Devblog #1

Hey all!

So I recently started developing an Oculus Rift adventure game. It’s more of a virtual experience than a game but we’ll call it a game for now. I figured that I would start a series of development blog posts to keep you updated on the current status of my project. I’ll be posting screenshots, ideas I’m throwing around, progress reports and more.

Devblog #1

I came up with the game that I’m currently working on a few months ago. I’ve run the idea through my head countless times on what I want to do and I tweak it based on what I can do, as in what my current skills will allow. I’ve worked with Unity before and while I have a lot of it down I’m still learning new things about it every day.

The first step was to outline my idea on paper. Write out the sequence of events as well as note little details here and there. I also drew out possible levels or maps I would be using. The outline is still a work in progress because I’m constantly making tweaks to it.

One of the first things I figured I should start doing after creating the rough draft, both in my head and on paper, is to model some objects and set up some environments. That’s what I’m working on now. I’m really not a great 3D modeler so until I can find someone to work with on this project I’ll have to see what I can do. I’ve done some modeling work with Auto desk Maya but for this project I’ve started to use Blender. They are definitely similar programs but now that I’m getting the hang of blender I think that’s what I’m going to stick with. I’ve made a few untextured models so far. They are untextured because 1. I haven’t made any textures for them, and 2. because I don’t know how at the moment. Here are some screens of the models I’ve been working on

.  The first scene is going to take place in a living room so these are some objects for that. I’ve already started putting them together but I’ll be showing that in my next blog post.

So that’s a little taste of what I’ve been working on. I plan on posting updates once a week so stay tuned. I can’t give away to much information about the project just yet but I’ll leave you with the working title as of now and that is

DreamScape

See you next week.

Move Over Flappy Bird I’m Jumping In

The Apple App Store is home to a large variety of games mostly due to the fact that almost everyone seems to have a smart phone doubling as a gaming device in their pocket . I tend to try out many of these games but its very rare that I find something that keeps my attention for longer than an hour. I introduce Flappy Bird 2! Not actually but it’s certainly go everything that Flappy Bird had. Anger, frustration, addiction but most importantly, it’s actually a good game. Already on Apples Editors Choice list Mr. Jump has already been downloaded 5 million times in only four days. Mr. Jump is a runner, but not an endless runner. It’s unique in the fact that it has levels instead of randomly generated obstacles. After completing a level you move on to an even harder challenge with new an intuitive additions to game play. For example one level has you simply hoping over spikes and gaps but and the following level has your double jumping. These modifications make each level feel new and exciting.

The visuals in Mr. Jump are nothing to rave about but they are pretty. Mr. Jump has no face, its just a white box, but the simplicity really works here. The backgrounds change from grasslands, to tundras, to volcanoes but they aren’t super detailed, yet they still look nice. The retina display on my iPhone brings these simple looking visuals to life making them vibrant as I struggle to overcome the next challenge. This is a great example of how visuals don’t need to be “next gen” if the game play is great.

While I’m only on level four (I’m trying here) there’s still much more to see in Mr. Jump with more levels on the way (whether they are free or not is tbd). The hype is real (believe me I can’t put it down) so if you have an iPhone get to the App Store and download this game (it’s free)  and start jumping your way to madness (seriously you might just throw your phone).

Hello readers!

So I just created this site. Exciting stuff I know. It’s pretty bare as of now but I will be posting a whole lot for you to enjoy real soon. I have updated my about and portfolio page so if your feeling adventurous don’t be afraid to take a look. Welcome! Hope you enjoy!