#ascendant path

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Dev Blog 2: What Next?

So I have a procedural generator to make map layouts for me and I have the basic player character mechanics. So what is next for Ascendant Path? The squares of the map each represent a room so I need to get a rough prototype for a room generator working.

Rooms will be divided into even segments. The idea is that each segment will pull a random layout from a selection of premade ones. These will be designed to always fit together regardless of which get randomly chosen.

Long term there will be special rooms that will become incorporated. These will be designed around things like boss battles, lore events, powerups and fast travel nodes.

[ascendantpath-blog]

Here’s an update on the procedural map generator. It currently takes a string (will likely be the file or player name in the final version) and uses it to generate a random noise map. A smoothing process is then applied to this map which involves, among other things, removing black single squares.

What I am left with are several large clusters and a few smaller “islands”. Currently I have two options, I can further refine the map to make sure that everything is joined. Alternatively I can leave it as is and make just ensure that there is some kind of travel system between the groups.

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So this is a rough sketch of the opening scene of Ascendant Path. Something that will be coming up a lot in environmental design is these colossal objects: doors, statues, buildings as well as some of the flora and fauna.

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Had to redesign my map generator from scratch. This new one does not yet create the pleasing shapes of the old. However the rooms now have coordinates that can be tracked and do not overlap. Just need to work on algorithms to refine it further.

[ascendantpath-blog]

I have always love pixel art. When I was younger Fire Emblem was my favourite game and that was partly due to the animations and art style. Ever since then sprite sheets have been my go-to method when I need to draw and animate something.

I knew from the outset that Ascendant Path would be a two dimensional sprite based game. On top of that I wanted to try and capture a feeling of grandeur and loneliness. I have looked to some of my favourite games for inspiration as well some real world architecture.

The games (from top to bottom) are:

- Risk of Rain

- Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery

- Axiom Verge

- Titan Souls

- Starbound

- Dark Souls

Each is well worth playing.

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Very Rough pixel sketch of a concept for the claw that will be the main tool in Ascendant Path. It will do as an avatar for now until I can find time to sit down and actually do some artwork.

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Gyazo

A small gif showing off the mechanics that will form the basis for player movement. The grappling hook (red ball) will follow the mouse cursor until it becomes stuck to an object like a platform. Pressing the right button while it is stuck will launch the player towards it. If a second button is pressed, or if the player moves too far away, the hook will become free of the platform.

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An example of the map layouts I'm currently capable of generating. It starts in the centre then forms the branches one by one. Right now rooms can overlap so the next step is to delete rooms when they are stacked.