Phoe

Overview

Phoe is a fast-paced, precision platformer that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Developed independently by me and my friend, this fast-paced game has been in the works for a few months and is being built using the powerful GameMakerStudio2 engine.

In this game, movement is key. Players will be able to perform a slide that gives a short burst of speed. Timing is crucial, as jumping while sliding grants a massive speed boost, allowing players to gain momentum and soar through the levels with style. With practice, players can master this mechanic and enjoy a fast-paced and exhilarating gameplay experience.

Players will get to explore multiple worlds, each boasting its own unique visual style, obstacles, and challenges to overcome. The game also features a time attack mode for each level, where players must reach the end before the clock runs out. Fail, and you'll be sent back to the start of the level, regardless of how many checkpoints you've reached.

We have so many exciting features to still add. So stay tuned for further updates!

What is my role?

As the Lead Game Designer, I'm responsible for crafting the overall gameplay experience. I specialize in creating most of the sprites using aseprite software and also responsible for the level design, which is my strongest passion in game development. Additionally, I conduct playtesting sessions and gather feedback from players to ensure the game is heading in the right direction.

My partner handles the programming aspect. Were he is responsible for writing the code, implementing gameplay features and setting up parameters for me to tweak easily. Additionally, he manages version control. To stay on track, we hold regular meetings to review our progress, discuss future tasks, and assess the work we have created thus far.

We have also been getting a few helpers to manage certain sprites, sound effects and playtesting. Which has greatly improved production! We will be continuing to work with people to ensure the game is up to standard.

Design process and Iteration

My team wanted to create a platformer that we wanted to play: a game that was fast-paced, challenging and exciting. We drew a lot of inspiration from games like Celeste, Super Meat Boy and Donkey Country Tropical Freeze, finding out what we enjoyed from each game and then combining those elements into something unique and thrilling to play.

We have a number of guiding principles in our development process, including the maxim "Follow the Fun" which prioritizes enjoyment above all else. Rather than introducing monotonous tasks or dull level design, we are focusing on creating gameplay that we believe to be engaging and exciting. Our play testing sessions are closely monitored to ensure that players are having fun while minimizing frustration.

Additionally, we strive for our game to be "Easy to Learn, Hard to Master," catering to both casual players and experienced veterans of platforming games. We aim to provide an enjoyable experience for all, with newcomers able to play at their own pace and veterans presented with a challenging and satisfying platforming experience.

Each level is designed to have both an easy and obvious route while also secretly having a harder route. This tailors the game’s difficulty to suit each player's abilities. Casual players can enjoy the normal path, while hardcore players can take on the riskier, but faster, route. An example of this can be shown here:



This “High Risk, High Reward” gameplay is what makes our game thrilling and engaging. Players are rewarded for completing levels and attempting risky jumps, pushing the movement system to its limits. To enhance the competitive element, we plan on implementing a global leaderboard system, so players can track and compete with other gamers.

You can watch more gameplay video's here:
Puzzle design gameplay: Click Here
Speed-run gameplay: Click Here
Hidden challenge gameplay: Click Here

Accessibility

We have made accessibility a top priority for our project, recognizing its importance for making games enjoyable for all players. While implementing new gameplay features can be exciting, we have not overlooked the need for accessibility options. In fact, we have gone the extra mile to incorporate as many accessibility features as possible. This includes the ability to remap controls on keyboard or controller to suit individual needs, as well as a colorblind option for players with impaired vision. We are committed to continuously improving our accessibility options and considering more ways to make our game inclusive for all.

Release date and Marketing

Although the game is still in its alpha stage and far from completion, we intend to make it available for free on Steam, Itch, and Gamejolt. Our primary objective is to have a broad range of players try the game to gather feedback from various gaming enthusiasts. So we can make even better game experiences in the future!

We used to prioritize marketing as an afterthought during the game development process. However, we acknowledge its significance in releasing a game to the public. Consequently, we have developed numerous strategies to enhance the visibility of our game.

If you like what you see and want to get up to date with development, feel free to email me! or follow me on twitter at: https://twitter.com/bevan_guest Dev logs coming soon!