Devlog #24 : Introducing puzzle element - Airstream
Let's dive into an exciting addition we've made to toyzone – the Airstream. As soon as a player steps into its captivating realm, they're whisked away, soaring through the air in the direction of a powerful airstream. These airstreams are conjured by none other than our trusty fans. However, activating these fans requires a bit of a scavenger hunt – players must hunt down scattered batteries and fit them into the fan's battery container. Once that's accomplished, it's a simple button press from any character to ignite the fan and set the airstream in motion. It's not just a mode of transportation; it's a thrilling way to reach previously unreachable areas within the game level.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Each level features a unique airstream shape. To achieve this, we harnessed the power of Catmull-Rom splines. First, we outlined the basic points in our editor to define the desired shape, and from there, we generated a mesh along that spline. Then came the meticulous task of mapping UVs to match the length of the curved mesh. The final touch involved manipulating these UVs along the path to create the illusion of a continuous gust of wind emerging from the fan.
When it comes to the physics behind the Airstream, we didn't cut any corners. Alongside the mesh generation, we meticulously placed small cube trigger colliders along the airstream's path. The moment a player makes contact with one of these triggers, they enter a unique "flying mode" within the airstream. We diligently track the current collider index and apply force to the player's rigidbody to propel them from one collider to the next, creating a seamless flying experience. This exhilarating journey continues until the player reaches the final collider, at which point we gracefully transition back to the normal physics engine, complete with gravity.

We hope you're as thrilled about this exciting addition as we are. The Airstream not only enriches gameplay but also showcases the attention to detail and innovation we're pouring into our toyzone. Get ready to take flight and explore new horizons in our world!
Thank you for your ongoing support, and stay tuned for more exciting updates.
Best regards,
Playdew team
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Each level features a unique airstream shape. To achieve this, we harnessed the power of Catmull-Rom splines. First, we outlined the basic points in our editor to define the desired shape, and from there, we generated a mesh along that spline. Then came the meticulous task of mapping UVs to match the length of the curved mesh. The final touch involved manipulating these UVs along the path to create the illusion of a continuous gust of wind emerging from the fan.
When it comes to the physics behind the Airstream, we didn't cut any corners. Alongside the mesh generation, we meticulously placed small cube trigger colliders along the airstream's path. The moment a player makes contact with one of these triggers, they enter a unique "flying mode" within the airstream. We diligently track the current collider index and apply force to the player's rigidbody to propel them from one collider to the next, creating a seamless flying experience. This exhilarating journey continues until the player reaches the final collider, at which point we gracefully transition back to the normal physics engine, complete with gravity.

We hope you're as thrilled about this exciting addition as we are. The Airstream not only enriches gameplay but also showcases the attention to detail and innovation we're pouring into our toyzone. Get ready to take flight and explore new horizons in our world!
Thank you for your ongoing support, and stay tuned for more exciting updates.
Best regards,
Playdew team