(Small animated gif to showcase the general current state of the game)
Week 8
Hi and welcome to the eighth development blog for Unleash!
The past week has been focused on two main areas: new map design and new UI. While the new map design is already partly released - there is still more to come in this regard - the UI is still very much in progress and may still be some time away from a public release. Additionally, the Teleporter tower has received some much needed visual effects.
Map Design
As mentioned in the previous development blog for Week 7, we have been working on a new map design for a few weeks. Finally the first iteration of the new map design has been released today. It features the ‘arena’ or ‘stadium’ inspired look, mixed with a fantasy / sci-fi setting. The spawn gates, for example, can appear somewhat futuristic. The new map design boxes the playable lane in much more and shows more clearly the extents of the buildable lane.
(The new map design from end-to-end.)
New UI In Progress
The first iteration on the new UI design has been completed, and is now in the process of being implemented into the game. The new UI features are much more sleek, minimalistic and modern look, with simple buttons, rounded corners and floating elements. Additionally, most of the UI is shown at the bottom of the screen, so as to minimize the distance that your eyes need to travel to get an overview of the game state. We are hoping that the new UI will solve or at least alleviate some of the challenges associated with being a new Unleash player, which can for some be a daunting and overwhelming experience.
(Comparison of the new UI (top) and the old UI (bottom))
Teleporter VFX
The ‘Teleporter’ tower has been in the game for a while now, but it has been lacking a very clear indication of whether it is charged and ready to fire or still under cooldown. Additionally, it was using the same ‘lightning bolt’ effect that other towers use, only in a different color. Now, finally, it has been given its own dedicated trail effect when firing, as well as a visual effect that only shows when the tower is ready to teleport a monster.
(The teleporter tower with its VFX.)
New Grumperjumper Model
We are currently working on a new iteration for the ‘Grumperjumper’ monster, based on new concept art. Its functionality will stay the same, but the model will be more monstrous to look at. The concept art is done, and the monster is currently being modelled and animated in Maya.
(New ‘Grumperjumper’ concept art and 3D model - work in progress.)
Closing Remarks
New map design, new UI and many small additions, bug fixes and improvements - such as the addition of visual effects for the Teleporter tower, were implemented or worked on during this week.
We play Unleash every week, and you can join us for our play sessions. Next one is Tuesday the 21st of November at 17:00 / 5 PM (CET). Join us online for a multiplayer Unleash match!
If you want to see how we play, but cannot join the play session, you can watch gameplay videos without commentary through our Twitch profile. We live stream almost every session.
And remember… Monsters never come alone.