Original Design Doc
Here's the original design doc for Jetspace. I wrote this before writing any code. It is missing a few details since I wrote both the design doc and the code, but I feel the high level concept presented in the doc matches the final game really well.
Jetpack Game
You stole some technology from aliens and are making a getaway through an asteroid belt. Players use ← and → to rotate the guy. So hitting → makes the character move to the right and shoot to the left. Players must dodge the asteroids and shoot the aliens. They try to last as long as they can. Over time the character gains speed and asteroids and aliens increase in density.
Charm- Aliens can get smashed by asteroids.
- The character, aliens, and maybe others have speech bubbles from time to time.
- Multiple types of aliens. More difficult aliens show up later.
- Collectable power-ups to run into
- Timed level-ups. Select 1 of 2 random upgrades. (Gun, missile, shield, etc.)
- (Timed level-ups come from the technology you stole.)
The joy in this game will come from uncovering secrets. These may be jokes, art, cut scenes, etc. I want players to feel like they found something other players didn't.
Concerns- If asteroids get too dense, they'll kill too many aliens.
- Aliens might not be on screen long enough for speech bubbles. (Could use Star Fox style dialog.
- Players will be too focused on gameplay to read the dialog
- Dialog happens once every 30 - 90 seconds.
- Randomly selects from specific buckets. (0 - 2 minutes, 2 - 3 minutes, etc.)
- Event driven too. (Kill 50 aliens, dodge 100 asteroids, etc.)
- Shield: Regenerating shield blocks one hit when charged.
- Gun: Inscreases rate of file / # of streams on rapid fire.
- Missile: Heat-seeking missile. AoE explosion?
- Jets: Barrel roll with cooldown. Hold spacebar and ← or →.
- Bomb: Recharging attack aimed at aliens or asteroids with ↑ or ↓.