Official Soldat Forums

Misc => The Lounge => Topic started by: Stahlkaiser on October 16, 2008, 11:07:41 am

Title: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 16, 2008, 11:07:41 am: Hello!

I want to introduce my shmup(shoot 'em up) project on which i am currently working(on a demo).

The game is an abstract, fast paced 2D shooter with seven levels all themed by 7 fictional elements: fire, water, earth, air, darkness, light and chaos.
I am doing the graphics and programming.

here`re some pictures:

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/kopie_von_chaos222.gif)(http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3179/airbwing1kh7.gif)(http://www.lolsoft.com/stahlkaiser/images/shipclay.gif)
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/fir.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/airgeierbody1.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/chess0022752233.gif)
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/333__r103576111.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/5z.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/class_a_prototyp.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/thenightre.gif)

Those are for the last and most difficult + very differend level:
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/canstrtwgnblh.gif)(http://www.lolsoft.com/stahlkaiser/images/chaos.gif)

Here comes a mockup:
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z180/Squirrelsquid/blub.gif)
Abstract drawings will be used as backgrounds.

Here are some works in progress:
(http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/3509/fyskussdz5.png)(http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5910/oooooooooooolartszmm4.png)

This is the rad stylized player ship:
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/kopie_von_steelkaizersdfsdfdd.gif)
[ Only the small zone in the middle is the hitzone. the wings are not affected by enemy fire and slightly disappear when dodge large amounts of enemy bullets ]

This are only a few graphics, i have much more sketched and in work.
There are around 55 ships in the finished game.

Feedback would be highly appreciated :)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: -Skykanden- on October 16, 2008, 11:26:30 am: Well, i think that graphically is great

I don't know why but i think that i saw that purple space ship somewhere
i would do the wings of the player ship shorter and the ship longer, not so much
I really like the blue ship on the top, it's amazing

What about the backgrounds?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 16, 2008, 11:38:26 am: Quote from: -Skykanden- on October 16, 2008, 11:26:30 am
I don't know why but i think that i saw that purple space ship somewhere

Yes that is because i am chess from pixeljoint, am on bit digita and deviantart and have my own site. i have different names everywere and show my stuff everywere as well.
+ i had an old account here showed my stuff as well but forgot name and password.... so i have this new account.

Thank you for liking i really appreciate!

making the ship not that brode and longer is a good thought i am actually thinking of it because maybe it really is TOOextreme in style !Â :|

Well, the backgrounds are kinda problem. they are NOW less saturated because they really disturb the "readability" of all ships when they are high saturated!

it may be that it looks bad... and seriously i don`t know how to fix it except of removing the whole "abstract backround drawing" from the game and replace it with another, better idea. i am open for constructive suggestions.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: ~Niko~ on October 16, 2008, 11:41:37 am: it's... amazing... and pixelated style is nice too :D
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: -Skykanden- on October 16, 2008, 12:23:30 pm: Stahl, what you could do is something like in space, and make different layers, so they move. i don't think that it will be the hard part for you
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Sticky on October 16, 2008, 12:47:46 pm: That looks nice, can't wait for something playable. Last I heard though, fire, water, air etc. weren't fictional things!
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: tehsnipah on October 16, 2008, 02:10:47 pm: Holy shit..... Make sure you announce to us when it's on man!!!
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Lord Frunkamunch on October 16, 2008, 02:35:02 pm: Looks nice. Just remember, don't skimp out on the frames. It's definitely worth the time.

And...good luck. When do you estimate finishing it?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Hair|Trigger on October 17, 2008, 02:02:25 am: Cool, pixel art style shooter. they're always fun ;D
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: -Zombie- on October 17, 2008, 04:48:07 am: Really nice pixel art :D Your top blue ship looks very cool

Btw, make sure you add in huge explosions and lots of particles later on :)

Make sure you don't rush it aswell
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 17, 2008, 09:46:23 am: Quote from: ~Niko~ on October 16, 2008, 11:41:37 am
it's... amazing... and pixelated style is nice too :D
Thank you it is nice that you like it !

Quote from: -Skykanden- on October 16, 2008, 12:23:30 pm
Stahl, what you could do is something like in space, and make different layers, so they move. i don't think that it will be the hard part for you
Yeah something like space or abstract worlds would really be a nice idea of which i thought yet... scrolling and with different layers too... but iÂ don`t agree with you that it would not hard for me :(Â Â i have really no inspiration on that issue at the moment.... but will keep on tracking and mind your words... okay lets say i would maybe not be that hard pixelwork so i agree partially ;)

Quote from: Sticky on October 16, 2008, 12:47:46 pm
That looks nice, can't wait for something playable. Last I heard though, fire, water, air etc. weren't fictional things!
Thank you i will send you a message when it is finished .. or you just keep following this threadÂ ;)
I agree with your element issue. you are right. the reason why i wrote fictional was only because light, darkness and chaos are fictional so i must correct my self here.

Quote from: tehsnipah on October 16, 2008, 02:10:47 pm
Holy poo..... Make sure you announce to us when it's on man!!!
Thanks for holy pooing on my thread! :)
i will send you a message... or as i said: you just keep following the thread O:-)

Quote from: Lord Frunkamunch on October 16, 2008, 02:35:02 pm
Looks nice. Just remember, don't skimp out on the frames. It's definitely worth the time.

And...good luck. When do you estimate finishing it?
A g r e e d!! but.... which time are you speaking of ? i donÂ´t understand..
aauuuh i can`t say.. i am SORRY.. i don`t know when it is finished but it will still take me a lot of time, work and effort to finish it!

Quote from: Hair|Trigger on October 17, 2008, 02:02:25 am
Cool, pixel art style shooter.Â they're always fun ;D
yeah, like soldat i hope/thinkÂ :D

Quote from: -Zombie- on October 17, 2008, 04:48:07 am
Really nice pixel art :D Your top blue ship looks very cool

Btw, make sure you add in huge explosions and lots of particles later on :)

Make sure you don't rush it aswell
Thanks a lot ! :)

i see many like that blue ship!? here is a sheet were you might see how i did it:

(http://www.lolsoft.com/stahlkaiser/images/wip01.gif)

i have no idea on the explosions but i think they will be as angular [ lol ] as the rest of the graphics XD and i promise i will add the mas you said !

no rush yeah i agree! i will take my time and struggle making a good job.... with looooots of time....

i appreciated your post so in addition here are some WIPS.
i will keep this topic alive through posting my progress.

this will be the "bomb" animation:
(http://www.lolsoft.com/stahlkaiser/images/wip11.png)
it moves over the screen and crushes everything. it will look like somethink entirely made of energy. it is just a crappy sketch but you might figure out..

(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1545/aaaaaaaaamm0.png)
this is anothr earth enemy. BTW: all enemies in the earth elvel will be bosses. that means there are only few ships but they are big and not the players best friend at all ! ..

this is finished but:
(http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8252/chaosqw2.gif)
... i will recreate it several times and completely different because i still need some very small and simple, a-bit-bird-alike enemies for all levels... will show you examples later ;)

this has still its wrong colours and is also only a better sketch:
(http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9199/hytrazswipdz7.gif)
it is a air-enemy and will updated soonishÂ (did i mention i will take my time XD ? )

tho' i said there are only bosses in the earth level this is one "normal" enemy.... BUT it is summoned by the last boss as reinforcemends in this level so it doesn`t count.... O:-)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

because i want to be nice to everyone and was too stupid to post further descriptions in the beginning of this thread i now paste a text about what this game is about and why the ships look so ... different*cough*....

First of i need to explain what those "enemies" are because i did the mistake of saying... those would BE ships. well i just CALL them ships: those are no real ships but spiritual reflections for an abstract art game. Me and some others just call them "ships" because they are based on the idea of ships for a shmup.

Lets say they are some abstract "ghosts" based on a dynamic and/or weird ship idea.

So they don`t really fly or anything tho they are normally moving in a shmup as enemies. There is also no "space" where they "fly" in [ THO I AM THINKING OF CHANGING THIS ]. They are shown moving in an also abstract world using abstract backgrounds like on this mock up of mine.

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z180/Squirrelsquid/blub.gif)
Somewhat in this style. abstract drawing done by me called "the cold void".
Sorry that i don`t have any kind of animation mockup but i am working on a one level demo in which you can see the most of the above shown enemies in action.

There are known problems with the readability of the ships on this background. As you can see i also added a few finished ships.

They shoot their bullet-patterns simply by summoning bullets around their body, but also there are rare situations were those bullets spawn from designated parts of the "ships".

They are also static forms often moving fast over the screen. Those who stand for a longer time on the screen will not be animated except of performing a HIT-animation when you hit one of them with your shot(+ there will be a destruction animation for each of them).
In addition i have a finished playership which is somewhat very different from most playerships in normal shmups everybody knows:

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/kopie_von_steelkaizersdfsdfdd.gif)

Of course only the small zone in the middle is the hitzone and as well i am thinking of letting those large wings slightly disappear at least while the player is into a difficult labyrinth of enemy-bullets and/or somewhat trapped in any other kind of large amount of those bullets. the main thought behind this is that those large wings might puzzle the players mind while dodging bullets in a manicshmup(dodonpachi is a very good example of a manic shmup).

As i want to avoid misunderstandings on what are ships and what is BG here are the ships i added to the above showed BG:

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/chess0022752233.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/swideblack.gif/img][img]http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/skelett.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/958gjr.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/5z.gif)

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/thenightre.gif)(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/newnightwing1.png)

End of post.....
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Dairy on October 17, 2008, 09:55:41 am: Really ,really very nice artwork I see here. Your pixelwork is just awesome.

Love almost all of what you've done, the only thing which is bothering me is the way you made the main character (spaceship). Otherwise everything is really nicely done.

I'm looking forward this and I wish you good luck.

Maybe I could even try to help you with something. [pigtail]
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: poopdogg on October 17, 2008, 10:05:12 am: it's nice and awesome, very original.. . . . . Were looking forward on it :)

and 'bout the abstract BG I think it does not fit on the spaceships. . .
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Farah on October 17, 2008, 11:02:32 am: Is this being made in gamemaker?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: -Skykanden- on October 18, 2008, 02:12:03 am: I think that you like too much those abstract ships, lol.
It's not bad, because they are great, but you could try to make some more 'realistic' i mean, with visible weapons and so
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Espadon on October 18, 2008, 08:27:55 pm: I think it's great the way it is. Maybe even go a bit more abstract. Alien goo ships anyone?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 19, 2008, 09:57:06 am: Quote from: Dairy on October 17, 2008, 09:55:41 am
Really ,really very nice artwork I see here. Your pixelwork is just awesome.

Love almost all of what you've done, the only thing which is bothering me is the way you made the main character (spaceship). Otherwise everything is really nicely done.

I'm looking forward this and I wish you good luck.

Maybe I could even try to help you with something. [pigtail]
Wow thank you a lot ! :)
Okay about the playership: i know it looks kinda weird and i am thinking of changing it. i got suggestions to make it not that broad. any additional suggestions?i would like to hear some :)

I will of course inform you when it is done thanks for watching it!

Quote from: poopdogg on October 17, 2008, 10:05:12 am
it's nice and awesome, very original.. . . . . Were looking forward on it :)

and about the abstract BG I think it does not fit on the spaceships. . .
Thank you as well a lot!
Well about the background issue: i am bothered by it too. i had the idea of those abstract drawings as backgrounds but i see that this causes a lot of trouble: e.g. the contrast or that they are not fitting with the spaceships as you said. here are some versions i did over the time:

this here is the hand drawn version of my pic, the original:
(http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1182/frzheartvk9.png)

then i have the version how it looks like at the moment of which i further more think it works at least best right now:
(http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5059/blubhq2.gif)

then here comes kinda abstracted version of an abstract drawing:
(http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/4066/asi2mx9tm7.gif)
at least there is no problem with the colours of the ships on this because it doesn`t puzzle the players mind while looking at it. the blue ships are a good contrast to the white BG. Actually this drawing is only for the water level( added some darkness enemies to the first posted mockup in this thread because they are blue as well and i don`t have much water-enemies done right now).

Well i don`t know exactly about this version but it is kinda bad working i guess:
(http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/268/asirv5ft1.gif)

Quote from: Farah on October 17, 2008, 11:02:32 am
Is this being made in gamemaker?

Yes Farah this will be finished in game maker which is no big deal because a shmup is kinda simple to code.

Quote from: -Skykanden- on October 18, 2008, 02:12:03 am
I think that you like too much those abstract ships, lol.
It's not bad, because they are great, but you could try to make some more 'realistic' i mean, with visible weapons and so
Skykanden i of course respect your opinion :)
i tho think it is more a matter of looking at this "art" in different ways... well people are different, people like different things :)
there is no problem for me that you don't love abstract shmup ships as much as i do :D

But talking about abstract and/or realistic art:
i started out with the whole game creation thingy through wanting to create a soldat similar game.. a top down shooter which i have some graphics for

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/oldpistols.png)
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/6__r109476111.gif)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3360/walkerblldghy8.png)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5183/kopievont35bodycu0.png)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9549/gells8.png)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8342/gartoda7pz5.png)

i cancelled it because i found shmups much more interesting to create and wanted as well something different then soldiers and tanks + the fact that i love abstract art and wanting to create something really new!

Quote from: Espadon on October 18, 2008, 08:27:55 pm
I think it's great the way it is. Maybe even go a bit more abstract. Alien goo ships anyone?

Wow thank you this comment is really nice because i am continuously trying to NOT let them look to REAL. my style is all about "weird" abstractionÂ :D

For your obviously interest i have these black "ships"which are white-outlined.. they are for the chaos level and do not completely fit the rest of the ships design/style.
they are abstracted to the bones you could say.. xD

they are made because the last level(chaos) is very special in every case.. i wanted to totally make something which is really weird and so : for me a lot of fun to create! the more weird they become the more i like what i do.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional footage:

(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1084/airgeierbody2ex1.png)
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2341/airgeierbody3dp0.png)
What that one was looking like as i started him. NOOO please don`t i do not want to make an animation from itÂ Â :'( :'( :'(

Watertype enemy:
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6030/gfnfghgfhhgggxb1.png)

what that weird one above is ment for:
(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/107/kopie2vonkopievonchaosei2.png)
using in great numbers in "waves" + only used on darker BG`s because of the contrast. it looks boring as single ship on bright BG.

What the hell is this????:
(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6689/sdfdsfddddeeho3.png)
i don`t know what o do with it, it is weird!

And finally a WIP what the last boss in the earth level spawns to reinforce itself:
(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3983/kopievonkopievonoct1500zi0.png)

EDIT!

I forgot to post those weapons! maybe i will do a soldat interface mod later:

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/wepsheet.gif)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: -Skykanden- on October 19, 2008, 10:03:11 am: Hey I rememver those weapons, and that guy. Heh now i know who you are.

Those tanks are just awesome, i really like them.

I think that we all know that the graphics part of those games are for sure great, but what about the coding? I mean how you will make them work
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Espadon on October 19, 2008, 10:12:05 am: (http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6689/sdfdsfddddeeho3.png)

This is really awesome. You can turn it 45 degs and have a new player ship right there. Or at least keep the wings. Too bad you don't want transforming ship sprites since that would make for some really cool bosses and player ships. What's the issue?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Farah on October 19, 2008, 11:11:50 am: Ah, you using particle effects for the explosions or are you going to use an image? Also which version of GM do you use(I prefer GM6.1 pro).
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Mistercharles on October 19, 2008, 03:36:55 pm: Listen.

1. Don't use gamemaker 7 or higher. 5.3A, 6.0, or 6.1 are just fine.
2. Don't use the built-in particle systems. They're terrible.
3. Make sure the gameplay flows nicely.
4. Don't be too ambitious. 55 ships is a LOT.
5. Don't use MIDIs for the music. They sound awful.
6. Great job on those graphics. Good luck.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Farah on October 19, 2008, 06:19:43 pm: what
MIDIS are perfectly fine if they're any good, music is subjective!
an mp3 can be a piece of poo and a MIDI file can sound like it was composed by a man who knows music like the lips of his mother's vagina.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 20, 2008, 02:31:29 pm: Quote from: -Skykanden- on October 19, 2008, 10:03:11 am
Hey I remember those weapons, and that guy. Heh now i know who you are.

Those tanks are just awesome, i really like them.

I think that we all know that the graphics part of those games are for sure great, but what about the coding? I mean how you will make them work

Well at first: thank you!
then: i use game maker. it is a drag and drop 2d game creation program with which i can do a simple game like a shmup very well - without greater problems.
Â + i must say that certain bullet patterns are difficult to program tho.

thanks for remembering me ! :D

Quote from: Espadon on October 19, 2008, 10:12:05 am
(http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6689/sdfdsfddddeeho3.png)

This is really awesome. You can turn it 45 degs and have a new player ship right there. Or at least keep the wings. Too bad you don't want transforming ship sprites since that would make for some really cool bosses and player ships. What's the issue?
Nice, thanks! Really i am thinking of some spare playership idea so i might come back to your suggestion reallyÂ :)

Quote from: Farah on October 19, 2008, 11:11:50 am
Ah, you using particle effects for the explosions or are you going to use an image? Also which version of GM do you use(I prefer GM6.1 pro).

what
MIDIS are perfectly fine if they're any good, music is subjective!
an mp3 can be a piece of poo and a MIDI file can sound like it was composed by a man who knows music like the lips of his mother's vagina.

i use game maker 6.1 unreg. i can do the things i need so far with it :)
well i reeeeally have no idea about music but at least at the moment this is no urgent issue for me... i am now focussing on doing the graphics which is the greater part of the whole game creation process in that game.

Quote from: Mistercharles on October 19, 2008, 03:36:55 pm
Listen.

1. Don't use gamemaker 7 or higher. 5.3A, 6.0, or 6.1 are just fine.
2. Don't use the built-in particle systems. They're terrible.
3. Make sure the gameplay flows nicely.
4. Don't be too ambitious. 55 ships is a LOT.
5. Don't use MIDIs for the music. They sound awful.
6. Great job on those graphics. Good luck.

Well, what you said are from my point of view points of wisdom Mistercharles.
1. i use 6.1 and agree. it works fine.
2. I am a total noob to particles but anyway... i am thinking of doing images
Â Â for the explosionsÂ so particles are (maybe..) not needed...
3. A nice gameflow is one of the main topics which i will focus on when coding and
Â Â level + enemy-activity creation is started. this will happen after the graphical
Â Â work.
4.well 55 ships are a lot and i totally agree and have to apologize for not
Â Â saying that i will do MAX. 55 ships and i will end using 40 i guess.
Â Â I agree with you and it is just weird and crazy/dumb to say - from the beginning on
Â Â to create/ pixel that much images.
Â Â but since one part of my whole game idea is a large variation of ships i will really
Â Â struggle to create as much as i can as long as i have fun finishing them.
Â Â For further footage and to make sure that i have a lot of ideas and sketched
Â Â concepts in mind. i give you a very rough overview of all ships i had an idea for
Â Â in the time since i started my project:

Â Â (http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5571/oct15007ro0.png)

Â Â there are already finished ships + sketches + some ships i showed as sketchy
Â Â pixelarts in this thread.
5. i have no idea on music..... this is a problem!
6. thank you it really motivates me what you say!

=======================================================================================

Additional,sketchy FOOTAGE:
[/color]

The boss for the darkness level will look like this:
(http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/2776/kopievonoct15002ak9.png)
at least with that design of wings. i am not sure about the angle/rotation of those wings but somewhat in that arrangement.

At the moment i guess this is the best try for a hopefully nice concept on that goddamn AIR BOSS which i want to create since a loooong time ... but can`t figure out a right idea:
(http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7401/oct15004ma8.png)

For now: thanks all for the nice comments, constructive and helpful criticism(which i hope that i took it well!) and your support! i will always update this thread with my latest works.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Espadon on October 20, 2008, 05:55:59 pm: Possible to make the wings actually like big blades and have that as the attack? :P
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Hair|Trigger on October 21, 2008, 02:25:06 am: Could you not post spoilers? :/ even if they're in early stage.

But still, looks really, really nice. I guess I could expect a more 'flexible' version of RaidenX or something? possibly melee attacks? :D or is it something different from arcade style?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 22, 2008, 01:32:58 pm: Quote from: Espadon on October 20, 2008, 05:55:59 pm
Possible to make the wings actually like big blades and have that as the attack? :P
Awesome idea especially because the PLAYERSHIP will contain a energy sword beneath its blasters...

Enemies with blades as you mentioned them Will be addedfor sure :)

Quote from: Hair|Trigger on October 21, 2008, 02:25:06 am
Could you not post spoilers? :/ even if they're in early stage.

But still, looks really, really nice. I guess I could expect a more 'flexible' version of RaidenX or something? possibly melee attacks? :D or is it something different from arcade style?

Well at first i have to say thank you.
At second, did i mention i am an attention hoe and will suffer for all eternity in da hell?

well... third..

THIS i a RAIDEN: And THIS is a DODONPACHI:
(http://www.westech.us/raidenx/raidenx2.jpg)(http://blacklantern.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dodonpachi_10.gif)

Reminder at Stahlkaiser: never mention raiden and dodonpachi in one sentence..

you obviously see the difference ;)

my shmup will be one of the manic kind... a so called "manic- shmup"
or you could even say my game is a bullet hell as the shmu scene calls it.
it is for weird people like i am one..

uhm well.... sorry but: i am a bit dumb often... too bad but i can`t figure out what you mean with a melee attack..!?could you please describe i would like to give you an answer for your interest!

in addition:

moar footage:

(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5018/kopievon5z9811458418iazlf9.png)
(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9127/jhgghjghjzzuuwo5.png)
(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3683/ggfgfggdggghghsghghghghti5.png)
(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3163/kopie3vondssdfsdfgs6.png)
(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1483/kopievonmauerangelnk2.png)

DEMO IS STILL IN PROGRESS!

From now on i will have to pixel a lot of those works and will not post any update in the next time...

also i am starting my new job tomorrow and i hope i will just make it good..
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Lord Frunkamunch on October 22, 2008, 09:12:29 pm: One thing I would not suggest is having limited lives. Those lost their point when games moved out of arcades. Have a death counter/point penalty so people will have personal scores to beat, but make the game accessible to people who might not have the time to replay levels over and over again.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Dairy on October 23, 2008, 11:09:06 am: I wish you good luck in your new job.

Your pixelart is really very good, to be honest I like how're trying hard and make things better. :)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Hair|Trigger on October 24, 2008, 05:15:44 am: Quote from: Stahlkaiser on October 22, 2008, 01:32:58 pm
uhm well.... sorry but: i am a bit dumb often... too bad but i can`t figure out what you mean with a melee attack..!?could you please describe i would like to give you an answer for your interest!

'Melee' just means hand to hand, or fighting without projectiles, but swords, fists, etc. Like when you get close to an enemy, you can use wings or blades or something in the ship to whack them :)! Will you have anything like this..?
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: a-4-year-old on October 24, 2008, 02:01:17 pm: there is no such thing as melee attacks on a flying vessel.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Espadon on October 24, 2008, 04:38:17 pm: Quote from: a-4-year-old on October 24, 2008, 02:01:17 pm
there is no such thing as melee attacks on a flying vessel.

No such thing as a 4 year old on a forum. Open your mind up or I will do it manually xD
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Biggles on October 24, 2008, 04:57:01 pm: I dont know but wouldnt it be cool with some shadows I mean at weaponds or anything.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on October 26, 2008, 02:27:16 pm: Quote from: Lord Frunkamunch on October 22, 2008, 09:12:29 pm
One thing I would not suggest is having limited lives. Those lost their point when games moved out of arcades. Have a death counter/point penalty so people will have personal scores to beat, but make the game accessible to people who might not have the time to replay levels over and over again.
I still added this idea to my thoughts before your post because i saw the same point here i guess.when the playership gets hit you lose your "power" which is kinda Gray Armour your ships wears. you become a weaponless ghost after getting hit and then need to get your armor back. so also a death counter will be added which affects the score.
in addition there is a scene select where you can practice scenes you already played. + because of the death topic i mentioned you donÂ´t have to start same levels over and over again.

Quote from: Dairy on October 23, 2008, 11:09:06 am
I wish you good luck in your new job.

Your pixelart is really very good, to be honest I like how're trying hard and make things better. :)
thank you! at the moment i just love my new job! will see what comes next to me and what problems i might get to solve ;)

Quote from: Hair|Trigger on October 24, 2008, 05:15:44 am
Quote from: Stahlkaiser on October 22, 2008, 01:32:58 pm
uhm well.... sorry but: i am a bit dumb often... too bad but i can`t figure out what you mean with a melee attack..!?could you please describe i would like to give you an answer for your interest!

'Melee' just means hand to hand, or fighting without projectiles, but swords, fists, etc. Like when you get close to an enemy, you can use wings or blades or something in the ship to whack them :)! Will you have anything like this..?
lol now i know. well also this was added as an idea before your post and i wanted to show this much later :( but since you are asking me:
YES THERE IS MELEE ATTACK: that is your second weapon: a energetic sword!

rough animation sketch:

(http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7848/asdasfgdfgfffbk7.gif)

while using this very powerful weapon you inflict great damage to enemies while it costs your ship lots of energy. this energy is your amount of collected power. this collected power is increased when you simply HIT an enemy and decreases while using the sword. in addition the POWER is used to increase the powerlevel of your ordinary blaster(your main weapon) so you can`t use this mighty sword too much or your normal blaster will decrease to a flue...

Quote from: a-4-year-old on October 24, 2008, 02:01:17 pm
there is no such thing as melee attacks on a flying vessel.

wellread next posts +/or the one above :)

Quote from: Espadon on October 24, 2008, 04:38:17 pm
Quote from: a-4-year-old on October 24, 2008, 02:01:17 pm
there is no such thing as melee attacks on a flying vessel.

No such thing as a 4 year old on a forum. Open your mind up or I will do it manually xD

thanks for opening peoples mind :) i appreciated your comment.

Quote from: Biggles on October 24, 2008, 04:57:01 pm
I dont know but wouldnt it be cool with some shadows I mean at weapons or anything.

well yeah that would be cool! there are actually all weird kinds of projectiles throughout the whole game i think also some shades ;)

ADDITIONAL SKEETCHY FOOTAGE AS MOST OFTEN:

The waterlevel BOSS!
(http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5612/aquatelarsgk0.png)
click for full size! :
http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5612/aquatelarsgk0.png (http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/5612/aquatelarsgk0.png)

kinda weird but imo inovative firetype enemy:
(http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4518/kopievondssdfsdflp6.png)

you remember this one?
(http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/3629/kopievonoct15001jp3.png)

weird, weird light enemy:
(http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/5005/kopievonxcvjd2.png)

SKETCHY! fire enemy:
(http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/4343/oct15001el5.png)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on November 02, 2008, 06:24:14 am: UPDATE:

I finally got an inspiration for the last boss of the game. It is more a sketch as most often but i have the crass image in mind.
Here are some footages(i always work from sketchy sketches):

(http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/2148/poltergeiisstml3.png)
main body + additional refined wings (not aligned).

single sketch of the main body concept/form:
(http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/432/poltergeiisstcotp2zt1.gif)

advanced body design + rough colouring. no middle part attached, wings still not aligned:
(http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8558/kopievonpoltergeiisstcolg0.png)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also finished this piece yesterday:
(http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/3509/fyskussdz5.png)(http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/7610/fyskusska4.gif)
before -> after

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I reworked - or more finished - this piece. it has had wrong colours and was not finished considering its form:
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/airbwing12.gif)(http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3179/airbwing1kh7.gif)
before -> after

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also:
new sketch of one of the last enemies now... a new earth-level-one:
(http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5298/oct26001or2.png)

comments highly appreciated! Especially on the NEW, FNISHED ones.

thanks all! :)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Hair|Trigger on November 03, 2008, 01:50:20 am: I told you not to reveal all the bosses :/

I mean it wont even be fun, next you'll be telling us how to beat the game in five minutes

Quote from: Stahlkaiser on November 02, 2008, 06:24:14 am

I reworked - or more finished - this piece. it has had wrong colours and was not finished considering its form:
(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/airbwing12.gif)(http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3179/airbwing1kh7.gif)
before -> after

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

^that looks really cool.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on January 12, 2009, 10:15:05 am: Update + big change!

Quote from: Espadon on October 18, 2008, 08:27:55 pm
I think it's great the way it is. Maybe even go a bit more abstract. Alien goo ships anyone?

I totally changed the graphical style of my game to a even more abstract one. it might be that people hate this new idea of mine but i will go with it. it is more what i want to do and it fits - in my opinion- with the rest of my abstract lines better.

dark BG colour for better effect

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/kopie_von_kopie_von_tzgdgtttt.png)

(http://www.pixeljoint.com/files/icons/full/tzgdgtttt.png)

Edit :

(http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9739/tzgdgtttt22222lg6.png)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on February 08, 2009, 08:39:10 am: Bump because of problem!

which kind of these three styles shall i use for my graphics?

i don`t want to shade them because with shading they look realistic and like real ships. i want them unreal looking and abstract.

so i have one shaded, one simply non-shaded and one in a different style:

(http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8962/kopievontzgdgtttt22222sdc7.png)

1
2
or
3 ?

any other suggestions?

i am really in a crysis with this shadig shi- ....
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: PANZERCATWAGON on February 08, 2009, 11:49:33 am: 2 looks da bomb
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Dascoo on February 08, 2009, 12:47:03 pm: 1 if you want to stay looking unique :P
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on February 09, 2009, 07:58:58 am: Thanks!

Ptoing->http://www.ptoing.net/ (http://www.ptoing.net/) did this friendly edit for me after i told him what i want my sprites to look like and send him a few of my sketches. he created this style and helped me a lot with it:

(http://ptoing.net/edit/chaosshipedit.png)

This is exactly what i wanted all the time in my head but couldn`t bring it on screen.
At this point: Thanks to you, Ptoing.

i will further analyze this style, change it into my colours and tune some of the forms and "textures".

i will show my results based on Ptoings idea later... i first have to understand and "emulate? this graphical style in my own way.

i think it is kinda in the #2 ones style but in a new, more weird way. i like it now.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on February 11, 2009, 08:44:17 am: okay, UPDATE:

which one to go withÃŸ any further ideas?

(http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2714/kopie6vonkopievontzgdgtmf5.png)(http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7115/kopie6vonkopievontzgdgtwk6.png)(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8225/kopie6vonkopievontzgdgtsp2.png)

(http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/630/lowerit***gotpngry0.png)(http://ptoing.net/edit/chaosshipedit.png)

(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/8629/lowerit***got1111114344go9.png)

->(http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/3948/lowboxxptoingcolrsandcenc1.png)<-

this wsa from where i started:

(http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3303/loooookqe7.png)

(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3149/lowboxxptoingcolrsandcecg3.png)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Espadon on February 11, 2009, 06:00:41 pm: (http://ptoing.net/edit/chaosshipedit.png)

Slightly retro looking colors are undeniably win.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on February 11, 2009, 06:07:37 pm: Quote from: Espadon on February 11, 2009, 06:00:41 pm
(http://ptoing.net/edit/chaosshipedit.png)

Slightly retro looking colors are undeniably win.

Thanks for the comment!! as i said this picture there is Ptoings edit.

here is my actual work:

(http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/4190/11111111111111111111111gi3.png)(http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1815/111122222222as4.png)(http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/3948/lowboxxptoingcolrsandcenc1.png)(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/64/lowboxxptoingcolrsandceiy6.png)(http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8225/kopie6vonkopievontzgdgtsp2.png)

any suggestions?
Title: Update!
Post by: Stahlkaiser on March 08, 2009, 09:33:29 am: Update!

i have a few new pictures here.

they include older projects and as well new ships:

(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7300/fghgfhtttzzz.png)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6832/kopievonkopievonkopievo.png)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7986/kopievonkopievonsssssss.png)(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6972/kopievonfreedom.png)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3824/kopie2vonairwholesheet.png)(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6476/insanityx.png)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1028/force.png)
(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5885/kopievonkopievonclaygun.png)

i know, just sketchy but at least progress and footage! ;)

in addition i started a chilling project on which i work when i can`t see my shmups pictures any more and need to get my head free:

(http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3173/platformer2.png)

It is an abstract sideview shooter.it is nothing i work on using all the spare time i have but sometimes when i need to relaxe i just add a few things here and there and bring some ideas on paper.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on January 30, 2010, 06:13:24 pm: Just to inform people that I am still working on this:

I am working on this surreal creature which somewhat looks like a mixture of a robot and a duck....imho

it does not resample any real existing thing. I myself consider this surreal or abstract art.

It is a part of a background for my game.

It is a work in progress and not finished yet.

(http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4551/saerw.png)
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Cake on January 30, 2010, 06:54:01 pm: Looking forward to the game.
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: chutem on January 30, 2010, 07:35:24 pm: Quote from: Stahlkaiser on January 30, 2010, 06:13:24 pm
I am working on this surreal creature which somewhat looks like a mixture of a robot and a duck....imho
win
Title: Re: Fast paced 2D shooter [ Shoot 'em up ]
Post by: Stahlkaiser on May 27, 2010, 10:32:48 am: Well hi people!

I read this topic again and thought that i must post some new works of mine... but there are no new finished graphics.. so i will give you a spoiler demo in very early stage which actually is NOT meant to be shown to anyone!!

you can totally forget this thing of a .exe and you WILL only waste your time downloading and playing it but.. i thought... as SOME of your were asking me about at least EARLY stages of the game... i will now show you the started bit of the started bit of the DEMO.... i am to busy with planning before i will code the first level (demo)

i once a gain mention this: forget about this piece of junk... with ALL its components! it is not even meant to be shown to anyone...

http://www.file-upload.net/download-2551007/KARDIA_-DEMO_NEWEST.exe.html (http://www.file-upload.net/download-2551007/KARDIA_-DEMO_NEWEST.exe.html)

so there it is...

but before i forget to mention: !!FORGET!! this....

controls: AWSD for movement. Arrow left is for firing and arrow up is the sword...which loads a second. the yellow "robots" are like emblems which you can collect and later grant you wonderful bonus-points. the BIG yellow robo can be collected my touching it long enough, it will then slowly disappear. There are still bugs which are only to some laziness of cleaning them up please forget about them. Try getting every ship "absorbed" that spawns. Difficulty is very high like in old-school shmups. Otherwise simply come and take pot luck what happens in this mockup of ones and zeros.

but before i forget to mention: !!FORGET!! this.... even if a developer should NEVER show what is not meant to be shown...i do it for... those who really are interested in this :)

thank you for your wasted time :)

Will keep up the work.