1. Lost Twins 2
  2. News

Lost Twins 2 News

Devlog#19: Introducing puzzle element - Toy Car

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Today’s devlog is about one of our most cherished elements: the Toy Car. Inspired by the boundless imagination of childhood play, we've crafted a feature that will not only ignite nostalgia but also provide an exhilarating experience for players of all ages. We explored different options to create a seamless fusion of fun and physics and to create the perfect balance between simplicity and excitement, allowing players to control the car effortlessly while still experiencing the thrill of speed and acrobatics. Ben or Abi could ride the car to break walls, push buttons or go to unreachable areas by speeding up the car & jumping off ramps.



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]


Physics and Controls:

Creating the Toy Car's physics and controls was a fun challenge. Since our game isn't a racing genre, we decided to keep the car's physics relatively simple. The car would only move either left or right, so we designed compound colliders for its wheels and body. With a rigidbody added to the parent object, we could easily control the car using rigidbody.AddForce().

One interesting design decision was to make the car's visual rotate around its axis when changing direction. While it doesn't perfectly emulate real-life car behavior, this approach allowed us to navigate tight spots in some areas seamlessly. From the camera angle, the car's movements still looked natural and didn't detract from the gameplay experience.

Realistic Tire Rotation:

To add a touch of realism, we worked on achieving proper tire rotation. We used a simple circumference formula to calculate how much the tires should rotate while moving forward. Additionally, the rotation of the left or right wheels was synced with the car's direction, enhancing the immersion and giving players a sense of control.

Exciting Jumping Mechanics:

Jumping off ramps became a thrilling and dynamic part of the gameplay. We carefully scripted the jumping sequence by exposing variables in the ramp's script through the Inspector. This allowed us to control the car's trajectory while in mid-air, ensuring it would land perfectly on the other side of the jump. To add a cinematic feel, we also slowed down time during the jump, heightening the excitement for players.

[previewyoutube][INSERT Toycar2.mp4][/previewyoutube]


Responsive Trigger Colliders:

We incorporated extra trigger colliders for various purposes. Firstly, to detect whether the car was in the air or not. When the car wasn't grounded, user keypresses wouldn't generate forward thrust, making the controls feel responsive and realistic. Additionally, a front trigger collider was used to detect when a wall was in front of the car. If the user still pressed forward, the car's wheels would rotate in place, the body would shake, and a cloud of ground dust particles would be generated, enhancing the immersive experience.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

And there you have it, the captivating tale behind our beloved Toy Car adventure! We hope this devlog has given you a glimpse into the passion and creativity that went into crafting this unique and enchanting experience.


Thank you for joining us in this devlog. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights into the development of our game!

Best Regards,
Playdew Team

Devlog#18: Introducing puzzle element - Fan

Welcome to the latest edition of our Toyzone devlogs. Today, we are delighted to introduce a captivating new feature: the Fan! This addition injects a breath of fresh air (quite literally) into the gameplay, enhancing the interactive elements and offering players exciting new challenges to conquer.

To enhance the gameplay mechanics, we have introduced a battery system to power the fan. Players now have the task of ensuring a reliable power supply in order to activate and control the fan's movement. By connecting the fan to a pressure button, players can easily activate it with a simple press, adding a satisfying tactile element to the gameplay.

From a visual standpoint, the Fan is designed to resemble a delightful toy-like pedestal fan. One of the standout visual features is a captivating ring-like element on its side view. When the battery is connected and the fan is powered, vibrant blue lines rotate within the ring, providing players with a clear visual cue of the fan's activation status. This subtle yet effective indicator enhances the overall immersion and engagement.

The mechanics behind the fan's movement were carefully developed, utilizing the concept of RPM (revolutions per minute) to accurately represent its circular motion. Through a meticulously crafted formula, we combine the RPM value with degrees per second, which indicates the extent of rotation within a second. Taking into account factors such as delta time and the fan's speed, we calculate the distance covered in revolutions per second. As players increase the speed of the fan, they will witness a greater rotational velocity, resulting in a more dynamic and captivating gameplay experience.

While the fan's introduction serves as a gentle introduction to the puzzle element in the initial levels, we have exciting challenges in store for subsequent levels. Our intention is to present players with intriguing scenarios that require not only activating the fan but also locating and properly positioning the battery within the container. This added complexity ensures that players must strategize and think critically to progress, offering a satisfying sense of achievement upon successfully overcoming each level.

Here’s a video to provide you with a comprehensive preview of the fan's mechanics and its impact on gameplay. Witness firsthand how the fan operates, from activation to varying speeds, and gain insight into the intriguing challenges it presents.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

We hope you've enjoyed learning about the intricate mechanics, visual enhancements, and engaging challenges that the fan brings to the game. As we continue to refine and polish Toyzone, we are thrilled to have your support and enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for future devlogs, where we'll share more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and thrilling features.

Best regards,
Playdew Team

Devlog#17: Introducing puzzle element - Battery

Hi! Today, we will delve into the exciting mechanics we have developed for Toyzone. We explored countless ideas, seeking the perfect concept that seamlessly blends the whimsical world of toys with the challenge of solving intricate puzzles.Our focus was on finding a concept that would align with toys while also creating connections between elements. That's when we came up with the idea of using batteries and their containers.

The battery container, specifically designed for our game, features two slots for batteries. The unique twist is that when a battery is missing from one of the slots, the container becomes unable to supply power to other connected devices. These devices could range from a fan to an electric car, each requiring a functional power supply to operate effectively.

To implement the mechanics for the batteries, we built upon the foundational functionalities of our existing orb/boulder, which we extensively discussed in our previous devlogs. Leveraging these functionalities allowed our character to interact with and push the battery effectively. Furthermore, we developed additional functionalities to facilitate the battery's connection with its container. When our character successfully rolls the battery into the designated container, the container activates, initiating the power supply to other connected devices.

To ensure a smooth learning curve, we designed the initial levels to introduce players to the puzzle element gradually. In these levels, we filled the battery container with both batteries, allowing users to familiarize themselves with the mechanics and understand the concept. However, as players progress to subsequent levels, we deliberately left both slots in the container empty, presenting them with a more challenging task of figuring out how to roll the battery into the designated container to restore power.

Here’s a visual demonstration of this exciting gameplay feature, showcasing the mechanics in action.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

The incorporation of the battery and container puzzle elements adds an intriguing layer of complexity to Toyzone, offering players a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance the game with new and exciting features!

Best Regards,
Playdew Team

Devlog#16: Toy Zone Concept Inspiration

Welcome back to our devlog! Today, we'll delve into the details of our art direction, from the choice of a fresh and forest-inspired aesthetic to the incorporation of vibrant colors and larger-than-life toy structures. You'll get a glimpse into the level of detail and intricacy required to create an environment that sparks wonder and ignites the imagination.

For this zone, we imagined stepping into a world where everything is bright, colorful, and brimming with life. Toyzone is a whimsical and enchanting place that reflects the colorful days of childhood, where fun and joy are abundant at every turn. This zone serves as a manifestation of the twins' imagination, a world they yearn to be a part of. It is reminiscent of beloved theme parks for kids, where imagination knows no bounds. In Toyzone, players will encounter familiar daily life items and toys from the twins' lives, bringing back a rush of nostalgia.

Toyzone is the last stop in the twins' journey. From the icy corridors of the Frozen Castle to the fantastical realms they've explored, the players have witnessed their trials and triumphs. But in Toyzone, we wanted to instill a feeling of familiarity and warmth, a reminder that their journey is nearing its completion.



To enhance the dream-like atmosphere, we incorporated interactive elements into Toyzone. We've meticulously designed and modeled a vast array of toys, ensuring that every detail is faithful to their real-life counterparts. As players venture through Toyzone, they will come across various artifacts and mementos that hold personal significance to Ben and Abi. Picture their favorite stuffed animals, well-worn storybooks, and even artwork created from their own wild imaginations. Each item serves as a thread connecting the twins' present adventure with their home and personal lives.







Aesthetically, we aimed for a harmonious blend of natural elements and playful toy-themed structures. Towering trees provide shade and add an organic touch to the landscape, while whimsical giant mushrooms and flowers serve as interactive play areas and points of interest for players to explore.. A vivid blue expanse, adorned with fluffy white clouds that seem to form familiar shapes invites the players to let their imaginations run wild. As the day progresses, the sky transitions into a palette of warm hues, as if signaling the approach of a breathtaking sunset. This dynamic sky adds a touch of magic and wonder to the overall atmosphere, amplifying the sense of awe and discovery as players navigate the zone.

Creating Toyzone has been an incredible journey for our team. We've poured our passion and creativity into designing an environment that transports players back to the carefree days of their own childhood. Stay tuned for future updates as we inch closer to the release of our game. We're excited to continue sharing our progress, insights, and experiences with you.

Best Regards,
Playdew Team

Devlog#15: Introducing puzzle element - Mushrooms

Welcome! In this devlog, we'll unveil the intricate design and mechanics behind our mushroom implementation. Within our mesmerizing enchanted forest zone, these bouncy fungi serve as the gateway to reaching new heights, quite literally. So strap in and prepare to embark on a journey where mushrooms become your springboards to unimaginable adventures!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

In our forest zone, you'll find mushrooms scattered on the ground, while some are cleverly growing on vertical organic walls. To add an extra layer of challenge and excitement, we've placed alternating mushrooms on nearby left and right sides of the walls, giving players the sensation of wall jumping. Each mushroom possesses a unique bounce factor, determined by its size. While some mushrooms allow you to bounce higher with a simple jump, others are massive, requiring you to find a higher ledge to reach their tops.

Implementing the player's jumping mechanics was relatively straightforward. We created a detection system that triggers whenever the player's feet touch the top side of a mushroom. Once detected, we simulate a regular player jump, but with the height of the jump varying based on the bounce factor of the specific mushroom. This allows for a satisfying and dynamic jumping experience, encouraging players to strategically plan their movements and explore the environment.

For the mushroom's bouncy animation, we employed a rigging technique within our 3D software. Multiple joints were added inside the mushroom, enabling us to create a base bouncy animation. To add an extra touch of visual interest, we included additional controls to rotate the mushroom cap left and right. With this, we created a custom Sine animation that reacts to the player's interaction with the mushroom. Depending on whether the player hits the mushroom on its left, right side, or center, the mushroom cap responds accordingly, adding a delightful visual feedback to the gameplay.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

And that concludes our exploration of the marvelous Mushroom mechanics in our game! We hope you enjoyed this look into how these bouncy fungi elevate the gameplay experience in our forest zone. It's these little details that make exploring our game world exciting and engaging. Stay tuned for more.


Until next time, happy gaming!

Best Regards,
Playdew Team