Hi again! Here is a big-ass, incoherent update for anyone interested. I have threatened recently to share some updates about progress on the sequel thing, and even though it is extremely too early I am going to post some screenshots anyway ːsteamthumbsupː
I have a few things to mention after all the images if you are interested, concerning the game's direction and rendering. So without further ado:
Changes to Weaponry
I have decided to go for a more custom and unique look, mostly because every game nowadays has the same weapons and look, and I was recently playing Doom Eternal again and really admired the awesome guns. The plan is to completely overhaul the look of the guns, but to keep their base functionality. I can't promise that you'll like how they turned out though lol.
First to change is the M16, which has now been substituted with the RDF standard issue Puncture Rifle:
I still need to redo the rest, but I'll share them as they're done.
First Level Preview
Just to add some context, these following images are from the planned first level, which is on a ridiculous high end luxury train that has been hijacked by the Anak clones before it could go on it's first maiden voyage. Please bear in mind that nothing is actually finished and there are still a metric ton of assets that need to go everywhere, hell the train layout is only halfway done so far.
These are just the basics so far, as there are more assets and mechanics coming to fill out the level. Also the outside of the train is missing for now. If the train's scale seems stupid, it's because it is. CARNAL is stupid, but in a good way.
Rendering
You may have noticed if you've followed the past few updates that the game has been shifted to modern rendering instead of the early 2000's style. This has been done for a lot of reasons, but the biggest being that I work alone, I don't have a social media presence and I don't have a publisher.
If CARNAL 2 is to exist and succeed, I feel the game will need to look the part and actually be attractive to a modern audience. I'm not selling out though, the game is still a boomer inspired by the early 2000's, it just looks nicer, hopefully. I hope you guys can understand, and I'm sorry if this is dissapointing and not the look you had in mind. One level in CARNAL 2 will have more polygons than the entirety of CARNAL, which is scary lol.
I have mentioned a few times before how CARNAL is very inspired by Redneck Rampage, and that is especially true in terms of the art style. I wanted to capture that mid to late 90's pre-rendered look and artstyle that is present in RR but make it real time.
Here is the rendering style for reference:
Here is what the game will look like if you missed it previously:
I hope this is clear, it's a look with smoothness, gloss and sheen, saturated colours and proudly CGI. When you think about it, it's really the most retro look you can get, as even Duke 3D used CG for it's offline rendering. Whether or not I succeed in getting it like that is something to look at when it's done and out lol.
Graphics
This is turning into an above average performing game, but I think older PC's might have a tougher time keeping to 60 FPS. I am doing what I can to optimize performance while I go. The game is using the most up to date version of Unity's HDRP, so you can expect some of these rendering features:
- True PBR materials
- Option between nice particles and performant ones
- Volumetric Light and Fog
- Volumetric Clouds
- Subsurface Scattering on skin, fabric and foliage
- Screen Space Reflections
- Screen Space Global Illumination
- Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR 1.0
- Choice between TAA, SMAA and FXAA anti-aliasing
- Ray-Tracing? DirectX 12? idk lol
Gameplay
This has remained as previously discussed in the ideas forum thing and in the updates. The game is somewhat slower, but more methodical with an emphasis on placing you in the world. More immersive and coherent. The camera has been physicalized with the idea to embrace actual scale and improve the sense of surrounding. If that all sounded like bullshit, trust me, it's real :D
It actually feels like you are controlling someone with weight and momentum now, more F.E.A.R than Quake if you will.
Mechanics
Doors. They open automatically when in range and enemies can open them as well. Nothing too fancy but it does change the overall flow.
As in CARNAL, you will be able to use vending machines, containers, toilets and more.
Guns will now fire actual projectiles that travel over time.
AI won't always stand still when attacking, but move around and sidestep. Nothing major, just a bit more variety. Also secrets that will unlock reading material and models for the proposed model viewer thing ːsteamthumbsupː
Setting
CARNAL took place in 1996, CARNAL 2 is in 1999. The game will no longer take place on the "Other Side", but instead in the actual world. The idea is that the Anak forces are now finding ways to bring the other side and it's spirit's/demons to the physical realm. How though is still unclear. Probably tearing the fabric of time itself lol.
There will be a handful of civillains for you to rescue on each level, with the idea that most of them are babes that need help. I have been improving my modeling skills considerably to help in this specific department ;)
In the hope of reducing development time, there will be minimal cutscenes with voice over, but I am going to still give it a whirl. But in terms of VO, I am planning to have a TON for the player and the enemies. I want this game to feel alive, and the atmosphere needs to be right.
Levels
So far I have figured out at least seven levels. You've seen the first train level, but the rest will be completely different. I'm gonna say it straight, the game is not going to have as many levels as CARNAL, but they will be longer and more packed.
Also I want to have one or two seperate game modes to go along with the campaign.
Conclusion
If YHWH deems it permissable and spares me in the time going forward, I think the game will be done in a reasonable time. I want to aim for the end of the year, but I can't promise anything. I am juggling work, CARNAL updates and working on this thing. Also gym, because I'll lose it if I don't haha. The next update might not be in a while, gotta make a lot of 3D shit.
Thanks for reading this far if you did, hope it was entertaining and informative. As always feedback is encouraged ːsteamthumbsupː
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3ypuKq8WE&list=LL&index=14