Dark Aces

*** PROJECT IN DEVELOPMENT ***
My first solo game dev project. And my first SHMUP.

This is just an initial prototype trying to get the feeling of the main mechanics like shooting, moving and using some skills.  Please, leave your opinion!

Feel free to donate to the development fund if you'd like to.

Follow me on Twitch to look at the real time development of this little project! https://www.twitch.tv/zerok85

Join me on Discord! https://discord.gg/crashedsoftware

You can support the development here: https://ko-fi.com/crashedsoftware

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In Dark Aces you control a biplane pilot that enters a dark dimension, where technology and dark magic blend.

You will have to fight other planes, flying demons, and cosmic horrors.

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Controls:

W,A,S,D: Move player.

Space Bar: Hold to shoot. Release to Heal.

1, 2, 3: Use spells.

1: Circular Explosion Brain Burst - Launch 4 waves of magic projectiles all around you.

2: Tentacle Attack Dark Touch - Hold your position, extend your tentacles, and wipe  out everything in front of you.

3: Laser Beam Laser Beam - Shoot a laser beam in front of you, damaging everything in its path.

---- Updates ----

09/07/2024 - v0.0.1.0

• Added Splash Screen!
• Added Bomber - Destroy the turrets before destroying it!
• Added Meatball Demon - Watch out for it's zoning attack!
• Added healing mechanic. Stop firing to start slowly healing.
• Added general game feel improvements

--- Known Issues ---

1. Boss's tentacles are hard to avoid.
2. Spell indicators need feedback when they are ready to use.
3. Overall difficulty is a bit high - Might feel better now with the healing, it might also be harder, please leave feedback <3.
4. Explosions are seen at the bottom of the screen when the bullets leave the game area.
5. Laser beam is not working on HTML

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07/06/2024 - v0.0.0.3

• Added placeholder art for player HUD.
• Added boss health bar.
• Fixed black screen after beating boss.
• Overall refining of UI elements.
• Enemies won't fire after reaching certain point on the screen.
• Enemies won't die if shot before reaching certain point on the screen.
• Added boss invulnerability when it enters the screen.

--- Known Issues ---

1. Boss's tentacles are hard to avoid.
2. Spell indicators need feedback when they are ready to use.
3. Overall difficulty is a bit high.

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05/06/2024 - v0.0.0.2

• Added cooldown indicators for spells
• Added life bar for player
• Added Numpad support for spells
• Added instructions in main menu
• Redesigned Main Menu and End Screens.
• Fixed Laser Beam issue
• Added some feedback for projectiles hitting player - NOT FINAL

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01/06/2024 v0.0.0.1

• New boss sprite. Boss now looks more bossy with 100% more tentacles and 50% less eyes. Leave your opinion <3

--- Known Issues ---

1. Laser Beam sems to shoot multiple times. This is an HTML issue only so I will fix it later on.
2. Not enough feedback on player getting hit. Gives no visibility regarding how close you are to dying.
3. No cooldown indicators. You'll have to imagine how long until powers can be activated again until I add them (next steps alongside life bar).

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31/05/2024 v0.0.0.0

• Uploaded project. Learning  how to publish on itch.io.

--- Known Issues ---

1. Empty Screen and buttons after killing the boss.
2. Feedback for player getting hit is not good enough.