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Costumes in Intrepid Izzy

Posted by Roel, 08 May 2017 11:00
Hello dear readers!

As promised, here is the first real dev log entry about Intrepid Izzy. The idea is that we'll discuss some of the reasoning that made this game what it is, and reveal some features along the way. Today we'll be talking about a feature that you probably didn't know about yet, which is costumes.

Upgrade by costume
Costumes are the primary means to upgrade Izzy's abilities. Each provides her with a unique set of abilities, which are required in order to progress through the game. For example, in her default attire, Izzy's special ability is a fireball. Wearing the vampire costume, she can change into a bat for a limited time, and it also lets her collect health and spirit power from defeated enemies. Dressed as a ninja, she uses powerful sword attacks, double jumps and wall jumps.

izzy-duck.gif vampire-change-2.gif ninja-stand.gif

There are other costumes as well, but let's not spoil the surprise just yet.

Design considerations
As you can see, Intrepid Izzy is not your standard metroidvania. Rather than cumulatively adding new abilities to your character one by one, the costumes provide abilities in specific combinations - and obviously you can't wear them all at once. This doesn't make the game any easier to develop, but it does offer some advantages:
  • You don't have to start the game with a completely nerfed character. Izzy can do moves like slidings and fireballs right from the start, so you don't have to feel underpowered.
  • The control scheme can remain simple. In some games that employ the cumulative upgrade system, you have to deal with ever more exotic button combinations. The combinations of Izzy's abilities are selected to be easy to control, so you never have to tie your fingers in a knot.
  • Dressing up your character is fun!

We hope you've enjoyed this little insight into the ideas behind the game, and that you'll be back for more!