Back when I used Construct 2, I created a 2D space shooter with wave-based enemies and random asteroids that would damage both enemies and players.

Recently I heard about the One Game A Month challenge and decided to try it. This post defines the goals of my 2D space shooter, which I call Project Icarus.

Influences

The main influence for this game is S.P.A.Z – Space Pirates and Zombies. One thing Icarus – Wave Attack (the Construct 2 space shooter) did not have is mouse controls, which is better defined as physics-based movement with mouse input. Given how much I liked the feel of the player ship in SPAZ, I’ve decided to make the change from tight ‘snappy’ controls to more fluid momentum-based motion.

Project Icarus

Keeping in mind that I have one month – better defined as 30 days – to do this, I will separate the ‘core’ from the ‘extras’ so I don’t feel bad if I don’t get around to the latter.

Core

  • Physics-based mouse input controls for the player ship. [Mostly done!]
  • Player ship firing and taking damage.
  • Player ship shields automatically activating when an hazardous object gets within range.
  • Infinite starfield background. [Already done!]
  • Procedurally generated nebulae with random placement. [Already done!]
  • Randomly placed enemies within a set distance from the player’s initial spawn.
  • Randomly placed asteroids within a set distance from the player’s initial spawn and enemies. This means asteroids need to be spawned after enemies.
  • Basic enemy AI that fires at the closest hostile target (either the player or asteroid), and will seek out the player ship if it is within a certain distance.
  • Asteroids break into smaller parts when shot or colliding with another object. The game needs to have objects bounce off each other after collision (except bullets).
  • Smaller asteroids get destroyed upon collision.

Extras

  • Missiles! Only homing missiles will do, since missiles that travel directly to target are unfun. If the core gets done, this asset should speed up this extra.
  • Decoys. If we add missiles, then decoys naturally follow.
  • Powerups. Icarus – Wave Attack had the ship automatically upgrade upon collecting debris, and it would be cool to bring this back.

Current Progress