I handed in the final version of the project recently and produced a demonstration video explaining all the implemented systems:
I also created a PowerPoint presentation to further explain the project:
The final version of the project can also be downloaded from my github: https://github.com/danielJames98/Data-Purge
With all that out of the way, its reflection time. I learned a lot over the course of this project. I initially thought this would run into difficulty with the programming side of things but actually I didn't require any additional tutorials or research to put this together. It was just a matter of looking back over past project to jog my memory on how I achieved certain results and then combining that together and then building upon it to produce the systems I wanted. What I did learn code-wise was to create systems that are a lot more flexible yet robust. I got much better at foreseeing potential bugs long before they occur and implementing fail safes to stop that. I also got very skilled at making it easy for myself to modify or add to previously created code due to it being much cleaner than previous projects. The project began with a lot of trail and error and banging my head on issues, but the further I got through it the easier it became. By the end I was able to throw together a whole my game system within a day without running into any bugs at all.
The main learning curve of this project wasn't with the programming though. It wasn't really with the design either. Once I worked out my stats, and level and ability generation it was quite straightforward to just test the game and tweak things based on my preference and feedback. The big thing I learn with this project was push my games beyond what I thought they could be. Of course it is still key to properly scope things and to start small before building up gradually, but that doesn't mean you have to piece together a little proof of concept. Previously I would have an idea for a massive game that I really want to make but since I knew that wouldn't be possible, I would just make enough of it to show off the basic idea of the mechanics and maybe a bit of setting. Through this project however I managed to create a fully fledged little game, as a solo dev, with no budget, and a short time frame. Is this the power-fantasy hack and slash I have always dreamed of? No. But it is a hack and slash RPG with unique mechanics, an interesting visual style, a complete gameplay loop and a fully voiced narrative which demonstrates I can do all of those things rather than just create the bare bones of something which could one day be a big game with enough staff, time, and money. So all in all, I'm very happy with Data Purge. It is taking the top spot on my portfolio and I may even upload it to itch.io in case anybody fancies giving it a go.
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