeons of the game and kept all that to the worldmap part. The dungeons are filled with puzzles involving blocks, switches, jumps, teamwork (character switching between you and frog), avoiding traps etc. So now once you find a dungeon you can finish it there and then without running around the worldmap looking for items you need to use in there.
Awards/Trophies/Achievements
Cliched lately but just something for the obsessives. Haven't added any yet but the subscreen is there ready. Idea's?
Sub-screens
Been working on these, so far theres game/dungeon map, quest status, abilities, awards, options.
Oh also I've been looking for some decent MOD/IT music for the ice temple. No luck so far, but if anyone can give me a url in the right direction it'd help loads.
Cliche' achievements are fine and fun. But so are new ones to keep the player looking. Keep 'aqualung', it fits. (unless you think of something better of course)
Nothing in the way of MOD/IT, but how's chiptunes?
http://8bc.org/
Those are all free to use alike with a link back I beleive. If I remember any of my other sites I'll get back to you. But more likely their an ocean's away memory wise. All in all, sounds good!
Same post as on the Spuds Quest blog:
----------------
As usual I will comment on every topic:
More Blocks - Seems like a cool idea. I think that Spud should not be able to move/carry them outside the boundaries of the temple that they're in, so that they cannot be used elsewhere.
Ocean / Swimming - I actually like the sound of "aqualung" for the water breathing one. For the swimming one, you could call it "Fish Soul" or something like that.
Temples/Dungeons - I like the idea of saving the item running for the outside world. You should definitely keep that in the game, but the temples being different will be kinda nice (though I wouldn't care either way, personally). I don't think there should be something to figure out in EVERY screen though - you should definitely keep a fair amount of screens just for atmosphere, otherwise the game will seem too crowded!
Awards/Trophies/Achievements - this could be fun. However I suggest working on this aspect last. Ideas..
-Award for completing each temple
-Award for collecting each golden treasure (if that's still the goal)
-Award for beating the game, of course
-Award for catching a big fish?
-Award for reaching any kind of secret area (if you have any of those)
-Award for collecting all coins, perhaps
Sub-screens - I have nothing to add here, that stuff all sounds good!
Music (relating to your post on the project page) - I happen to be a connoisseur/collector of chiptunes. Since this is a project I am very interested in, I'll search for some icy tracks in my spare time. I may even make one and ask you if it's suitable.
As before, I'd like to stress that you should find a stopping point with the formulation of ideas, and save some for another game. Otherwise this one may never be completed!
Advertisement
ChrisD 
Favourite