A lot has been happening since my last update! As you might already know from the Shred & Tear development roadmap, I've decided to break down the massive main game into four manageable mini-games. This way, I can level up my indie dev skills and gain enough XP before tackling the final boss: the main Shred & Tear game project!
So, the current mini-game in development features one of the core gameplay mechanics of S&T: the infamous Tunnel Race section. A LOT of you shared your frustrations with the Tunnel Race in the S&T prototype demo from 2022. Believe it or not, I've redone the Tunnel Race gameplay from scratch three times now—third time's the charm, right?
I initially tried making it a QTE (Quick Time Event) game, but it ended up being more boring than easy, let alone enjoyable or challenging. So, here's the third iteration: a mix of fast-paced QTE action and tunnel racing maneuvers. Think of it as a blend of the rail-riding gameplay from Ratchet & Clank and the tunnel sliding from Stella Blade!
Guess who the protagonist of the next mini-game is? Nope, not Kajun-chan! cwl It's her sassy, fierce rival - the one and only Shark Girl, Saki-chan! Check out these WIP screencaps of her in the early stages of development.
I've also made some improvements to the skin shader in the game. Now, you can adjust the "budge" in real-time! Want thigh budges, chest budges, arm budges? You name it! I might have spent a bit too much time playing around with this feature, haha. But trust me, it's going to be super handy during the reward gameplay section in the next mini-game! I am thinking of a massage relax room for Saki-chan where you can massage different part of Saki-chan's bodies!
While I am at it, I've sprinkled some extra zest onto Saki-chan's body texture and shader. You know what's coming up in the next mini-game's reward module? A massage session for Saki-chan! Yep, after all that hardcore tunnel racing training, she needs to chill out. And where should we start? The armpit, obviously! Now, I haven't found a massage method that specifically targets armpits (yet), but if you've got any ideas, hit me up before Saki-chan decides to end us for tickling her.
Big shoutout to my Discord crew for dropping the gems from Senran Kagura Intimacy Mode. That's some next-level massage inspo right there! Gonna dive deep into that rabbit hole.
Now, onto the meat of our game – the tunnel race! We're in the prototype phase of the chase mechanism. Picture this: you're hot on the heels of that traitorous Tentamon, who's sprinting for his life from your wrath. Maybe next, I'll have him drop bombs or other fun obstacles. Who knows?
I've also polished up the spawning sequence. Looks familiar, doesn't it? Yep, big nod to my all-time favorite, the Megaman series. It's got that X spawn vibe, but with our own twist!
And finally, sneak peek at Saki-chan's personal quarters aboard her massive momma spaceship en route to Earth. I'm thinking of calling it the 'Shark Pit' – because why not? She's not at the ship's helm; that's Tentamon's gig. Saki-chan's there to chill, maybe order some snacks, and boss around while keeping an eye on things.
Thanks for being part of this wild ride, and keep those suggestions coming – they're gold!
See you next time !
