Heya, wltr3565 here. This week’s devlog I’m going to explain my thought process of deciding how the main shots work. After all, contents must be calibrated according to the things the player can do!
To explain the new readers due to the nature of how Hell Blasters was announced, being announced when it was as complete as possible near release, these devlogs are more like footnotes than progress updates, if anything. Think of it as a preview to headstart your preparation before tackling Hell Blasters!
Winter
Initially the one decided first is the ship’s design, Azure Sword. The pilot, Winter, came later. This makes Winter’s ship the vertical slice for the content. The shot was originally just a spread of 3 bullets per shot process, but as things get tested the low bullet count from the player proved to be too weak against fast yellow bullets and missiles. Now the normal shot has the 5-bullet spread.
When focusing before the shot doesn’t change at all. As further feedback was gathered there are feedbacks that the visual cue for focusing was lacking. I can’t do much in visual standpoint because keeping the visual limitations is priority, so I decided to make the shot converge into a single point instead when focusing. I guess DonPachi’s laser shot is more than just cool factor.
This game is designed to be as easy to learn as possible, so the special shot is also made to be simple: A piercing, single big bullet. Easy to grasp, right? The way to limit its usage was pretty difficult to decide, though. Originally I didn’t give any way to speed up its charge time. But as things get tested further… yeah, pointblank quick charging. In one way or another there is merit in giving an advanced technique for players to use. Winter’s special shot cost is also subject to many usage cost revisions. 3 shots in a row initially felt right but when Summer is added to catch up with the new ship the special shot cost had been made to make 4 shots in a row possible.
The bomb mainly functions as a defensive tool, to give invincibility frames, so the bomb is not that powerful. At least using them is not that punishing since it won’t break the chain. In fact, using them is encouraged, either to extend your chain when you ran out of ways to reload the special shot or to evade receiving any hit!
Summer
To be frank Summer’s inclusion was much later, so while taking the stage design in mind, he’s the opposite of Winter’s (Winter, Summer, get it? :P). Slower movement but wider shot arc. Summer is more about shooting than movement so expect to alternate between normal and focus shots often!
The special shot is yes, the laser. Very powerful and great at erasing bullets, but it’s costly to use, so you’ll want to be smart with it. One small tip: The laser aura is also a damaging hitbox, so the protection area is wider than you think!
That’s all for now. More devlog to come towards release! Upcoming devlog will be on next Wednesday.
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