Robo Instructus devblog
Updates on the development of coding puzzler Robo Instructus
Unveiling The Arc
I'm a game developer currently working on robot engineering puzzle game Robo Instructus. For my previous posts look here.
This week I’ve been working on improving the level selection “facility view”. This screen is going to look empty until the art background arrives, but I can still improve the systems that underlie it. One thing I’d like to talk about is an idea suggested to me that a whole section, or “arc”, of levels unveil together as you unlock them, rather than always seeing the next couple of upcoming levels.
The game is already split into 4 arcs, each introducing new challenges, art & music. By unveiling them together, and not unveiling others until the current is complete, the arcs feel more distinct. It makes sense that the idea came from a game writing session as this effect also adds a little drama & syncs in with the themes of discovery.
I’ve also added smooth, cubic eased scrolling to the screen, which is nicely re-used in the auto scroll unveiling of the arc.
Skip to 0:20 for the unveiling.
I need to sprinkle some sound and art on this but I’m happy with the core of the idea.
There are still many improvements I want to make to this screen. Previewing a visited level before you click & a summary of your scores would be nice. The buttons will need a look once the background arrives too. Lots of potential improvements I think.
If you’re testing the game and have any ideas about the facility view let me know!