TerraScape Content Testers Wanted

Before I officially finish TerraScape, I want to know if each level can be completed, and with how much effort. If some turrets appear to be disproportionally good or bad, or if some enemies simply have no effective countermeasures, I'd like to know that as well.

That's why I am looking for some content testers, to help me test the whole game. You do not need to test the whole game, every help is appreciated, but some more thorough testing than simply figuring out the basics would be preferred.

So if you're interested, please let me know, e.g. leave a comment beneath this post.

TerraScape and Moonlit Sit-Rep

Long time no see. But that doesn't mean I haven't been working.

Although TerraScape is almost finished, I will stall the final content blowout for a while. I still need to create two extra Melee levels, and I can't make Joszs (who's working on the achievement icons) work any faster then he feels comfortable with. That, and I probably shoud start testing each and every level with care. If you would like to test some content for me, please let me know.

I have, however, resumed work on Moonlit. Currently, I am fiddling around with the server and the online multiplayer segment of the game. I've got some problems with clients randomly getting dropped.

Therefore the next time I'll post will probably be with either the final version of TerraScape, or a semi-working version of Moonlit's War segment.

5th Place for TerraScape

TerraScape came out fifth (out of 24 contestants), a spot which I am sincerely happy with.

Although (obviously) I do not agree with the judges completely, they made some spot-on remarks and pointed out some flaws in my game.

Here's a translation of their commentary:

"Graphically a very well developed tower defence game. It's a shame you were unable to complete it before the deadline. (...) When you have finished a level, it is unclear how to return to the menu. The power-price ratio of the turrets and upgrades seems to be quite balanced. [The tower's stats are indicated with bars], but unfortunately it is not said what each bar represents. I later discovered that this could be found in the Database. (...)"


"Presentation: the menu looks neat, the ingame graphics are not as good and the trees look inappropriate. (...)
Originality: (...) The game is somehow addictive. (...)
Finish: Whenever I got an Achievement, the game stopped working. I later figured out I had to hit the FPS button to continue. A lot of attention has gone into finishing touches. Have you tested the levels? Some appear to be completely impossible."


"Very nice game, very complete. Really nothing can be said, except the interface, which is insufficient. (...) The turrets' and enemies' graphics are uninspiring, but on the whole very good. (...) The overall finish is very good and encourages further play."


I will especially pay attention to the interface. Although some problems I either can not or do not want to fix, I may add some onscreen range and building completion information. And I am stunned that I did not notice that I do not once mention the ability to pause and unpause the game by hitting the FPS button.

And of course, I will add and test more levels.

TerraScape Arcade Redone

I have redone the TerraScape Arcade once again, this time really heating things up. Instead of being able to survive 50 waves, I died at wave 9. All turrets, enemies and difficulties will appear within 30 waves (instead of 60).

This might of course prove impossible, but high difficulty is my aim.

First 'Post GMW' TS Version

I have created some more content to TerraScape, most promeninently more Campaign levels and more turrets.

• 3 more Campaign levels ("That Itchy Feeling", "Reinforced" and "The Convoy")
• 3 more turrets (Minigun, Multi and Support)
• Some changes in the Statistics and Achievements
• Some bugs and unbalances fixed

The Minigun Turret is strong and shoots fast, but turns slower than the Machine Turret. The Multi Turret shoots extremely rapidly and can shoot in every direction at once. The Support Turrets drastically improves other turrets' damage.

Unfortunately, these changes are not backward compatible with the 'TerraScape Statistics' file; the Statistics and Achievements might not make any sense. I could however edit your file.

I have 4 more enemies planned, and of course the rest of the Campaign. It is not unlikely there will be more Melee and Arcade levels as wel. And I plan on redoing the Arcade, making it much shorter and more intense.

TerraScape Trailer

I've created a trailer for TerraScape, you can find it [on YouTube] or down here:

It is not quite spectacular, as I am no good at creating videos.

I haven't done much since last time, but here are the things I still want to do:

• Create the Campaign
• Add more levels and enviroments
• Add more statistics and achievements
• Possibly add some more enemies and turrets

TerraScape: New Content Boost

I have added an incredible amount of content in one day (working 9 hours straight):

• 4 new enemies: Ghostling, Mageling, Swarmling and Camling
• 1 new turret: Longshot Turret
• 6 new Melee levels: Fraternity Match, Extraordinary, Need for Speed, Heavy Equipment, Swarmed and Mr. Invisible
• Statistics (working)
• Achievements (working)

It has become (if I may say so myself) a decent package, and I'm proud to have something worthy of GMW #24.

As always, you can download it at the TerraScape page and feel free to comment.

PC Back!

Yay!

I've got my pc back! I must say I've got somewhat with of a love-hate relationship with it, but she's a beauty when (or if) she works. All I can do for now is wait.

Well, that and start computering like crazy.

For instance, I have about 50 hours before the deadline of GMW24 ends, so I need to work my ass of if I want to hand in a decent version of TerraScape. I'll see how far I get, I guess.

So why am I wasting my time writing this, exactly?

Please Stand By

My computer has been suffering (or actually, I have been suffering) from major technical problems, i.e. shutting off at arbitrary moments.

This means I am currently unable to further develop my games, TerraScape in particular.

Hopefully, I will be able to get a replacement within only one or two weeks. If not, I will not be able to complete TerraScape before the deadline ends. I have send the latest, yet incomplete version of the game to the head of the GameMaker Wedstrijd (Dutch GameMaker Competition) comittee.

I will keep you up to date as things unfold.

Saved Progress, Statistics, Campaign Preview

I have added a whole bunch of stuff; first and foremost, your progress is know saved*. This includes Campaign progress, Melee medals, Arcade highscores, Statistics and Achievements. The last two have not been fully implemented; currently, only your progress, the time you played and your kills are recorded.

* The file is called "TerraScape Statistics.txt" and is encrypted. Trying to decrypt or change your stats might result in loss of data.

The Achievements will unlock no special goodies or levels, they are just for show. And to show off, of course.

I have also added three new enemy types: the Leadling, the Jumpling and the Roachling. The Leadling improves other enemies' stats; the Jumpling skips forward when being shot at; the Roachling heals itself, making it quite hard to kill.

To aid you, you can now build a new turret: the Basher Turret. This close range turret slows enemies down and subdues them, making it very useful against Speedling and Jumplings (and other, t.b.a. enemies).

I have added one Melee level, which I have not been able to finish at all (let alone get medals for): "Double the Fun".

Finally, I have added the first Campaign level, simply called "One". It gives some introduction to the background story, although remaining appropriately vague.

Have fun!

Database, Tutorial, Difficulties

With a new TerraScape version come great new features:

• The Database contains information about all (current) turrets and enemies;
• A tutorial explains the basics of the TerraScape gameplay;
• 3 difficulties: enemies have improved stats at later stages;
• Names for the turrets and the enemies;
• A new enemy type;
• A new enviroment (the desert) and Arcade level ("Vast");

The current turrets are

1. Standard Turret
2. Bolter Turret
3. Machine Turret

And the enemy types are

1. Spawnling
2. Speedling
3. Shieldling

I currently have 8 turrets and over 15 enemies planned, but, as always, only time (spent testing) will tell which of those make the final cut.

Feel free to ask any questions, comment on the gameplay or report any bugs you find.

New TS Features & Modes Preview

There are some new features:

• a fancy menu
• a new enemy type
• a new enviroment/level

I have also come up with a general story line, which will be played through in the Campaign mode. The other modes are Melee, Arcade and Skirmish.

Melee will challenge you in multiple levels with fixed waves; you will score points for the amount of life and money left.
In Arcade, you will face infinite waves of enemies with all turrets available in numerous enviroments, trying to make it to the highest wave possible.
If you want to play specific matches, for instance with only one type of turret, you can play around in Skirmish.

Furthermore, I might include a level editor, although we'll have to wait and see how that would work out.

In the upcoming weeks I will most likely add the Arcade mode, some more enviroments, enemies and turrets. However, it is possible that I am unable to work at all for some days due to computer issues.

Wave System Added

I've added a wave system to the test level, as well as some other small improvements.

Within a couple of days I will add some more levels and probably some different enemy types and enviroments.

Two New Turret Types

I've added 2 new turret types and a menu to the game. The new turrets are one that is more powerful and has a longer range, and one that shoots in very rapid succession.

As always, the download link can be found at the TerraScape page.

Please make sure to comment on these posts if you find any bugs or unclarities, or if you just want to praise or criticise the game so far.

TerraScape Beta Download

I've redone the pathingsystem and the enemy's AI, as well as added some more graphics.

You can download the β-version from the TerraScape page (above).

R41LS TD renamed to "TerraScape"

I am dropping the rails from the game R41LS TD, because I found them to be obstructive to many other gameplay elements. As a consequence, I'll rename it, and I have chosen for the utterly meaningless TerraScape, a word I found and misread in an advertisement for a "terrascape" (or 'terrace-cape' in English). Completely ridiculous, ofcourse, but that's what I like about it.