Right then, let's think about Mining.

-=-=-

For a long long time, I've not been able to rely on save-data. This is mostly because browser-cookie/LocalStorage is unreliable in its ability to keep hold of things.
Every so often, seemingly at random, I'll lose EVERYTHING I've saved in GotoJSE, simply because the storage has decided to clear itself out.
Remember to use that download button in the file-project menu, guys!

Let's keep that in mind (mined) and think about how we can build up a mining game.
We can't retain progress, so everything needs to happen within a single play-session.
That means we need a definite ending to the game, whether that be the player's "death" or them running out of mineable things, at which point "Next level"?!
..!?

I like a number of ideas from that Motherload game that Michael Fernie pointed us to, last week. But at the same time, if you click on through to the instructions, there's a bunch of buttons to memorise.

I opens the inventory, R to repair, F for refuel, X for dynamite, C for explosives, Q for quantum teleport and M for matter transport.

Good grief, how on earth are you supposed to memorise that?
Especially the M. That's all the way over on the other side of the keyboard.

Browsercade/JSE has a WASD+JKLI, or Cursors+ZXCV or Gamepad+Facebuttons controller setup. And if you're using the onscreen buttons you only get two face buttons.
We definitely need to simplify things, then.

So, Directions.. That's obvious.
The Motherload game didn't have a "Mine" button, which seems like a good idea, and frees up another button.
Maybe have that as an explosive button?
Drop a charge, get away, Kabooma...

Mining, explosives, rocks, boulders, collecting...
hmmm..
Hang on a minute..

...Is this a sequel to Kabooma Looma?

I should probably try to come up with something new and unique, though.
I dunno.
Thoughts are welcome!!


"Cartoon Derek, underground, mining, miner's hat, headlamp, tools, diamonds, gold, dark, lighting, lamp, cinematic" by #DrawThings

.. I think he's doing a Colin Furze, and mining in his basement?!