Arcade Classics News

After a long summer and early autumn of regular work, I'm finally back and working on the next game in the collection: Alien Assault. The following is finished using placeholder graphics (and no music/sfx yet):

• Core gameplay mechanics (movement, shooting, death/respawn, enemies/waves ++)
  
• Input remapping
  
• Steam Leaderboard
  

Next on the agenda is gameplay loop (bosses, transitions, achievements), graphics (pixel art/animations), and music/sfx.

In addition, more options are added to the settings:

• Resolution
  
• Graphics quality
  
• Master volume
  

Also working on new Steam store and Steam client graphical assets. All coming soon!

Check out this short video for a demo of it all: [previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

The following has been updated:

[h2]Astro Impact[/h2]

Infinite boost (temporary)

• Grants the player infinite boost for 30 seconds.
  

Increased speed

• A one time only power up, permanently increasing thrust speed by 20% and rotation speed by 10%. Will only spawn from wave 3 onwards, and after player has upgraded weapon.
  

Difficulty tweaks

• Increased probability of item drop from destroyed enemy spaceships by 10%.
  

[h2]Brick Smash[/h2]

Invincibility (temporary)

• Grants the player (ball) invincibility for 30 seconds. Will only spawn from level 3 onwards.
  

Difficulty tweaks

• Increased probability of item drop from destroyed bricks by 10%.
  
• "Reverse paddle" powerup spawns from level 3, as opposed to originally level 2.
  
• Reduced requirement for achievement "Night sky knight" to reaching level 8 only, as opposed to originally level 10.
  

[h2]Regarding the next game and its inspiration[/h2]

If anyone shoud be interested in the next title, Alien Assault, the progress will be documented in the Game Design Document.

Just like the other games already made, all the assets, including artwork, music, code, and other elements, will be created entirely from scratch. While the gameplay is inspired by and reminiscent of the original, my intention is to add a unique touch with distinctive art style, music, and mechanics. Using the original names for the existing games upon release was unfortunate and, in retrospect, amateurish. I've renamed the existing games and provided a clearer description of their original inspirations in the main menu, ensuring there is no confusion moving forward. Rest assured the games are still the same (with the added powerups from this patch).

To the few who have played this game, and even fewer who bother reading this: thank you so much and have a great summer 🌞

Development is going ahead well and the new power ups for Astro Impact and Brick Smash are being tested. These will release by end of July 2023.

Development on Alien Assault (remake inspired by Space Invaders) is started with basic menu navigation and core gameplay mechanics. Expected release Q1 2024.

[h2]Astro Impact[/h2]
Two new power ups are being tested:

Infinite boost (temporary)
Grants the player infinite boost for a limited time. 30 seconds as of writing this, actual duration pending further testing.


Increased speed
A one time only power up, permanently increasing player movement by one point. As of writing this, will only spawn from wave 3 onwards. Actual spawn time pending further testing.


Additional weapon power ups such as homing missiles are also in the works, but not ready to test yet.

[h2]Brick Smash[/h2]
One new power up is being tested:

Invincibility (temporary)
Grants the player (ball) invincibility for a limited time. 30 seconds as of writing this, actual duration pending further testing.


When invincible, the player ball regardless of which color originally, will change to pulsating black:


[h2]Alien Assault[/h2]
Started work on the following:

• Basic menu navigation, including HUD and pause menu
  
• Core gameplay (enemy waves, cannon movement etc) - with placeholder art
  
• Input controls and remapping
  

Have a great summer 🌞

Fixes the following issues:

Brick Smash (Breakout):

• Fit bricks correctly when aspect ratio is 4:3
  

Ultra wide screens (21:9 aspect ratio):

• Correctly set horizontal borders
  
• Fit background across entire width
  

Relive the excitement and challenge of classic games inspired by the likes of Asteroids and Breakout, recreated with authentic gameplay and fresh new visuals and music.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the arcade scene, Arcade Classics offers hours of fun and challenge. Go for a new high score or attempt to get all the achievements!