Bringing My Cozy Isometric Game to Life | Hooked DEVLOG #2 

Finally, a new devlog!! This one took sooo long to make. It's really hard when I have to split my time between a thousand things, and game development takes a lot of time in general, but here we are! I would love to hear what you think about the progress we've made on the game in this one. And if you're new here, do you like the idea of "Hooked"?

Bro concernedape really inspired a whole generation of solo devs

One suggestion. When it comes to the level design, I suggest grouping objects together instead of spacing them out evenly. Put stuff like mushrooms or small stones near larger objects like fallen logs and rocks, bushes near trees, etc. And group trees together more densely in some areas. If you have things too evenly distributed, it just looks contrived and unappealing. Things tend to naturally group together in reality. Use it to sorta fade larger objects into the scene with incrementally smaller objects leading away. Use props and foliage to frame the paths and areas the player is expected to navigate, like you would with a fence. A cozy game should be relaxing to look at, random/chaotic prop placement will subconsciously make people feel stressed. Definitely something to look into, as there is more psychology put into level design than people think. Its also very important for the vibe and presentation of the game. I'm both an artist, and have some experience in level design, so thankfully I at least have some sort of idea of what I'm talking about here lol. Your art and style looks great btw! Very professional looking! I'll have to keep up with your devlogs!

I would recommend not putting a candle below your monitor 💀

Your game looks fantastic. That's a benchmark of how isometric games should look like.

I think you have a winner here. The graphics look beautiful and your vision is perfectionist and well thought, there is no doubt this could be a great success! It will take a few years to have a proper game done, but I think this will be your rocket launch as a successful game developer. You'll just have to fight burnout and time passing by. Also your English is very good! Good luck and keep up the good work! 🙂

This is really cool! Isometric pixel art games like this are surprisingly rare even in the indie game scene. I'm very excited for it!

This is a super ambitious project and it looks like you're making great progress! Awesome work.

Hey there! I just wanted to say that you are an incredible artist. I don't have much experience in pixel art, but seeing your game fires up an urge in me to try it. I love your style and pixel art, and it can't be understated how skilled you are. I also noticed that you have a very in-depth plan for the game, and I can't wait to see where this goes :D

Often times it’s harder to avoid a problem than actually solve it we’ve all been there

My solution to your pathfinding problem is to get rid of the pathfinding entirely, move back to a wasd directional movement, but everytime the player presses a button to move in a direction by one unity, send a raycast to that point to check your logic for if that point is a spot it can move to and then cancel the movement and animation if it can not walk in that direction, which can be very easily accomplished if you make your movements a looping while true coroutine with a break or return inside of it based on a condition, would only take a couple of functions to pull off and the end result is a hybrid solution to your desire to not use colliders. Another solution would have been to fake the 2D isometric environment while having it actually be a 3D environment where each tile is actually a cube with an isometric sprite as its child that faces the camera, setting it up to align visually exactly like how it would if you just placed them in 2D and making sure that the cubes you place that are behind other objects get their child sprite destroyed or culled or something automatically so you can easily prototype the level without having to constantly check to see if you are wasting memory by having sprites sit behind other ones that wont even be visible and therefore also avoiding z writing issues automatically due to the nature of the 3D space.

just a little detail. I think it would look better, if the lilipads would move with the waves, now it kinda looks like they are some kind of lilipad-shaped rock

Watched your first devlog when it came out - the progress between first and second is like night and day. Keep going it's looking great!

Night can be dark, but there is a light in a sky called moon.

This is the first video that I genuinely wish was 1hr+, I love the way you explain stuff. The game looks so good so far, I'm definitely getting it :)

This is looking great! Can already tell a lot of effort has gone into it. Can't wait to see how it evolves.

I really love this game! One thing that catched my eye is that the clouds' shadows are still showing at night (there is no light source unless moon is really bright) and when it's raining (all sky is one big cloud probably). I think it could look better if those shadows were there only on sunny days ⛅

It's interesting to follow your gamedev log. This is gamedev theory upside down. You create something that looks good first before even thinking about the type of game you'll make. This gives you constraints right of the bat, which can be a good or a bad thing. It can force you to think creatively with the options at your disposal. It can also limit your freedom preventing you from creating something really unique. This is not the wrong or the right way to do it, that's what makes it so interesting. Keep it up!

I just started developing a game solo and i must say, you are very inspiring. You also show your failures witch are of course also part of game development. Great Work. I am certain that this game is going to be awesome!

Looks great

Feeling cozy already, can’t wait to see this game grow!

As a dev myself who has zero artistic ability, I hate you. This game has my dream style! Absolutely gorgeous!

This art style is stunning

You could repurpose your old movement system as a command system for controlling NPCs or pets. I imagine having a dog that follows you by default; but you can also click on the screen and your character makes a little whistle sound and the dog goes to where you clicked. Maybe there can be some simple tasks that a pet can do for you (like fetch/pick up items from the ground or search an area)

THE ART TURNED OUT SO GOOD

This the the kind of game I've been searching for. I've played a ton of farming sim with my friend then I encountered Dredge. I have not found any game that scratch the itch the Dredge left me. I pray for a successful release for you.

I love the palette, and it all just looks so amazing!!

Definitely nailed the cosy vibes! See you in 6 months :)

Everything looks SO adorable!! Incredibly excited to see the future development of this game!

Thank you so much for making handwritten captions! I've barely started the video but I just want to say thanks, because so few creators make the effort and it's so very much appreciated. I'm not even deaf or hard of hearing, personally, I just find videos easier to process with captions.

Your art style is absolutely beautiful! Great work, can't wait to see more from you!

Great Job! I was literally watching the last devlog, when i realized you uploaded this one!

genuinely love your positive attitude, looking forward to the game development and game in general :)

I really love the way the game looks so far! I'll definitely wishlist it, the controls seem simple and i really like that too, thanks for sharing the progress with us :)

I thought I had never heard about this game until you mentioned the Twitter discussion about the lamps, I remember that Tweet! It's looking really nice, the game looks like one I would play c: looking forward to it! I'm surprised it never crossed my mind the reason Stardew only updates the clock every 10 minutes, I had never thought about it that way even though user experience should be one of my areas of expertise, I learned something new today! I also wanted to mention that you might want to tune the bird take off and landing animations, they seem to be always at the same height

Wow this project looks absolutely amazing, everything looks so beautiful and cosy already! I´m very excited for this game!

would love dynamic rain sounds based on the droplet hitting the ground relative to the player location. simple to implement and is good for atmos.

This was so inspiring and helpful ! We will be waiting for the rest of the devlog ! :)

I dont fish but this looks like such a great game! Cant wait to follow this devlog along.

I have mad respect for this man right here, keep it up man

Wow, great progress. Can't wait for the next one. Keep it up 💪

Neat update showcase, especially editing. The fairly long required time for the grid priority pathfinding, sprite visualisation hierarchy and some other comparatively basic concepts suggest that one or two game-development courses according to the game would be suitable. This is not meant condescendingly, but rather to save time both in your learning process as well as the game development efficiency.

I absolutely love how everything looks so far! I just hope you don't spend too much time on aesthetics and forget about gameplay. A pretty game is nice but boring if the gameplay is dull.

Hi! I recommend focus in the gameplay, this is the most important part of the game, it can be really pretty and cozy (and trust me, your game naled it), but without a really good gameplay, people will just get bored and not play for so long. Remember to give players a reason to stay engaged with your game, like colectables, prizes, etc. Good luck, wish you the best!

I love your art style so much

Such a great devlog! Can't wait to see more! Very inspiring!

The game looks amazing so far and the devlog was edited to perfection, very fun to watch.

If you ever decide that WASD movement would be better after all, you can use an edge collider 2D to wrap a collider around an object. Should work in isometric.

This is gorgeous. As a fellow artist I really appreciate all the little details as well as the overall visual presentation. I'd play this game for the visuals and character creator alone! Although I am of course looking forward to seeing some gameplay in future devlogs. One thing I noticed is that when it's raining you can still see those cloud shadows. They're cool in general but make it seem like there are way too few clouds for it to rain everywhere. I think it would look better if you disable them on rainy days to give the impression of the entire sky being overcast. The lighting change does wonders here. Also consider making the clouds move slower for a more relaxed and realistic vibe.

I said this once and ill say it again this would 100% be my dream game, these devlogs are crazy, even though the huge gap in time from #1 to #2 I see that it was worth it, all of the work put in the game so far is incredible, honestly I can't wait for hooked to come out this is amazing, it's crazy to see how a far a person can make a game in around 6 months. All the best of luck to you man.

For the love of god please move the candle from underneath your monitor! The little flame will still create a lot of heat which may damage your monitor and not to mention the soot which will slowly accumulate over that section of your monitor. That out of the way, a cute and satisfying art style like the one you're heading towards really adds a lot to this project.

This game looks brilliant! It was really interesting to hear how you solved the isometric rendering issues. Can't wait to see more!

Im excited to finish this video, ive re watched the first 2 devlogs a few times cause i was excited for this one lol

First video I see of this series and have to say I’m really impressed so far! One suggestion is that it might be nice to add some sort of image effect over the game to give it a blue tint. This works really well to sell night instead of just a dark overlay.

holy crap man this is awesome :D

your Game Art is soooo gooooood! can u give your game colour palate.I recommend you use 2 monitor and eye care.

Frumos jocul! Felicitări! 🎉

Hey, here's a few quick ideas: The clock could be like a pocket watch that you can open/close whenever you want, that way, the game feels more relaxed and time doesn't make players want to rush. Also, you don't have to fully scrap the tile selecting to walk pathfinding algorithm - birds and other animals could use a simplified version of that by walking to randomly selected tiles

Reaaally nice progress, i´m loving the art style!! Looking forward to the next one. Good job man

Im so glad i found you!! This game makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside! Can't wait to follow your progress!!

That was inspiring man, thanks. Good luck with your game.

Yo, the art style is VERY CLEAN. I haven't watched anything yet but if it's your stuff... Keep going. Art style goes a really long way, especially if it's cohesive across the entire game.

The art style looks soo lovely! It was also interesting to see how you solved the isometric sprite sorting issue. Great job all around!!

Not so sure about the date cards, for instance at 18:08 . There seems to be a pixel-y/computer-y text with a typing effect, with a VCR style filter, over cinematic landscape shots. I'd personally only pick one theme, as they all fight for attention. Beyond that, though, excellent video and amazing looking game! Looking forward to watch this channel skyrocket.

It looks so good 💯😊

I haven’t played isometric games in years but the original Genesia game was my childhood love. And I have totally forgotten about the square island view that it had - which the start of this video suddenly bought back in my mind. The square floating island that scrolls into the next square… there’s something really appealing about it

Just a random idea I had while seeing your "bird getting scared" mechanic: If you intend to add some sort of perks, one of them could be that the player is able to go near wild animals like birds.

Your art and the quality of the videos are top notch. Would love to hear more on your background!

WOW THIS IS AMAZING

bro this looks soooo good🔥🔥🔥😭 i wish i could make pixel art this good

I want to learn pixel art, anime drawing, and isometric game development like you. Game looks Awesome. I found my path to choose😊

Hey This is so inspiring, i've been struggling to find a game ideas for years and seeing this game you are making kind of gives me a few ideas. Keep up the good work.

The Art Looks Amazing

thank god for the subtitles

Wow! Thanks you for you time making this devlog video! Your game looks amazing! Good luck with that! I’m going to a wishlist page 😄

It's looking amazing, good luck i will look forward your game!

What a game! It's amazing, I really like this art style and gameplay, it's great. I think if it could be multiplayer, so we could fish together, farm, trade, build, more and more things....it would be better.

Stardew valley mobile has a similar movement system, where you click where you want to go. I think you should keep it as an acessibility option

this is a very well edited video I know the hard work you have done! new sub❤❤

I just came across the video and it caught my attention! Although selling for a higher price with train could be a nice way to have players keep playing to maybe build the train or train station I thing having the products being sold localy for more money but take longer to sell and have the train be faster and instant would be a good balance while keeping the building aspect of the train station

Youre going places kid. :)

The design of this game is outstanding, I love the idea of making all the Animals cute and round. Making the game in an isometric style is great and helps it pop out compared to other Stardew Valley-like games. A bias suggestion is to add Raccoons, have them scavenge around trash cans mostly at night and maybe have the option to befriend by feeding it something you picked from the ground or fished up then it follow you around. 🦝😊

you deserve the subs for the relaxing game making! 🎉

This project looks incredible and I can see this being very popular with the Stardew Valley fanbase and others similar, keep going man! Steam page is really well executed too ;)

this so cool been watching u from ur first video on this channel, u have improved alot hahaha well ur art was also good but i like this new art as well ❤

This looks so great!! Look forward to following your progress☀️

Game's looking great! You definitely achieved some immaculate cozy vibes :D. Why not try adding a bit more life to the whole enviroment by utilising....animations... Having some simple trees sway, wind formations, leaves falling could definitely elevate your game and make it feel more alive! Looking forward to the next develog :)

bro you are amazing i love the vibe you create for the video and the game😍

this game oooks amazing!! you nailed the style

Solid pixel art 👍

You are sooo flippin cool man! Liked and subscribed. Good luck with your game, doing so much on your own is impressive but take some rest every now and then.

Brother, i would love to know more about your background! Im eager to get into gamedev myself and understanding the "requeriments" to make a game like yours would honestly be a big help, am honestly in love with what you already made this far, I believe you are extremely talented and can clearly see that you work a lot to make this happen, hopefully i can get a reply, thank you very much in advanced !

never played any of the games you listed at the start but excited to see how the game comes out in the end!

I started trying Unity 2 weeks ago for creating exactly this game!! Wow, like my mind is on the screen. *added to wishlist*

Yo, happy to see a new video from you! The quality of your videos have really gone up by a lot! Also your game looks really cool so far and I love your pixelart! Good luck on the development 🙂

I would like to recommend one suggestion. Put the time ui on the pause menu no one has to look at the time all the time. And on the pause menu it will be like an achievement like yeah I have spent an year on this game. Btw love these devlogs.❤

loving the visual! maybe you could try making the clouds shadow bigger but more transparent, anyway everything is looking amazing

Subscribed! Wishing you the best of luck on this new journey and can't wait to follow the progress. 🙌

I really love how the game is looking so far! The only suggestion I might make is to try and distance yourselves from Stardew. Your chicken design, for instance, though very cute reminds me of Stardew a lot. The same with a road to town and one to a mine. Find some unique and fun quirks that will make players know they are playing Hooked. Really lean into the fishing side of things. Love the idea of sailing out to sea! I do absolutely love it so far though! Great work :)

This game looks amazing congrats on your progress