How I did it:

• Core Mechanics: I used this Zenva tutorial as a starting point to implement the core "Flappy Bird-like" concept.

• Game Feel & Polish: I implemented character and SFX feedback, then fine-tuned the physics and gravity to enhance the overall game feel.

• Asset Repurposing: I reused assets previously created for Maskonauts: Chat'Attack, including 2D sprites, animations, SFX, musics, and fonts, and adapted them to fit and enhance the new game setting.

• Environment: I created new assets (backgrounds, obstacles, stars, and clouds) and implemented systems to handle their spawning logic, movement speed, and animations. I also added particle effects for cloud and boundary interactions to enhance the game feel. Finally, I integrated a subtle Day & Night cycle that dynamically shifts the background as the player progresses through the level.

• New Game Mechanics: I added a High Score system with the specific constraint of saving data within the web browser. I also introduced New Collectibles with varying effects, a Victory Screen with its own music theme and visuals, and a new Bounce Mechanic. This allows the player to use the top and bottom of the screen to bounce at a tight angle and collect special coins.

• Enemies: I have introduced 5 unique enemy types, each featuring distinct behaviors: stationary, patrolling on various axes, and pursuing the player on sight. To ensure a smooth difficulty curve, I implemented a dynamic spawning system. Each enemy is governed by specific rules, including minimum spawn times, probability rates, and customized attributes such as speed, field of view, and designated spawn zones.

• Core Mechanics: I have redesigned the health system so that it declines with every jump. This creates a perfect balance between energy management and risk-taking. Hovering allows for precise control at the cost of higher energy consumption, while bouncing enables travel with minimal energy loss, though it proves trickier and riskier if an enemy or obstacle spawns in your path. By mastering these mechanics, players will find that progression feels more natural, rewarding both skill and perseverance.

• Options Menu: I added an options menu with sound settings (music and SFX). I also created a theme split into two tracks, each assigned to a specific slider so the player can immediately hear the result of their changes. Additionally, I added an option to reset progression (high scores and settings).

• UX/UI Design: I designed the UI to be self-explanatory, using icons and colors to ensure goals and gameplay elements are immediately clear at a glance. I also added visuals and sound effects to every button and action. Additionally, I implemented multiple control schemes for both menus and in-game play, including keyboard, mouse, and controller support.

Coding: 

I used Claude and Gemini to help me organize my scripts, format my code, and troubleshoot bugs. I chose not to integrate them directly into the project's to ensure I was truly learning Godot and maintaining full creative control over the project.

• For Claude, I regularly provided updates on the current state of my scripts with strict, clear instructions on what to add or remove and how it should fit into the game's general logic. I asked the AI to explain its reasoning at every stage; as a result, the responses acted as personalized tutorials, allowing me to build the game and learn the mechanics myself.

However, I encountered some limitations with Claude:

1. It occasionally changed var to const without notifying me (which wasn't an issue).

2. It sometimes added commands inside the _process and _ready functions without warning, which altered the game's behavior.

3. Furthermore, because I was using the free version, my prompt usage was strictly limited. Uploading my scripts immediately depleted my daily tokens, making it difficult to maintain a continuous workflow.

• Gemini assisted me in navigating the Godot documentation for various settings and troubleshooting bugs and errors.

While it struggled with "hallucinations" and frequently forgot that I was working with version 4.6, it proved to be an incredible time-saver for drafting and refining text for social media, my website, and store pages.