Description
This is a list of possible updates and enhancements for the Source Academy game. These ideas were collected through the Game survey conducted in AY21/22, and we hope to implement some / most of these in the near future. Some of these could be tackled by future CP3108 teams as well.
In-Game Features
Chapter Achievements
The feature was proposed during AY21/22 Semester 2 CP3108A Project but was not implemented. The suggested system was that each chapter would have 3 "Stars" in total, and each star would be awarded for having done some specific task in the game. For example, the first star would be awarded for finishing the chapter, the second star would be awarded for finding a hidden dialogue, and the third star would be awarded for completing a programming-related quiz. (It is very much similar to mobile puzzle game with different stages, and may appeal to the completionists)
Mini-map and Fast Travel
Some students have suggested that a Fast Travel system to cut down on the number of areas that the player needs to travel through to reach their destination. While we can implement a rudimentary version of the Fast Travel that can be accessed from the menu and works like the current navigation (showing all navigable areas in a list with preview images), it may be more interesting in the long run to create a mini-map of the Source Academy ship and integrate this with the Fast Travel system.
Game Inventory System
This is not an entirely new feature - the Collectibles feature can display items that the player has. However, this current system can be better integrated with the newly developed features in the Dashboard, and perhaps enable players to collect or use items through exploration or completing tasks.
Game Tweaks
Chapter Notifications
There could be a notification system for students to be made aware of when a new chapter is published.
Sound Test Option
Within the Settings menu, having an option to test the sound volume could be useful.
Settings in sliders instead of values
The current settings are adjustable in terms of values. Replacing these with sliders may allow the settings to feel more dynamic.
Dialogue Clicks
Currently, a single click will complete the current dialogue line and immediately move onto the next line. Instead, a single click to reveal all of the current dialogue line, and another click to move to the next line, will be helpful for students to not miss any dialogue. (This was partially addressed by the Dialogue log, but having to check dialogue every time you missed a dialogue is also not an ideal solution)
Dialogue Box Placement / Hiding
There have been suggestions by the students to move the Dialogue box so that it doesn't cover the character avatars, and perhaps implement a feature to hide the Dialogue box on toggle in order to admire the artwork of the Game.