Duskfall
A downloadable game for Windows
The aim of Duskfall is to re-invasion the classic first-person games, like Wolfenstein, Doom, and Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall within a 12-week development period. Keeping part of their charm through mechanics and visuals, as well as bring more modern design and visuals to this genre.
The player plays through a linear level set in a fantasy style. They will use a melee combat system that, just like the classic games, is restricted to only looking left and right, but the combat itself will draw upon more modern games where they can attack, block and parry enemies, resulting in the combat being more skilful and engaging.
As stated before, the game is set in a fantasy setting, so a lot of environments is dungeons, towns and churches. Aiming for a classic feel with the environments and so the levels will be made of blocky geometry with pixel art sprite work applied to them, then with a post-processing effect on top to pixelize the screen. Also using some more modern features to help add a bit more visual flair like modern lighting systems.
Developed by Michael Rose
Audio by 'Evil Mind', from 'Super Retro Audio Bundle'
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I loved this. I would be fully willing to buy a full version of this. It scratched the itch for a Daggerfall-style game, and did it well. Are you interested in continuing this?
My only critique would be that the inability to look up or down hinders mobility - I know it was purposeful for the sake of nostalgia, but I think it would be a huge improvement to the gamefeel to be able to look down just a little so you know where you are stepping on a narrow path and you can see the difference between stairs and a sheer drop.
Other than that, what stood out to me was the incredible atmosphere. Lots of modern games add advanced lighting features that ruin the visual style, but you managed to balance the pixel style and the lighting to make something that felt natural. It felt like home.
Also, I enjoyed the lumbering pace of the character. When done right, a slow-moving character can greatly enhance the feeling of dungeon-delving and progressing through a hostile environment (see Castlevania 1-3).
You would be the first Patreon I've ever felt willing to donate to. I don't have much money, but I would gladly invest a more significant amount of money toward the development of this game into a full-fledged instant classic blockbuster (I wouldn't even demand a profit - merely a return of my investment once the game made money). You are already mostly there - you have a solid engine. Just needs more enemies, environments, weapons/armor, and loot. You could even knock the world off its feet with a procedurally generated open world like Daggerfall, but I personally greatly enjoy carefully-crafted linear levels as well. Perhaps a mix of the two, on a scale that emphasizes the handmade quality? Seriously. The world needs a new game like this. I'm begging you to continue with it.
allenmlewis17@gmail.com if you want to discuss more.
Super impressed with the pillar puzzle Michael, it really made me think for a bit. The design document is great as well, it really helps understanding your process.
I was born in the late 80's so I had my share of Dooms, Quakes, Heretics and Hexens.
From my perspective, and this is just an opinion, I feel too slow moving around the level, it takes too much time. Maybe if there was the option to run at the cost of stamina, that could help. I have the same issue with combat, it's slow and unresponsive; when I read Duskfall's description, I expected something fast-paced and chaotic. Id and Raven's games were crazy fast, that was the fun of it.
The music needs some love. You have invested +200 hours and money in a good looking game, don't use music from a soundpack, get someone to make it sound as it looks!
Are there any secret rooms? that'd be cool!
I hope to see more from it in the future.
Cheers,
Ismael