March 2025 Update

March 2025

I knew I should always return to this project, I didn't realize it would be 5 months later!

Over a few test projects, and a couple Game Jams, I have figured out a lot more tricks. Nothing amazing, but it took a lot of self-control not to scrap the project and start from scratch. I reworked a few flags to work as mini-state machines instead. This allowed me to delay between frames and work on animations. It also flows better in my mind for restocking between rounds. 

With the minimalistic animations, I added the mascots walking on and off the screen. I added some RNG on the x value as they approach the lane so they don't walk in tandem. What I like about this is on each bowling frame, the mascots have to do a funny shuffle to get into position. Also, an unintended glitch I want to leave in is you don't have to wait for the pins to be fully in position to bowl. Meaning you can throw as soon as they walk on screen and pelt the back row before they get in position. You get less points, but it cracks me up.

Additionally, I added in a second bowler character and pin skin options, so you have some customization. The biggest fault I need to work on is my art skills. I feel bad for the Ladies Meat and Callie, but hope they don't mind too much about the appearance.

Moving forward, if I have the time and motivation to keep updating, I want to look into sound effects and music. Something to make it feel alive.

While it feels Frankenstein'ed behind the scenes, I do enjoy how this came out.