[SA Game Jam 2016] Leviathan & The Neverending Journey

MattMac

- SA Game Jam 2016
- Leviathan & The Neverending Journey
- Hobbyist
- 72hr entry

This is my first Unity project, and actually the first game I've made where I've not only done artwork.
I'd had a lot of back and forth over the last 48 hours as to whether I would be able to make anything playable, but decided to go for it regardless.
I've been (slowly) learning Unity and this game is a mixture of the few bits I've learned and a few things I'm still learning/planning to learn.

I wanted to see if i could make enough progress before officially entering, and I feel I have. I'm a bit stuck at the moment but do have a working character, solid movement, working objects in my scene, artwork and have even made a bit of music, which is another first for me!

I'm currently stuck, so going to go away from the project for a while and come back and figure it out when I get back - but essentially I'm not able to change scenes despite having followed instructions properly and having no errors in my code, so I'm a little stumped but still hopeful! Once I figure this out I should have pretty smooth sailing.

Will update more hopefully with bonus gif a bit later.

Stray_Train

You should check the console window for errors (control + shift + c), it's the quickest way to get to the root of your unity woes :p
The most likely cause of not being able to change scenes is that you didn't add the scene you want to change to to the build settings (control + shift + b) [or File -> Build Settings]

You just need to drag the scenes from your project into the Scenes To Build window and you should be good.

For reference, from the code side remember:
At the top of your script, add:

using UnityEngine.SceneManagement;

When you want to load a scene:

SceneManager.LoadScene(name_of_your_level);

MattMac

Thanks so much for your help @Stray_Train

I've pretty much been through a long trial and error process that has lead me to I THINK the place you've outlined. So, I've attached a snapshot of the components and also my script. I did also make sure that in the build settings I've added those scenes, and that's all good...however it's still not working.

I'm obviously no good at coding, but I feel like the place I've gone wrong is that the code doesn't seem to mention my player anywhere, should it? I mean, for all I know this code is totally off and shouldn't be working, but I've tried so many things that it's all becoming increasingly confusing.

Thanks again for your help! :D

Stray_Train

OnTriggerEnter() is for 3D physics, you should be using OnTriggerEnter2D() because you have a BoxCollider2D component attached to your object.

Protip: you can also add an argument into that function that will give you information about the thing that's entered into your trigger.

It looks like:

OnTriggerEnter2D(Collider2D other)
{
    // Your Code Here	
}

This let's you do things like:

OnTriggerEnter2D(Collider2D other)
{
    // Check if the player has entered the trigger
    if (other.CompareTag("Player")
    {
        // Your Code Here	
    }
}

In case the trigger messages still don't work, you might have to add a Rigidbody2D component and set it's isKinematic property to true (to stop the object from falling down). I stand to be corrected but I believe that in order for trigger messages to fire off, one or both of the parties involved needs to have a rigidbody attached.

Stray_Train

Also, in your code you'll want to change

public int SceneDestination = 1;

to

public string SceneDestination;

and

SceneManager.LoadScene("LEVEL2");

to

SceneManager.LoadScene(SceneDestination);

This way, you won't have to modify the code again and can instead just attach the script to any object that has a 2D trigger collider and set the scene it should take you to in the inspector.

MattMac

Thanks again!

Cool so made those changes, but still struggled for a while, and it seems to have sorted itself by going BACK to defining it by using LEVEL2. Not sure why, but it worked...so for now I'll settle with that.

Thanks so much for your help! :D

MattMac

Ok update time!

I realise this is long overdue but have had a pretty tough time sorting through code issues and learning tough lessons about Unity. Going pretty well so far though, I've almost got 4 completed levels! Here's a short screencapture - edit, a few snapshots of the stage design. I'm struggling with making a gif at the moment so these will have to do.

So the breakdown of the game is that you're Leviathan the giant whale and you've lost your voice, or, in other words, the ability to express yourself. You take Leviathan on a journey to find it through an abstract dreamlike maze of otherworldly environments that are realised in an 'Expressionist' style of art. I'm counting somewhat heavily on this bad joke to make up for my lack of coding knowledge, so I do hope there's bonus points for plays on words. However I'm really trying to focus on the aspect that gives each player a different experience.

So, this is somewhat of a platformer with puzzle aspects that will make little sense but hopefully be a pretty radical experience to play, or, at least interesting.. :D

Ok back to the drawing board! All suggestions/criticism welcome! :D

BenJets

Really excited to play this one once you complete it. Art style is looking amazing.

Good luck on the home stretch!

MattMac

Submitting submitting! Whew! Cutting it pretty close, I did only get started yesterday morning to be fair, and also please do keep in mind this is my first ever game!
So, everything's worked perfectly, pretty much, except for the fact my title disappeared on the first stage and somewhere along the line it's not exporting properly now.
I'll sort this and submit just out of interest, but this is my official submission!

https://superbest.itch.io/leviathan-the-neverending-journey

Please keep in mind that this is my first game, and first time making any type of music - I've worked super hard on this and have made something I'm super proud of - not really looking to win anything or particularly wanting to, but excited to participate and make something that I learned a lot doing.

Enjoy! :D

MattMac

Bonus title screenshot!

MattMac

I realised I didn't post a write-up or explanation or anything here - so here it is:

Play as Leviathan the lonely whale and try find your lost voice. Swim from idyllic underwater seascapes into a multiplicity of otherworldly dimensions as you find the means to express yourself. With over 9 unique stages, no enemies, no immediate danger, relaxing atmospheric music, and mythical sea creatures all wrapped up in a somewhat pleasing expressionist art style- this surely is a recipe for a confusing yet artistic gaming experience!
Use ALL FOUR of your keyboard arrows to navigate Leviathan up, down, left and even right through various worlds, and watch out for secret doors where you may not expect them!

One note, this game is meant to be more on the side of experimental/artistic 'game' and technically wouldn't probably classify as a regular game to most people, but there is a final hidden stage which is the closest it comes to being able to 'win'.

Ok, well that's my first game, and it's working - so I'm really pretty proud and happy with the final thing despite no title in-game. Also, I found this link after making the game and thought it was pretty awesome how it mirrored the concept.

http://earthsky.org/earth/52-hertz-song-of-worlds-loneliest-whale

MattMac

Small update - I managed to finally get the title fixed as well as making this PC friendly (I hope). I hadn't actually realised it wasn't working on PC so this link now has a web build. If anyone has any problems running this please do let me know as I'm still figuring out building the game correctly.

Thanks!

https://superbest.itch.io/leviathan-the-neverending-journey

BenJets

I really loved this! Giant high five for making such beautiful, moving game @MattMac!

EvanGreenwood

This was a beautiful meditative experience. I played through twice just to find all the secret place I could.

MattMac

@EvanGreenwood Thanks so much for the kind words! I Really appreciate it and am glad you liked it! :D Also, thanks for organising this Jam, it was a great experience.

@BenJets Thanks Ben, so stoked you enjoyed it!