Development Log
1. Started from template. I used the functions, manipulating character, collecting bottles, emery (mean words, losing hp), bomb (crying baby, losing hp) and some movement.
2. Change the assets to own arts. First, I used vector arts, however, I found it really confusing and crowded, I changed all my arts to pixel arts.
3. Create pixel arts. Create other arts like background.
4. Start to change the functions. I changed the existing function to my own function. Function I changed:
HP -> Mind Level (number of Mind Level, when to lose)
Coins -> Bottles (How many bottles to show the badge)
Badge, there was no badge in the initial version, and in order to have the sense of achievement, I added a badge and set it to shown only if bottle collecting complete, and it will show on left line side when character hit it.
Complete Level, level will be completed whenever character hit the lock, however, I changed it to completing level when badge is collected.
5. Rules, I start to add rules.
First, I introduced the rule with the story, and it was confusing according to the playtesting. So, I separate the rule from the story, and players can see it in the title screen at the beginning to understand the rule in one page. I also found it hard to understand the rule as the player first play the game without looking the rule page, so I set the rule page to the gaming experience, players will have a look when they start the game.
6. Story, I added some facts about the Postpartum Depression. It is educated, but it is boring. So, I change the way to tell the story. I start to tell the story by inserting the player into the story and place them in the scenario. Then I added some facts when the player died (two cases: die because of out of mind level, die because of falling into depression) and pass all the level. I start to make it story.
7. Level Design, before I work on the level design, I had a draft. I used the draft to make the first version of the game. I played it by myself and change some functions (place of Mean Words and Crying Baby), and added some functions (bottles, depression). Then I tested out the course, did some change based on the playtesting. Then I had another version of the game. After I get the response from the course, I did another modification, especially for the places of platforms and bottles.
8. Music, I added music for several scenarios.
9. Power Up – Husband’s Help There was a function Power Up in the template that when character collide with power up, coins will double for sometimes. I changed the time and text of power up and