Studio 4491

Showdown! Super Idol Galaxy, affectionally nicknamed S!SIG.

This was from way back in 2015 for Game Dev Fort’s Indie Game Maker Contest, but I guess we just forgot to post it here! It isn’t quite everything we wanted it to be, but given the constraints and complications we ran into, we’re proud of what we accomplished regardless.

- Ryan

CONTROLS:

P1

Move : WASD

Shoot : G (Press with Move to aim)

Jump: H

Dance : H (Charging and releasing dance acquires neutral/gray fans)

P2

Move : Arrow Keys

Shoot : numpad 1 (Press with Move to aim)

Jump: numpad 2

We're already at least a week into this, but Kat suggested we prep a public space to discuss the project, so here goes.

We got together last week and decided to join this year's IGMC. The contest is a free-for-all where participants are given a month to create a game containing this year's theme of 'Growth'. Participants may use any tool they wish to make any game they want, provided all original content are created only during the contest period.

Growth lends itself to a lot of ideas and, in my opinion, is inherent in all games. Simulation games like Sim City, Farmville and the like are pretty much about gathering resources, building and literally growing your property. The level mechanic in RPGs is also a form of growth. Applying the contest theme to a game isn't necessarily difficult--it's finding a creative twist on an otherwise basic idea that's the challenge. By the end of the night and after a box of really cheap pizza, we decided on the following:

Last year's IGMC was only for games using Degica's products Indie Game Maker and the ever-popular RPG Maker series. The contest has opened up for games made with other tools this year. Because of this, we've decided to make our game using Stencyl. We believe that because IGMC is hosted by Degica, most of its participants would be using RPG Maker. It would probably help us stand out better if our game were to set itself apart both mechanically and aesthetically. It also doesn't hurt that our team has used the software before on a previous project.

Our game needed to provide a real, physical representation of growth. Growth through numbers on a HUD lacks the impact and gratification of actually seeing something grow and improve over time.

We want cute. And absurd. We threw Katamari Damacy and Zombie Tsunami around a lot as game reference. For visual pegs, Gravity Falls, Love Live, aaand this beautiful monstrosity.

And with that, Super Galaxy Idol Pluto was born. The game is planned to be an action-puzzle platformer set in a space colony in the distant future. You play as the young idol Pluto, who embarks on a quest for groupies, dance battles, and discovering the true power of friendship.

We're still in the early stages of building a playable prototype and final character designs are still being hashed out. Stay tuned for further updates!