ASCIIDENT // Indie Game Devlog #49459 // LIGHTMAP
The screen is rendered symbol by the symbol in my retro game ASCIIDENT. These are no pre-rendered sprites with letters and signs. These are text sprites, specified as lines in a text JSON file.
The color of each symbol is generated based on the original value and full-screen Lightmap. Some symbols can be a light source of a certain size, shape, and color. On each frame, the total illumination parameters for each text cell of the screen (80x25) are first calculated based on all light sources that reach these cells. Then the symbols are displayed with the corrected color.
This method allows me to create atmospheric locations by simple text characters. Here is a character, for example, sitting by a fire in a hard-to-reach place of the game. To get there you need to get a flashlight and some weapon. But it’s worth it — this hermit has an access card that opens the way to the monorail to the spaceport.
Now, my question: is the game (with such effect) still have a retro feeling which I want to preserve? What do you think?
The game on Steam in Early Access: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1113220/ASCIIDENT/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/textpuzzlelab
VKontakte Community: https://vk.com/game.asciident