INDIE GAME DEV IS LIFE - A Devlog

So it has a parry and a dodge at the same time.
Is it really a good call to just add these "just because all the cool games have it"
To me those mechanics turn the game into another game where all the player skill comes down to a "simon says" reaction based kind of deal which all the "cool games" already do but i don't think that's the thing that makes them cool.
With that it kind of discourages other skills that involve more situational awareness because you could simply negate everything the game throws at you with a press of a button rather to come up with an alternate strategy to avoid damage that allows for more player expression.
Maybe explore other great games that don't use a dodge or a parry. Or just keep one or the other, i think having both is a bit too "cookie cutter" design unless the boss design you are planning is really designed to counter dodge and parry which i am sure it can be done, but i am not quite sure how one can achieve that without further turning the combat system in yet another "simon says" dynamic that is focused too much on one kind of skill the player can develop rather than something that allows for more player expression instead than following the script, it's basically quick time events without the prompts
I had the same concern with the old design of the nain character, that it was too cookie cutter to the point it was generic to be honest, this new design is a big improvement

Can't wait for the release of this!! It's been awesome getting to see the game slowly evolve over time.

What mistakes did you make in your work flow in the beginning?

Are you doing the art yourself? It's gorgeous! Do you have any tips for someone who can program but isn't great at the art side of game dev?

Wtf we have the same keyboard 😮😮

Hi, I think you should add some kind of snowy location, because vikings are from north...

I want to play this game

Thumbnail's background got me to click 😅

I really like your throw animation

I also decided to create a game 3 weeks ago and decided to show my path from start to finish. So if you have time, go and watch my first video, I think it will cheer you up😄

This guy just droped “the creator of the swords and sandals “ and no one is talking about it?!?!?

I like it but your viking kinda looks more emo than brutal to me

looks like a mobile add

I really love your content. It inspires me to continue my gamedev journey and share my experiences too! Thanks 🙌

you fucking chad

I've been following you since the beginning and I really appreciate your attitude. Keep going!

Often times indie devs tend to lean on the fields they're talented at, so you see out there beautiful games with terrible gameplay or fun games with simple art... but Blood and Mead is so good at everything, that it's almost unbelievable that you made all that by yourself! The art and animations are great, the combat looks sooo satisfying and the level design also looks on point!

Can't wait to play!

Can you sell this game in Australia? Given that mead is a powerup.

Anyone know the software required for drawing the tree and being able to move the branches?

great progress indeed man ! much love

Inspiring!! <3

👌👌👌

Killing looks so satisfying but art is too bad. It's not acceptable for me. I am not saying it should be a visual masterpiece but this looks like a flash game.

You have been a great source of motivation for me to become a game developer, and I am very grateful

Wishlist added! Looks amazing! I also subscribed this week. Keep it up!

Your game is actually turning out to be SUPER AMAZING!! Just discovered your channel today and been binge watching, I love the way you present the game in a really entertaining and realistic way!

the art mares it look cheap make it in a 8 bit stile

You rock John. Keep doing what you're doing because it looks incredible. Can't wait to play when the time is right :)

Solo indie is a tough gig. I recently had revived inspiration to complete my own platformer. Hoping 2024 treats me well and looking forward to playing blood and mead when it's available.

Been a solo developer for years(besides from SFX / Music), motivating to watch. Keep it up!

This was a nice 9-minute walkaway from my own project anxiety, thank you

Take your time bro, worth the wait, we support you, make it the best 🪓

damn you are great my man

Hi, LostRelic, I've been following your devlog since 2 (or 3) years ago.
I have question, how you do you get motivation to work on your game?
I always stuck, when thinking about the selling-points of my game.
Like when thinking: "meh, my game is not unique, the art also is not the most amazing one, the story also bare minimum".
Thanks for the answer.

Awesomely motivating

As always great motivation watching your videos; it's always inspirational. The work on UI is really good. And I really like the addition of a parry system too.

I think you should make it a bit more obvious though, with like a wide shield animation, a slow motion or freeze frame when it happens, maybe a color on the enemy to distinguish it from the normal state (the stars above its head should be enough but with multiple enemies stacked it can be lost a bit)...or all three XD. I feel like the word "parried" is a bit dull as is and does more visual noise than actual information in the second to second gameplay bit that you show. Not saying you should go all Demon's Souls invincibility/use noise and locked animation, but a bit more than just "parried" floating up :)

Oh and I'm definitely stealing the cardboard minigolf idea for my daughter.

Next game: Blood and gore ten fingers on the keyboard

Looks very nice, great progress. as a gamer only advice I can give to take this game to the next level is a PVP system or realm (very hard to do ofc). My all time favorite PVP in my life isthe old school runescape like 20 years ago when they highest armor and weapons were rune, rune armor, rune scimitar. Rune pures if anyone remembers.

full time job as a developer? what kind of developing job ? thx for answering!

i dont usually like side scrollers, but this looks great. especially love the way the video is setup, I feel like most dev logs just say a bunch of stuff but this actually feels organised and more interesting.

This looks really good, any idea if the game will support Steamdeck at release?

Love the devlog! I’m looking to start making games as well but if you need a game tester I’m happy to play the game for you!

mahn i love this game 😫🔥

What do you use to create the art?

Wow, this has come so far since it was last shown off! Love the progress. Best of luck for 2024 and thanks for being such a huge inspiration for other indie devs out there!

I think the player death shouldn't splatter like the enemy, should instead bleed and fall to the ground. Just my preference.

amazing man, love

WOW! This looks amazing! Great work so far :) I really enjoy your style. Subbed so I can keep track of your progress. BR ❄

hey so i have a hard time making sprite sheet animations for my 2d characters and was wondering what you are doing do you make a new sprite for each frame of the animation or are you using some sort of rig