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edg3
08-01-2011, 03:39 PM
Thread for DeepFreez!


The idea is to take "Mine Sweeper" and add a bit of a platform element by requiring that you dig in from the top of the play field. This introduces a planning element into the puzzle as well as a bit more involvement for the player since there is a player character on screen. Add some platformer style controls.

Essentials:

* Top down digging with gravity
* Player character that does the digging
* Platformer style controls with jumping


Wishlist:

* Scoring based on mines remaining instead of time (or alternate)
* Purdy gfx
* Charming sound


Alternatives:

* Use of ladders that are auto-placed
* Building of ladders
* Stairs instead of ladders
* Lava or Water traps
* Roaming enemies

The alternatives are to be explored using the prototype as much as possible. The list will be updated.

Personal goals:

* Get to know Unity3d intimately
* Participate

DeepFreez
08-01-2011, 05:33 PM
Link to live prototype http://harsi.com/games/MineDiggerPlayer.html

Added some audio (don't laugh)
Had a commercial background loop in there for a bit, but I removed it to keep the download size small for now.

Looks like I am going to have to remove the "jump dig" or at least alter it.
Some form of platform building is definitely needed.

Still toying with what happens when you hit a mine.

DeepFreez
08-01-2011, 07:30 PM
Added the ability to build a block in any open space. Use left ctrl and the direction just as for digging.
The key combinations are now a bit tricky and needs tweaking.

Hitting a mine is next

edg3
09-01-2011, 08:25 AM
Its looking good so far, perhaps you should make the mouse control the building or digging away of blocks? (obviously you then have to limit it to bocks in range of the player) That should simplify the controls a bit I think, although it is just a suggestion.

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 12:37 PM
Added mine explosions.

I drank coffee.. which might have been a mistake

WiledBill
09-01-2011, 12:39 PM
I like the jump sound! Ctrl-W is a dangerous combination -- it closes the browser tab.
For some reason, i can't dig on version 1.2 ...
[EDIT .. i see now. First hit direction key, then tap control ... ok :-) ]

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 12:55 PM
0.1.4

Better controls
Can not build up

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 02:11 PM
0.1.5


Exploding mines!
Game lives

WiledBill
09-01-2011, 03:19 PM
Suggestion on v 0.1.5 ... it would be nice if you can keep the ctl key down while digging.

BlackShipsFillt
09-01-2011, 03:58 PM
This is a really clever twist on Mine Sweeper.

I kind of feel like this could be expanded up in loads of directions... It works as a alternate control MineSweeper, but it could also work with platformer levels, and even puzzle platformer levels... maybe in a land that has been war-torn and so the earth has been filled up with mines (if you were to want a story/background).

It could also work like one of those mining games where you collect gold and gems and buy fuel and upgrades. Except in this case you aren't just finding a efficient route to resources, but efficient routes to avoiding mines as well. In fact if you made the avatar able to fly and use up fuel, buy fuel with money collected from mines and be able to keep on digging deeper then you already would have a mining game.

Nice idea!

Fengol
09-01-2011, 04:08 PM
There needs to be a way to get back to the top of the grid, either with a jetpack that slowly recovers juice or the player being sticky to walls (a la Meat Boy) so that you can jump back to the top.

Otherwise, like BlackShipsFillt said, there are other platform story potential ideas.

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 05:37 PM
0.1.6


Scoring
Mark mines with the Alt key
Game end
Removed WASD keys as controls due to CTRL-W conflict


Oh yes this concept just BEGS to be explored further.
Pre-constructed puzzle levels, various upgrades, multi-player (think battleships)...

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 05:39 PM
There needs to be a way to get back to the top of the grid

It might not be obvious at first, but you can jump (Up) and build a block underneath yourself (CTRL+Down)

WiledBill
09-01-2011, 05:57 PM
Version 0.1.6 is cool! The build-back-up tip is crucial - this is a great puzzle to try and figure out.

I wonder if its possible to continue showing the number on the brick when you built-back-up. I don't know if it will improve the gameplay, but it might be worth a try.

[EDIT: Is seems that the alt-key sometimes interacts with the browser window ... maybe shift would be better]

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 06:17 PM
Suggestion on v 0.1.5 ... it would be nice if you can keep the ctl key down while digging.

There was an earlier version that had this in. It was fun to zoom down right to the bottom, but made precision strikes next to impossible, so I explicitly took it out :)

Gazza_N
09-01-2011, 06:57 PM
This is inspired! Great idea, and it plays really well. I especially like the mine explosion animation - WAY too much coffee, eh? :P

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 07:34 PM
0.1.7


Made built blocks transparent so you can see the numbers underneath
Changed the ALT key to the SHIFT key to prevent conflicts

WiledBill
09-01-2011, 07:43 PM
Yes the transparencies work well. Looks good too!

Fengol
09-01-2011, 08:09 PM
The block building is an awesome mechanic all the control scheme could be better by just hitting Ctrl while in the air (i.e. jumping) rather than: Up, Quickly Down + Ctrl.

Besides the minor control scheme suggestion and maybe, some camera work; I love this platformer-puzzle game you got going. It's like if Minecraft had pockets of Underground Gas what would explode if you mined carelessly.

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 08:12 PM
<< Downs Tools >>

So when do the judges do their thing?

DeepFreez
09-01-2011, 08:14 PM
<< Downs Tools >>

So when do the judges do their thing?

Grab the Windows build (0.1.7) of MineDigger here (http://harsi.com/games/MineDigger_Harsi.exe)

pieterator
09-01-2011, 09:58 PM
This was honestly very enjoyable. This game also did a good job of sticking to the theme, giving a new way to enjoy a classic. I also loved the humorous sound effects. It contrasts the tension of looking for exploding bombs well.

Apart from the minor control issues already mentioned, once polished, this will be a fun little game.

BlackShipsFillt
10-01-2011, 07:29 AM
When I play it now it no longer displays the minesweeper numbers? Is this intentional or is my computer doing funny things? Without the numbers it loses the puzzle element and becomes a plain digger game with mines.

I like the voice-box sound effects.

It occurred to me that this could also evolve into a 2D minecraft... Actually... that could be awesome... If different materials could be found deep in the ground, and then brought back up and crafted into items that improve things like speed, efficiency, drilling power, fuel tank size etc. (and call it Digger-Craft)

The Dash
10-01-2011, 12:58 PM
It occurred to me that this could also evolve into a 2D minecraft... Actually... that could be awesome... If different materials could be found deep in the ground, and then brought back up and crafted into items that improve things like speed, efficiency, drilling power, fuel tank size etc. (and call it Digger-Craft)

When i thought about entering the comp this was my idea...until i realised theres already a 2dCraft (check on google) =( But im thinking i might still make it, but have some serious mob spider thingys that will attack you, rather than the current minecraft baddies that arent all that bad

BlackShipsFillt
10-01-2011, 01:48 PM
but have some serious mob spider thingys that will attack you, rather than the current minecraft baddies that arent all that bad

Like serious mobs... or ridiculous amounts of baddies that have to climb over each other to get to you and effectively swarm like a viscous fluid across the map?

I'd love to dig my way through a swarm of spiders.

The Dash
10-01-2011, 02:18 PM
ridiculous amounts of baddies that have to climb over each other to get to you and effectively swarm like a viscous fluid across the map?


This one

*Theyre breaking through the walls!*

DeepFreez
11-01-2011, 08:27 AM
When I play it now it no longer displays the minesweeper numbers?
Hmm this is a bit odd. I have been unable to reproduce this so I am afraid I have to go with the "its your computer" solution :P