Devlog #2: 01-12-23

Overview:

Embark on an Epic Journey through Handcrafted Levels

Crafting the World of Ascendant

As we navigate the intricacies of crafting "Ascendant," our Level Designers, Pranav and Akil, are immersing themselves in the meticulous creation of each level. Their dedication aims to deliver an unparalleled and captivating experience for players. Our level design philosophy is rooted in the concept of cultivating diverse play areas, where every corner holds a new challenge, and each section contributes to an intricate narrative that subtly unfolds throughout the game's levels. 

Each level is a canvas where strategic choices and unforeseen challenges seamlessly blend, ensuring that the player's journey is not just a progression but an immersive adventure filled with discovery and intrigue. The levels in "Ascendant" are not just settings; they are integral chapters that players navigate, experience, and ultimately become a part of. As we delve deeper into development, Pranav and Akil's commitment to this philosophy promises a gaming experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where every level is a narrative canvas waiting to be explored.

Our Level Design Modus Operandi

1. Diversity: We strive to introduce a wide range of areas and enough gameplay mechanics to keep players engaged and challenged. From ascending from sewers to freeing the city, Ascendant's levels offer a visual and interactive feast for the senses.
2. Uniqueness: Each level presents its own set of challenges, requiring players to think creatively and utilize their skills in new and exciting ways. We avoid repetitive gameplay elements, ensuring that each level feels fresh and engaging.
3. Narrative Integration: The levels in Ascendant are not mere obstacle courses; they are integral parts of the game's narrative. Players will have to explore their areas quietly to uncover many lore elements and help you in level progression

What's New:

Level Design Process

6th May, 2023 - Our expedition into the realm of level design commenced with dynamic brainstorming sessions held on Discord. During these collaborative sessions, ideas flowed freely, concepts were explored, and potential challenges were meticulously dissected. It was a phase of creative exploration, setting the stage for the intricate design journey that awaited us.

4th June, 2023 - We transitioned into the pivotal phase of crafting the initial level blockout. Our focus shifted towards refining the flow of gameplay, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for players as they navigated the game's evolving landscapes.

1st July, 2023- Pranav, one of our Level Designers, materialized the conceptual groundwork into a tangible reality. Using the powerful Unreal Engine, he brought to life the basic level blockout for LEVEL 1, codenamed "Propaganda Base."

19th August, 2023- Our journey faced an unexpected twist. Unforeseen circumstances, particularly a GitHub LFS issue, led to the loss of our previous work, including the meticulously crafted sewers layout in Propaganda Base. Despite the setback, our team displayed resilience. Acknowledging the disappointment, we embraced the setback as an opportunity to re-imagine and innovate.

Later from August till Now- Our team exemplified adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence. While time constraints prevented a complete return to the drawing board, we immediately transitioned to sketching layouts for each area in the base. Swiftly, we began the process of blocking out each section, ensuring that the setback fueled our determination rather than hindered our progress.

Challenges Faced:

GitHub LFS Issue:

• Challenge: On the 19th of August 2023, an unforeseen GitHub LFS issue struck, resulting in the loss of our previous work, including the finalized sewers layout in Propaganda Base.
• Response: The setback could have been disheartening, but our team responded with determination. Rather than dwelling on the loss, we saw it as an opportunity to reimagine and enhance our designs.

Closing Thoughts:

This unforeseen challenge became a catalyst for innovation, pushing us to rethink and refine our level designs. As we move forward, the sketches are transforming into meticulously crafted environments, promising a game that is not just a product of resilience but a testament to the creative spirit that fuels Project Ascendant. The journey continues, and each obstacle only reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional and immersive gaming experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we shape the world of Project Ascendant!

Team Ascendant