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Lost Twins 2 News

Devlog #37 - Crafting Dynamic Water Effects

Hello, everyone! We are excited to bring you the latest updates on our game development journey. This time, we're diving deep into the creation of dynamic water effects that will elevate your gaming experience.

Our goal is to make the water in our game not just a visual element but a living, interactive part of the environment. Characters will swim, alter water flows, and encounter various underwater challenges as they progress through the levels.

Water Effect Development:

To make our water look real and captivating, we used Amplify Shader in Unity. This allowed us to create more realistic effects by using a specular surface shader.

One of the main challenges were enabling programmers to control water flow and movement through adjustable parameters. To tackle this, we used a Step node to convert a range of linear values into constant values, essentially creating a mask that filters out unnecessary parts of the water by converting shades of gray to black and white.

We further refined this by combining object rotation coordinates with a rotator node to control the angle in object space. The remainder of the shader involved fundamental math operations, incorporating a noise texture to give a realistic watery feel and animating it to simulate fluidity.

Adding to this effect, we introduced movement by multiplying the Step node with another noise map and feeding the result into the vertex offset. This technique brought the water to life, achieving the desired fluid and dynamic appearance.

From there, the possibilities expanded, allowing us to add elements such as bubbles, jellyfish, and more, enhancing the overall visual experience.

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We are committed to refining these water effects and seamlessly integrating them into our upcoming levels. Thank you for following our development journey. Your feedback and support are invaluable to us as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in our game. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates, and until next time, happy gaming!

Best regards,
Playdew Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Devlog #36 - HUB area: ToyZone

Greetings! Today, we’re thrilled to unveil another delightful area of our game: the Toyzone HUB. This whimsical realm serves as the third zone in our game, where players will embark on a journey filled with playful surprises and nostalgic charm. The Toyzone HUB is designed to immerse players in a world of childhood wonder, emphasizing exploration, creativity, and fun. Let’s explore how this theme is intricately woven into the fabric of Toyzone, particularly through its dynamic states of chaos and order.

Concept and Design:

The Toyzone HUB stands out with its vibrant, playful ambiance. Each zone in our game features a distinct HUB, meticulously crafted to reflect the environment and story arc of its respective area. The Toyzone exemplifies this with a rich array of visual and narrative elements that invite players to explore and revel in its whimsical charm.

The Toyzone exists in two primary states: chaos and order. This dynamic transformation not only affects the visual aesthetic but also drives the narrative forward, creating a deeper connection between the player and the game world.

Destroyed State:

The Toyzone is a riot of colors and disarray, with toys scattered everywhere, overturned blocks, and tangled strings of lights. Plush toys peek out from unexpected places, creating a sense of lively disorder. The clattering of blocks, the squeaks of rubber toys, and the cheerful giggles of unseen children. This creates an atmosphere of joyful chaos.In this state, players encounter clues about the Toyzone’s playful anarchy.



Restored State:

The Toyzone transforms into a neatly organized wonderland, with toys arranged perfectly, building blocks forming impressive structures, and twinkling lights illuminating the paths. Everything is in its place, creating a sense of harmonious play. The puzzles and toys from the chaos state become sources of new challenges and stories, revealing deeper lore and aiding in the Toyzone’s enchantment.



Level Selection:

Navigating the Toyzone HUB is an experience designed to enhance the theme of playful exploration. Players unlock levels by interacting with elements in the HUB that change depending on the Toyzone's state.

The transition between the chaos and order states is a central narrative device, embodying the theme of playful exploration and discovery. As players complete levels and achieve certain milestones, their actions directly influence the state of the Toyzone, reinforcing the sense of progress and creativity.
By intertwining the HUB’s dual states of chaos and order with the narrative, we aim to create an immersive experience that resonates with the theme of whimsical wonder and discovery.

We hope you’re as enchanted as we are by the playful surprises and nostalgic charm of the Toyzone. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and refine this delightful aspect of our game. Prepare to step into a world of whimsy and wonder, where every moment is a playful adventure.

Regards,
Playdew Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Devlog #35 - HUB area: Enchanted Forest

Hi guys! Today, we’re excited to delve into another captivating area of our game - the Enchanted Forest HUB. This magical realm serves as the second zone in our game, where players will embark on a journey filled with wonder and mystique.

Concept and Design:
The Enchanted Forest HUB stands out with its vibrant, mystical ambiance. Each zone in our game features a distinct HUB, reflecting the environment and story arc of its respective area. As players journey through the Enchanted Forest, they will encounter ancient ruins, mystical artifacts, and enigmatic characters who offer quests and insights into the forest's history. It's a world ripe for exploration and discovery, where every step reveals new wonders and challenges.

The Enchanted Forest exists in two primary states: destroyed withered state and restored flourishing state. This dynamic transformation not only affects the visual aesthetic but also drives the narrative forward, creating a deeper connection between the player and the game world.

Destroyed State:
The forest is shrouded in darkness, with leafless trees and a pervasive sense of decay. The once vibrant flora is withered with rocks and broken pillars of the architecture behind, making navigation both challenging and intriguing. Ancient runes and faded murals hint at a forgotten magic that once sustained the forest, inviting players to uncover the secrets of its past.



Restored State:
The forest bursts into life with vibrant colors. Flowers bloom in abundance, and magical creatures roam freely, creating a sense of enchantment and renewal. The artifacts and runes become sources of powerful magic, revealing deeper lore and aiding in the forest’s restoration.



Level Selection:
Navigating the Enchanted Forest HUB is an experience designed to enhance the theme of the zone. Players unlock levels by interacting with elements in the HUB that change depending on the completed levels.

The transition between the withered and flourishing states is a central narrative device, embodying the theme of renewal and discovery. As players complete levels and achieve certain milestones, their actions directly influence the state of the Enchanted Forest, reinforcing the sense of progress and learning.

We hope you’re as enchanted as we are by the mysteries and wonders of the Enchanted Forest. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and refine this magical aspect of our game. Prepare to step into a world of discovery and renewal, where every step forward is a lesson learned and a new adventure begun.

Best regards,
Playdew Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Devlog #34 - HUB area: Frozen Castle

Welcome back, gamers!

Today, we’re thrilled to reveal an exciting feature of our game: the level selection HUB, specifically focusing on the Frozen Castle. This area serves not only as a portal to different levels but also as a narrative device, slowly unraveling the story as you progress. Let's dive into the intricacies of the Frozen Castle HUB, exploring its dual states of destruction and restoration, and how it enhances the player experience.

Concept and Design:

The Frozen Castle HUB is one of the game's 3 unique level selection areas. Each zone in our game features a distinct HUB, meticulously crafted to reflect the environment and story arc of its respective zone. The Frozen Castle is a prime example of our dedication to creating immersive and engaging spaces for players to explore.

The Frozen Castle HUB exists in two primary states: destroyed and restored. This dynamic transformation is not just a visual change but a narrative one, giving players a deeper connection to the world they are exploring.

Destroyed State:
The castle is engulfed in ice, with shattered walls, broken statues, and a cold atmosphere. Snowflakes drift through the air, and the ground is covered in ice combined with sounds of wind, the distant echoes of falling debris, creating a sense of abandonment and desolation.
In this state, players encounter remnants of a tragic past. Frozen statues and debris hint at a sudden calamity.



Restored State:
As the players solve the puzzles, the castle returns to its former glory, with warm lighting, restored architecture, and vibrant banners fluttering in the breeze. The ice melts away, revealing intricate stonework. Music becomes more uplifting, reflecting the sense of hope and renewal.



Level Selection

Navigating the Frozen Castle HUB is a unique experience tailored to enhance the game’s narrative delivery. Players unlock levels by interacting with elements in the HUB that change depending on the level completion.

The transition between the destroyed and restored states is not just a cosmetic change but a crucial part of the game's storytelling. As players complete levels and progress through the game, their actions directly influence the state of the Frozen Castle. This mechanic ensures that the HUB is not a static backdrop but an evolving environment that reacts to the player’s journey.

The Frozen Castle HUB is more than just a level selection area; it’s a living, breathing part of the game’s world that evolves with the player's journey. By intertwining the HUB’s dual states of destruction and restoration with the narrative, we aim to create an immersive experience that draws players deeper into the story and encourages them to explore every corner of our game.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and refine this unique aspect of our game.

Best wishes,
Playdew team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Devlog#33: Introducing puzzle element - Water

Hi,

Welcome to our latest devlog, where we immerse ourselves in the captivating world of water mechanics. Water, with its inherent fluidity and allure, serves as the focal point of our endeavors, driving us to create puzzles that not only challenge the mind but also evoke a sense of wonder and fascination.

In our game, we aim to harness the fascination surrounding water by integrating dynamic water mechanics into our puzzles, elevating the gameplay experience to new heights.

Within each puzzle, water can be dynamically moved from one point to another, offering players the ability to manipulate their environment. Realistic Element Interaction: Elements submerged in the water behave authentically, buoyantly floating as they would in reality, adding depth and immersion to gameplay. Players will encounter puzzles that require strategic manipulation of water levels, involving tasks such as filling and emptying water tanks to progress.

Visual Presentation:

In terms of visual presentation, our goal is to deliver a stylized water effect that not only looks stunning but also enhances gameplay functionality. Our dedicated art director has crafted an impressive water shader using the Amplify Shader Editor. This shader incorporates visually captivating features such as refraction, dynamic wavy movements, and foam simulation on the water's surface, all contributing to a rich and immersive visual experience.

Physics Integration:

The seamless integration of water physics into the game environment requires the expertise of our talented development team. Through Unity's inspector, we enable the movement of water from its current position to a desired point, allowing for fluid interaction within the game world.

Elements within the water's bounds react realistically, enabling players to freely manipulate and interact with them as they navigate through puzzles. Our designers have crafted intricate water-based puzzles, such as aligning water pipes to facilitate the flow of water between tanks, adding depth and complexity to gameplay challenges. Utilizing precise positioning and scaling techniques, we've implemented mechanics to fill and empty water tanks. By adjusting the water's visual pivot and utilizing the Move Towards function, players can witness seamless transitions as tanks are filled or emptied.

While our current implementation showcases the foundational aspects of our water mechanics, we're continuously working on refining and expanding these features. The development of the water flowing mechanism is still ongoing, and we're committed to delivering an experience that exceeds player expectations.

For a glimpse into our current progress, we invite you to watch the video showcasing our water mechanics in action.

[previewyoutube] [Insert Video Link Here]
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Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to push the boundaries of gameplay innovation.

Best regards,
Playdew Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/