Crystalight Dev Blog (working title)

so like what the flying fuck are you trying to make right now?

For now, I'm trying to research what engine would best work for Crystalights, our tactical RPG. For a while I have been considering lightly on using Godot for its alleged ease of use. It may have a high overhead, but we arent trying to go for extreme detail.

I want to avoid getting myself into an engine that does NOT fit my needs. I shouldn't have to reinvent the wheel, but I also don't want to not challenge myself. I want to ensure that the game doesn't feel oddly cookie cutter by using pre-made assets in the final production.

Personally, I am hoping that Godot has tight git integration. Git is a tool that many programmers use to collaboratively work on code. It allows making targeted edits, and sophisticated version control. Industry Standard. I want to share the source code to various people we know for review.

Godot may not be the right choice as it may restrict the platforms we could put the game on in the future. I learned that there is a service for porting to consoles, but this may be unnecessary. We will cross this bridge later.

I am also considering Unity, but I need to do more research later. I am just focusing on learning what Godot is and what it does. Also, uh. Unity is burning right now.

One benefit that Godot has is complete Open source code. Like. we won't need to pay some huge licensing fee to release the code. This is something that fits with my principals, but also because I'm broke (lmao ;w;)

Until Later,

What is Crystalights?

Crystalights is a Tactical RPG inspired by Fire Emblem.

Our main goal is to create a thrilling experience that is remembered impact-fully like other hit games we have played such as Fire Emblem, Bug Fables, Purrgatory, FFXIV, Undertale, etc.

As the game is in development, anything is subject to change (including cancellation) with or without notice.

Our world is going to be made up of many sentient insects; bugs that are self-motivated to change the world with their own claws. We are going to have a focus on interpersonal relationships, and camaraderie.

What could it look like?

Currently, we are considering an aesthetic similar to earlier Paper Mario games. Hand drawn sprites in a stylized 3D environment. In an effort to prevent a perfection spiral, this may change. We want the game to have as much of a artistic personality as the story.

Progress (as of 10/15/22)?

I would be lying if I said we had a working prototype. We actually don't really have a full story yet either. Nebby is the lead writer for the story, we have this document where she writes down her ideas. It's mostly filled with indepth gameplay ideas at this time. I am going to leave the bulk of the story development journey for her to explain (spoiler-free of course!). She should be making her Tumblr account soon...

I am researching engines to develop in. As this would be my first game, and I have limited programming experience, I am figuring that it would be best to not get cocky and risk overburdening myself (even though making a game already is lmao). We are considering engines such as Godot or Unity given the scope of the graphics and gameplay.

Would you crowdfund?

Y'know what? When we publish a demo and get traction we might! I then could quit my (shitty service) job and do this full-time. Maybe even finish my Computer Science BA too!

Can I Help???

Short Answer: Maybe! One good way is getting everyone to know about Crystalights!

Longer answer: It sort of depends if we know you or not. Of course, this isn't a definite thing. Programming and Art is always nice. We do need to ensure that its coordinated though.

If you compose music though........ maybe send us your portfolio, and your rates? There is a significant chance we may need targeted focus in this area with the scope of our work. (basically, we probably will struggle with the music)

How Gay is it going to be???

Yes.

We are planning paired endings for every unit! And plenty of queer characters.

Until next time!