Introduction: 

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a post-mortem dev log for my game, Eldritch Echoes, which I developed for the Boss Rush Jam 2024. It's been quite a journey, and I'm excited to share some insights into the development process.

Motivation: 

I decided to participate in the jam primarily because I saw it as an opportunity to tackle a specific challenge: building a turn-based battle system for Unity. This system, I knew, would not only be crucial for Eldritch Echoes but also serve as a foundation for future projects. So, it was a chance to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Development Process: 

The development process was  challenging. I started by conceptualizing the game mechanics, drawing inspiration from anime-style aesthetics and dark fantasy themes. This laid the groundwork for the overall atmosphere and gameplay mechanics.

One of the early challenges I encountered was balancing the combat system to ensure it offered both strategic depth and engaging gameplay. I spent a considerable amount of time iterating on different ideas and playtesting extensively to fine-tune the experience.

Utilizing AI-Generated Art

In the development of Eldritch Echoes, I embraced the power of artificial intelligence to streamline the art creation process. Leveraging AI-generated art not only expedited the development timeline but also allowed for unique and captivating visuals that complemented the game's aesthetic.

AI-Generated Icons: 

One notable application of AI-generated art was in the creation of skill icons. This approach saved considerable time and resources compared to hand-drawn.

Character Concepts:

 Another area where AI played a significant role was in the conceptualization of characters. Using AI-powered character design tools, I generated initial concepts and sketches that served as the foundation for the game's cast. These AI-generated concepts provided invaluable inspiration and direction, guiding the subsequent development of detailed character models in Vroid Studio.

Conclusion:

Overall, developing Eldritch Echoes for the Boss Rush Jam 2024 was a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. It allowed me to push my creative boundaries, hone my skills, and connect with fellow developers in the vibrant game jam community. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next. 

Thank you for playing!

Matty