Who Wants to Destroy an Alien
Kickstarter is now Live!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1592785075/who-wants-to-destroy-an-alien
The campaign has more detailed information on the game mechanics, the different zones, and the team working on the game.
Also, take note of the reward tiers as some of them include the opportunity to design your own event, quest, zone, or even a whole new character for the final release!
If you like the concept we're creating, please check the campaign link. We could use all of the support at this time, as we would like to transition to full-time development!
-SZ
Kickstarter campaign on the way!
SypherZent here: the director, designer, developer for Who Wants To Destroy An Alien (WWTDAA).
Processor: Intel Core i5-2430M CPU @ 2.40GHz 2.40GHz
Graphics Card: Intel HD 3000
RAM: 8.00 GB
While these numbers may seem pretty horrible for a gaming computer, these are the specifications of my laptop. After all, I develop more than I actually play. As such, WWTDAA is intended to run even on low spec machines.
And this is all thanks to the amazing game engine Ren'Py!
While Ren'Py may be an engine primarily intended for Visual Novels, over the last two years I've been creating my own algorithms and tools that allow me to create full 2D and 2.5D worlds. I've even worked a lot on optimization and making sure that the games run well on multiple platforms (Linux / Mac / Windows).
Since last year, our team has been working on-and-off with very few resources. At 114 days of patch notes, we have been able to get the demo to this polished state, including voice acting for the three demo characters and 80% of the game mechanics are complete (except for the very final arena where the gameplay will change considerably).
At this stage, we would love to transition to full-time development, to complete the remaining zones, quests, events, and the final arena showdown.
For this reason, we'll be launching a Kickstarter campaign next Monday, July 15th, 2019!
Even if you're unable to back us on that day, please consider sharing our campaign the day it launches. We'll be posting a small reminder within the demo version of WWTDAA on launch day, so that everyone interested will be able to know as soon as the campaign is available.
With a successful campaign, I'll be able to fully focus on this production, which will help us launch the game much faster than if we had no funding.
If we're able to hit some stretch goals, I might even be able to upgrade my hardware, which would allow me to produce higher quality sounds and voice acting (since I'm also doing the sound engineering and voice acting for a few characters, including Valgor and the game show host).
The other team members will also be able to focus on making more content for WWTDAA, such as an expanded soundtrack and more environmental assets.
As far as the perks we are offering, you'll be able to get the game at a 33% discount at our $10 tier (intended release price is $14.99), as well as your name in the game credits!
And for those hidden whales out there, at the highest tiers you'll be able to design your own events, quests, zones, and we even have one perk to design your own character, their unique skills, and come up with their sadistic ending!
So, we hope you will join us on this adventure to make WWTDAA the best game it could possibly be. Stay tuned for launch day!
SypherZent out.
Demo is now available!
The demo for Who Wants To Destroy An Alien is now available!
The free demo covers the early game for 3 different characters, and showcases ship-to-ship combat, ground combat, the quest system, and the event system.
We recommend that you choose 'How To Play' at the main menu, in order to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics before playing. If you missed it, no worries! You can always access it from the System > Settings menu in-game.
More news to come as the development continues.
Have fun! ːsteamhappyː
Demo in Progress / Official Trailer Released
The first official trailer is now available on the store page for your viewing pleasure!
Progress on the demo is also nearing completion. We're currently going through the Quality Assurance phase, and getting the final voiced lines completed for Lela, the Techno-Duelist.
More information to come.
Wishlist & follow the store page to stay tuned!
-SZ
Event System & 'Rumble Royale' Details
As your game progresses, you will begin to lose access to many of the world map locations due to these catastrophic events.
Narrowing of the open world tends to be a common mechanic in Battle Royale games. In WWTDAA this mechanic is being conveyed through the dynamic event system as described above.
Each time you move on the world map, all of the other A.I. do the same. Some of them will rush towards the final arena, but others will actually take the time to do quests and trigger events, meaning those events will not be available for the player during the same playthrough.
Many events & quests provide unique items that can help the player build their character in different ways. The A.I. will also have access to these items, meaning that each playthrough will be slightly different, varying not only in which characters arrive for the final showdown, but also varying their builds.
Events and quests help the player progress in levels, gather resources for upgrades, and acquire unique items for specialized builds. However, all of the quests and events are also optional, and player may rush to the final arena if they desire. More info on final arena will be provided in future updates.
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In other news, more NPCs, skills, and locations have been added. Here is a preview of one of the most commonplace ship part providers this side of space, Pep Junk!
Pep Junk is a junkyard location (similar to Left Arm Pete's), but it's only good for buying generic resources for upgrading. Special junkyards may sell devices that can be used in combat, or buff-type items, so be on the lookout for those, but feel free to drop by Pep Junk anytime, if you just need the resources.
Note that all items available at vendors are single-time purchase. So, these stores will sell out their stock. Revisiting locations shouldn't be commonplace, as every character will be in a rush to make it to the final arena. It is a 'Rumble Royale', after all!
Please note that all locations are subject to design changes. We're even open to feedback, as we're still working hard to complete all of the zones on the world map and their associated quests / events.
More info to come as development continues.
Also, don't forget to follow the game for notifications on future updates!
-SZ
More ships, Side quests, and NPCs!
We've been busy with content and additional game mechanics!
There are now 6 pirate ships, each faction having three models
The two gang factions are N7 and G6, from their respective sectors of space.
Here are some previews, including interior designs:
These pirates mean trouble! During the airing of Who Wants To Destroy An Alien, their only goal is to plunder the contestants!
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In other news, WWTDAA now has a side quest system!
All of these quests are optional, but many will provide items that can empower builds in unique ways. Some quests will also have multiple options, which can change the reward.
We're also working to add a variety of NPC characters to each zone, to provide useful quest information and to add some extra flavor to the cyberpunk setting.
More information to come as the development continues.
Any questions, feedback, or ideas, feel free to comment or start a discussion!
Also, you may Follow the game for notifications on future updates!
Just look for the Follow button next to 'Wishlist' (have to be logged onto Steam).
Best regards,
SZ
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays! Hope you are having a wonderful season!
This will be a short announcement, just to cover some extra info on game design.
Who Wants To Destroy An Alien (WWTDAA) is somewhat of a unique concept. Each of the characters begins at a different starting point on the map. There are many zones throughout the map, some having side quests or just items to be found.
Also, the game is not procedurally generated. Every zone is being crafted, just as the old JRPGs. However, it will be impossible to find everything on a single playthrough, because the A.I. will also be solving quests and finding items throughout the map! Every time you move on the greater map, all of the A.I. will do the same. Each 'turn' on the greater map can cause events to unfold on each of the zone maps, similar to 4x games.
Some zones may even become unavailable throughout the game. A good example is that the Fast Food zones where players may acquire food, can be robbed and 'disabled' in order to prevent the other A.I. characters from purchasing items before arriving at the final arena. It's not even a quest, just a thing. It's a Cyberpunk world, after all.
Now, on the topic of items, many JRPGs have a static list of known items. Similar to MOBA games, some of these items function as the core of character builds. We want to make this possible with WWTDAA. There will be passive skills and items to allow character builds to vary, in order to make that final arena showdown unique each time! These items will be placed in key locations on the map, so it will be possible to rush them from the start.
Different playthroughs will lead to different results. Think of the final arena as a set of rooms that have to be cleared. Who will be there, and how their build has resulted, will not be procedurally generated, as much as artificially generated through the A.I.'s progression as you play the game.
And A.I. have a chance to meet each other on the field, so they may not all make it to that final showdown!
In terms of development progress, the core mechanics are done, including character skills and animations. We are still working to create the world zones, the ship interiors, and define quests, so there is still much to do.
We will continue to post progress updates as the development continues.
WWTDAA is scheduled for Early Access release in 2019.
Give the game a Follow & Wishlist to stay informed!
Best regards,
SZ
Environments & Setting
For the 3rd announcement, environments in WWTDAA will be discussed briefly.
Location Types
- Junkyards - For buying crafting resources, combat devices & misc. goods
- Pawnshops - For selling items & purchasing accessories
- Fast Foods - For purchasing healing items
- Public Transportation Stations - For taking shuttles if ship is lost
- Workshops - For upgrading equipment & ships
Each of the location types will be unique and offer different services, as listed above. You may have seen Left Arm Pete's Junkyard in the Store Page screenshots, so here's a bit more info on that location.
Note that it will be possible to check certain things by standing adjacent to them, for instance here is what happens if you check that computer toward the back wall...
Sometimes exploration can lead to resources or other items. Different characters will have different ways of interacting with things, too, for example: a hacker will be able to do different things to a computer than an alien cowboy with a ray gun.
Locations will also have NPCs that offer side quests which can help boost your character's stats or offer unique items, so it is advised to search some of the locations on the way to the main arena, unless you're in a hurry for the final brawl!
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Now, Cyberpunk and Dystopia are huge elements of the world setting. This may be space, but the distance between dots on the world map is relatively small! Picture this as a densely populated sector of space where traveling from here to there is more akin to a car ride than warp flight. Therefore, this is a perfect location to host the game show as there's already a high level of crime and the value of life in this region is quite low!
Localized Fast Food advertisements help to convey the moral degredation of this multi-alien-cultured sector of space. With taste as bad as some 'Spacebook' meme groups, be prepared to be bombarded with some of the sickest unsolicited advertising this side of the galaxy!
From Dick Donald's BIGGER dick burgers...
To the delicious fish at Burger Thing...
To the crude, alien sex poses at Bendy's...
Be prepared...be very prepared...
Until next update!
SypherZent out.
Ground Combat Mechanics
Since each zone is pseudo tile-based, players can initiate ground combat in any zone where enemies are present. Combat could be initiated after select dialogue choices, or simply through hostile encounters. Certain events will also lead to ground combat, but these will be covered in a future announcement.
Each of the playable characters has their own distinct attacks, as well as each of the enemies. By knowing enemy attack patterns, the player can also know when to defend against stronger attacks.
Now, defense has a double purpose as well.
Energy (similar to your Mana in fantasy games) is depleted when using skills or devices that require physical / mental exertion. Defense will help the regen rate of Energy, which is usually low per turn (unless built with Passive skills / Accessory / Buff Items).
Each playable character has a special mode that changes the original attack. See Valgor's basic attack, 'Chainsaw Arm', and the description for sustained mode (image above).
Below is the corresponding GIF to show the sustained mode in action!
Watch the Pre-Alpha Footage #1 video to see the full battle!
Knowing when to use and when to regen energy will be the difference between victory and defeat in Who Wants To Destroy An Alien!
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So, how will you play WWTDAA?
Will you focus mostly on Ship or Ground combat?
Wishlist & Follow WWTDAA for more news throughout development!
-SZ
Ship Combat & Public Transportation
Ship Combat in WWTDAA is inspired by duels in Suikoden games.
Plasma, Laser, Lightning are the three options.
Laser eats Plasma. Lightning short circuits Laser. Plasma deviates Lightning.
For battles against simple enemies, instead of Dialogue, the Scanners will indicate possible enemy options.
There is also an Energy Distribution mechanic that is contextualized to each attack. Plasma shoots more, laser fires for longer time, and lightning is more powerful if more energy is directed to Weapons than Shields.
It's worth mentioning that it's useless directing power to Shields once they are gone, so, pay attention to your status bars!
Even if your ship is lost, it's not the end of the game.
WWTDAA is a Simulated Battle Royale experience, after all!
You'll be presented with the option to Board the enemy ship if their shields are down, or take an Escape Pod to the nearest Station.
Boarding enemy ships and defeating the pilot will land you their ship. There will be over 20 ships in the game, so, expect to see some variety!
Now, if you prefer to not use a ship for any reason, or if the character you choose doesn't like ships (looking at you, Baoth), then Public Transportation is an option.
Behold, a preview of Public Transportation Shuttle interior design!
The final zone is the TV Show Arena, and you can reach this zone at any point in the game that you wish. Just know that, arriving sooner means facing more enemies and you'll also be weaker without the booty gained from exploring!
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Hope you enjoyed this update! ːsteamhappyː
See the video on the Store Page for Pre-Alpha footage covering the first month of development!
SZ