Pixel Tales - A 2D Action RPG

WIP games, tools & toy projects
#1

Hello! :slight_smile:

I worked on this game a few years now during my free time and I think it’s finally time to show it to the public.

About the Game:

PIXEL TALES is a two dimensional action RPG focusing on exploration, class diversity, challenging boss fights and epic loot.

b Features:[/b]

  • Enthralling mix of Action RPG and Platformer.
  • Customize your character from the beginning.
  • A world waiting for you to explore. You decide where to go.
  • No grind required to progress in the game.
  • Multiple classes accessed by a class tree allow you to specialize.
  • All classes offer a unique skillset. Every class plays differently.
  • Boss fights rely on challenging mechanics. No tank and spank.
  • Developed with Multiplayer support from the start. Because playing with friends is fun!

Screenshots:

http://www.playpixeltales.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/feature_multiplayer_300x175.png

http://www.playpixeltales.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/feature_skills_300x175.png

http://www.playpixeltales.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/features_mix_300x175.png

http://www.playpixeltales.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/feature_progress.png

Today I released an early prototype of the game: http://www.playpixeltales.com/download/
It really is only a prototype - based on an old version of the game - so don’t expect much. It’s a proof of concept and features aren’t optimized. Especially the multiplayer probably works only locally since the prototype’s network layer is based on TCP (Don’t worry - I implemented a custom, reliable UDP Protocol in the current development build already. In fact that’s what I spent most of my time on the last months)

The current development build has way more features but some critical features are still missing or work in progress (Currently reworking skills). It’s not really “playable” until I add all the features, so people have to wait until I’ve done that to play the game in a state that’s up to date.

Website: http://www.playpixeltales.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pixel_Tales
Blog: http://www.playpixeltales.com/blog/

YouTube and Facebook coming soon.

I’ll update this thread every time I make progress in development and I’d love to receive some feedback! :slight_smile:

Edit: The prototype is not working. Forgot to add an important file to the rar (Oops. Sorry :x). Reuploading a fixed version now. Edit 2: I updated the link on the website. Sorry for any inconveniences it caused - it should work now properly. Let me know if it doesn't.
#2

Since I changed and refactored a lot of the game’s code in the recent months to build it on a robust foundation I had to temporarily remove some of its already implemented features. I’m right now in the process of adding these features back in.

Equipping items and choosing different hairstyles is now implemented again and automatically replicated to other players joining the server :slight_smile:
A gif of the Character Creation in action: http://imgur.com/ldTciMp

Next step: Working on the AI of monsters.

#3

Whew, it’s been a while since I posted the last update.

What happened in the meantime?

1. Monster AI

I reworked the monster AI and settled for data oriented behaviortrees.
Nodes are written programmatically, designers may put them together however they want in a simple text format.
Here’s a preview showing a simple wander behavior in action:

2. Skill System

Another huge topic was the definition and usage of skills.
Again I settled for data oriented skill definitions with JSON to create new skills:
Designers may set all the needed information like cooldowns, mana costs, etc and may attach events to create the skill effects, e.g. run scripts, play sound effects, add particles,…
I decided to go the extra mile for the skill system to create a very flexible foundation. The game will focus a lot on different classes and skill variety so that’ll come in handy in the long run.

Here’s a small “proof of concept” of the skill system:

3. New team members

Pixel Tales is no longer developed by me alone! Joshua joined the team!
He’s a super talented artist and I’m so glad he decided to help me. :slight_smile:
We also decided to increase the resolution of the game - from 16x16 tiles to 32x32.
Stay tuned for the graphics update!

#4

Great work man! Very exited for the next update…
Though your art is great despite you had no artist. :stuck_out_tongue:

Continue your good work!

#5

Looks like you’ve got some old school MapleStory inspiration there. :wink:

Pretty neat project you’ve got going. I’ll be keen to check it out when it gets fleshed out more! :slight_smile:

#6

Thank you very much!
The art is acceptable for programmer art I guess - but Joshua can do it way better!
Check out the graphics update below! :slight_smile:

Yes, the project’s definitely influenced by Maple Story :wink: At least in some aspects.
The project progresses really fast at the moment, I hope to release an early preview of the updated game soon so people can check it out. :slight_smile:

Development Update #2:

1. Skill System - First sprite animation

We continued to test the skill system I implemented and added the first pass of a skill animation to the game:

2. Scripting layer

I ran into some problems with the way I implemented the Lua scripting layer. Instead of using band aids and duct tape to fix the problem I decided to refactor the scripting layer. I want to do things right! :slight_smile:
The result is a way more robust implementation allowing easier creation and usage of scripts and script submodules.

3. Graphics update - Mockup
We’re coming close to pressing the red button that switches all the existing graphics to the updated ones - including a higher game resolution!
Joshua is working eagerly on the art and we don’t want to keep you guys waiting.

Check it out:

4. What’s next?
Skills are working and easy to implement, the scripting layer is easy to work with - so what’s next?
Our goal is to finish and release a polished minimum viable product in the near future, so we’ll keep working on the game’s core features.
The next huge topic is the implementation of the game’s class system, including a class hierarchy, unique equipment and skill trees.
The plan is to finish the first pass of this by the end of the week.

#7

Joshua’s art looks phenominal. Really amazing!
How did you meet him? Is he available for hire?

You should make the mountains in the background have a parralax effect : )

#8

Thank you for your positive feedback!
It’s amazing, right? I love it too :smiley: Looks way better than I could ever do it myself.

I searched for additional team members in several locations (Reddit, Indie Teamup, …) and I also mentioned it in a blog post.
That’s probably how he found out about the game.

I don’t know if he’s available for hire - I’ll ask him and let you know! :slight_smile:
// Edit: I’ll give you his mail address so you can talk with him directly :slight_smile: Check your private messages!

The mountains will have a parallax effect btw! :slight_smile: