[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/350e9001f89ae58ff87d0b1ef57b2e68ba550609.png[/img] A lot has been happening since my last update! As you might already know from the Shred & Tear development roadmap, I've decided to break down the massive main game into four manageable mini-games. This way, I can level up my indie dev skills and gain enough XP before tackling the final boss: the main Shred & Tear game project! So, the current mini-game in development features one of the core gameplay mechanics of S&T: the infamous Tunnel Race section. A LOT of you shared your frustrations with the Tunnel Race in the S&T prototype demo from 2022. Believe it or not, I've redone the Tunnel Race gameplay from scratch three times now—third time's the charm, right? [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/f6f3c65e747f4ca20ec162e500d9b1e6f25b8d4d.gif[/img] I initially tried making it a QTE (Quick Time Event) game, but it ended up being more boring than easy, let alone enjoyable or challenging. So, here's the third iteration: a mix of fast-paced QTE action and tunnel racing maneuvers. Think of it as a blend of the rail-riding gameplay from Ratchet & Clank and the tunnel sliding from Stella Blade! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/be0a78c52f29d25f351a3e8465f231150e76eb6b.gif[/img] Guess who the protagonist of the next mini-game is? Nope, not Kajun-chan! cwl It's her sassy, fierce rival - the one and only Shark Girl, Saki-chan! Check out these WIP screencaps of her in the early stages of development. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/dd2610c0b8d7af45eba61c6ec28aee4b4679df99.gif[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/5581ea3f643855ef4804e6ca372406b4961400ca.gif[/img] I've also made some improvements to the skin shader in the game. Now, you can adjust the "budge" in real-time! Want thigh budges, chest budges, arm budges? You name it! I might have spent a bit too much time playing around with this feature, haha. But trust me, it's going to be super handy during the reward gameplay section in the next mini-game! I am thinking of a massage relax room for Saki-chan where you can massage different part of Saki-chan's bodies! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/d0bad7b9638ede47fb11df16fc6dec4cd2f06691.gif[/img] While I am at it, I've sprinkled some extra zest onto Saki-chan's body texture and shader. You know what's coming up in the next mini-game's reward module? A massage session for Saki-chan! Yep, after all that hardcore tunnel racing training, she needs to chill out. And where should we start? The armpit, obviously! Now, I haven't found a massage method that specifically targets armpits (yet), but if you've got any ideas, hit me up before Saki-chan decides to end us for tickling her. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/4ea6d93cc45700a06e6b2890d7de84d08a7cff33.gif[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/fada8f9962a8041d0df4730aadc551be9a39c8e0.gif[/img] Big shoutout to my Discord crew for dropping the gems from Senran Kagura Intimacy Mode. That's some next-level massage inspo right there! Gonna dive deep into that rabbit hole. Now, onto the meat of our game – the tunnel race! We're in the prototype phase of the chase mechanism. Picture this: you're hot on the heels of that traitorous Tentamon, who's sprinting for his life from your wrath. Maybe next, I'll have him drop bombs or other fun obstacles. Who knows? [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/95aab627dee80b63742b5dd00ca0f21b0f14b299.gif[/img] I've also polished up the spawning sequence. Looks familiar, doesn't it? Yep, big nod to my all-time favorite, the Megaman series. It's got that X spawn vibe, but with our own twist! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/0d381ee3111529644543d762a02c2d8dfbb10681.gif[/img] And finally, sneak peek at Saki-chan's personal quarters aboard her massive momma spaceship en route to Earth. I'm thinking of calling it the 'Shark Pit' – because why not? She's not at the ship's helm; that's Tentamon's gig. Saki-chan's there to chill, maybe order some snacks, and boss around while keeping an eye on things. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/8dc3a9f454540116366fd220b3eda90233fb988e.gif[/img] Thanks for being part of this wild ride, and keep those suggestions coming – they're gold! See you next time ! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/41522540/dc100b7d60309c904d6962d4a1f161df4c6cdffd.png[/img]