When I started work on The Bounty years ago, I had a vision of the game it would become. As you know, that game is being made! However, I always wanted to include another mode. A further streamlined game with randomized dungeons. A more pickup and play experience like Rogue and Gauntlet; but only if time permitted. I made time permit. HOW IT WORKS For starters, all of the assets, plus gear, monsters, stats, battles, etc- come straight from the main game. That made things a lot less daunting. This only really left design and execution. Design-wise, it's just The Bounty simplified. You start with a full loadout of gear (multiple equipment sets worth) and items. The dungeon is then generated, room by room as you go. This early version has 41 room types, and approximately 25 encounter types to draw from, all varying based on how far you've progressed. Treasure has been simplified to a pickup, and items that you can buy with points spawn in rooms as well- but no traditional chests. Secret walls make an appearance, triggered by switches or clearing a room of monsters. Adding to that is an abundance of floor hazards to the mix and distancing it from the myriad of puzzles and riddles. All of the differing or adjusted designs makes Endless Dungeon a considerably different experience from The Bounty: Deluxe Edition's Story Mode, while retaining the same core. All of the differing or adjusted designs makes Endless Dungeon a considerably different experience from The Bounty: Deluxe Edition's Story Mode, while retaining the same core. HEY, WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS?! You'll notice with a quickness that Endless Dungeon is very dark. As dark as only a select several from the main game. This builds a degree of mood and tension. It all feels mysterious, unknown- and dangerous. As your health and supplies dwindle, you find yourself fighting the urge to sprint to the next exit, fearing what may or may not be lurking in the darkness. I think it adds a constant emotional depth that replaces deeper technical gameplay mechanics. It gets pretty intense. Anyhow, that'll do it for today! As of right now a build is being sent for QA- so with any luck, you'll be hearing about promo streams VERY soon. In addition, a standalone early version will be given out to all backers- so if you've preordered a copy, you'll have something cool to play in the near future! This build is around 3/4ths the length of the version of Endless Mode in the final game, so there'll be even more for everyone to look forward to. Have a great weekend, and game on! Dave Vogt |
AuthorDave Vogt: Archives
February 2021
Categories |