Building The New Level
With my new vending machine system all set up, it was time to start building the new level. I wanted to keep the easiness that the previous level had, while still making it a fun experience. The end result was a level that was split up into three different blocked out areas. The main section is where the vending machine system is used, and is divided into three sections. The further the player goes down into the vending machine, the more snacks they'll have to move out of the way.
The other areas are mainly used as passage ways, as the vending sections are divided from each other. The first of these areas is where the player actually starts, and gives them some basic challenges and introduces features that show them the controls. The other area is used to show off the additional systems that are planned to be universal once there are more levels. For instance, this areas uses the electrical station system we have for the penny. I had planned to make a third area, but ran out of time for this sprint.
QA Feedback
Even though I got the general idea of the vending machine system to work, there were some bugs with it in the QA build. Aside from that, it felt like this week's QA went pretty well. Testers overall thought the game was an improvement from previous sessions, and liked the new areas. One complaint that was seen fairly frequently was that there needs to be more indication for what certain game objects do. Some testers also found that continuously jumping on the buttons for the vending machine was a bit tedious, and could be done more efficiently.
Next Sprint
Now that we have a good establishment of the level, I want to give the players more in-game feedback. Probably look into adding sounds and doing some redesign to the level. I also want to add the new area that I mentioned before. This one is probably going to use a new system Connor made that uses gears. There's also the redesign of the UI that well probably be considered. Julia has made some designs, and Connor and I want to get them to function. Overall, I'm really looking forward to the direction that the game is heading.