Devlog 17 - Movement Animations and Animation Tracking

art/dev whiteboard

Summary

This update focused on Jack's movement animations and on getting a clearer overview of the animation work still left to do.

The main movement sequence started as one larger dive animation, then got split into several related moves: dive, roll, dash, and slide. They share some animation DNA, but each one needs to feel different in gameplay.

What changed?

• Continued work on Jack's movement animations:

  • dive
  • roll
  • dash
  • slide

• Started refining the movement poses so each move feels more specific.

• Began studying smear frames and motion references to make the animations feel faster and more alive.

• Created a first version of an animation tracking table.

• Used the animation table to get a better overview of:

  • what is already animated
  • what still needs cleanup
  • which directions are missing
  • which animations need shadows or extra polish

• Added or cleaned up shadows for several animations, including:

  • idle
  • run
  • hit animations

• Continued early UI work for upgrade testing:

  • upgrade choices
  • combo step upgrades
  • player upgrades

What I'm unsure about?

• The upgrade system is still being tested.
• The UI is useful for development, but the final rules are not fully locked yet.
• I need to keep improving how I prioritize the work.

Open questions

• How far should Jack be able to hit?
• Should Jack be able to move while attacking?
• Should attacks stop or block movement?
• How should attack directions work with the 2.5D view?
• What should the upgrade curve feel like?

Next steps

• Finish missing hit sprites.
• Test attack distance.
• Test movement during attacks.
• Continue direction tests for attacks.
• Add hitbox sprites.
• Add force and impact particles for hits.
• Fill missing north, south, and diagonal movement animations.
• Keep cleaning up shadows and animation consistency.