Developing the Core Mechanics of Severed Currents

Devlog Content:

Hey everyone! I’m back with an update on Severed Currents and excited to share some of the foundational mechanics I’ve been working on. Each step is bringing the game closer to that slow-paced, retro vibe I’m aiming for, and I can’t wait to hear what you think.

1. Fine-Tuning Player Movement and Feel

To capture the slow, methodical pacing of Severed Currents, I focused on the player movement first. I’ve adjusted the acceleration and deceleration speeds, lowered the overall movement speed, and even added some subtle camera effects:

• Head Bobbing: Using a custom timeline, I added a subtle head bob effect that syncs with the player’s movement speed. This gives the movement a natural feel without being too intense.
• Camera Leaning: When the player strafes left or right, the camera leans slightly, adding to the immersion and retro aesthetic.

These adjustments combine to create a slow, deliberate feel that fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the game.

2. Interaction System with a Custom Interface

To make exploration more engaging, I implemented a customizable interaction system:

• Interact Key with Linetrace: When the player presses the interact key, a line trace is shot from the center of the screen, allowing them to interact only with objects set up for interaction. This keeps the interactions feeling intentional and keeps the player focused on relevant objects.
• Customizable Interaction Interface: The interaction system is flexible—you can easily add the interface to any object to make it interactable. This customization allows for seamless expansion of interactable elements as the game grows.
  
  

3. PSX-Inspired Visuals with Post-Processing

I’m working hard to recreate a PSX-style look that captures the retro atmosphere. Using a custom post-process effect, I’ve added:

• Pixelation and Dithering: These effects give the visuals that low-resolution, pixelated look found in old-school PSX games.
• Color Grading: A slight color grading adjustment brings out muted tones that set the eerie, nostalgic vibe.
  
  
  

What’s Next?

Moving forward, I’ll be focusing on refining the room layout and starting to integrate clues that the player can find and interact with. Each clue will bring them closer to solving the puzzle to unlock the exit—though what they’ll discover beyond the door remains a mystery!

Thanks for checking out the progress on Severed Currents! Feel free to share any thoughts or feedback, and stay tuned for more updates.