Hello everybody, there has been a lot of interesting discussion recently on game design that has got me thinking on game difficulty and trying to make the game not lose its thrill.

So, I'm here now to post some thoughts on improving Infection's difficulty! I know a lot of people say it's hard as it is, but since this is my main project and it isn't going to be that long, I figured why not make it as fun and challenging as possible?

I'll just start this off, and PLEASE give me your thoughts and opinions! If something doesn't sound like it would add fun, then let me know!
If it sounds like it could work and add some flare, then mission success!

Idea 1:
Stepping on skeletons causes minor damage, only once on first contact. After that they are "shattered" and not so dangerous to walk on. I like this idea, because it adds that survivalness when in the streets or a building. The damage won't be much, like 1-3HP, so you don't HAVE TO avoid them, but why not if you can?
-Logical reason: would you really step on skeletons?

Idea 2:
Infected, or any other enemies level up with you! For example, at level 3 or 4 the infected will become only slightly stronger, but not as weak as they were before. I was thinking this to prevent people reaching a higher level and being able to smash down common infected like flies and grind to level 10. At least this way, they prove more and more of a challenge as you raise level. They won't get superbeast or anything, just to be able to match you without getting slaughtered.
-Logical Reason: Helps with over-leveling abit, and makes it not so boring when you are higher level.

Idea 3:
Stamina system RUN/WALK! I've been thinking about this for awhile now, and I have had comments on it and I agree that this game could benefit for a running system. But like I stated before I'd have to compensate for you being able to run faster by either having faster zombies that can actually catch you, or you would get fatigue which could hurt you inside of combat or make you slower than normal for a short period of time.
This one is really up in the air, because to add something so helpful, it has to have a downside. So would it be better without it?
-Logical Reason: People run. People run from zombies fast. But you can't run forever!

So these are just a few ideas I wanted to throw out there, I will probably implement Idea 2 just because it seems like a no-brainer.
I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions, and I will add to this blog with any further ideas, but only if I have 3+ more, I'll let ya'll know!

On a different note, I've entered the Hallow's Eve contest, as I'm sure many of you have!
I hope to get something finished, but I'm not too sure, we will see though. I've actually had time to work on Infection, so I can't put it on the back burner for a game contest.

Anywho, cheers RMN!

Hello everyone, I'm happy to announce that I finally got around to working on a Lock-picking system for Infection.
I've been wanting to do this for quite some time now, pretty much since the beginning of version 2.0, but never tried implementing it fully.
I wanted something somewhat unique and different, and something that wasn't too difficult to repeat as well as code.
And this is the final product as it stands:



It's really quite simple and won't ever be too hard to do, the main challenge for harder doors will be the time limit, which will vary from difficulty of the lock.
Changing this to reflect character skill level of "Lockpick" which gives you more time the higher the level you are. -As suggested by drakiyth, thanks!
So time given will start relatively low until you get more levels, for each level you will get +1 point to your Lockpick skill(Starts at 5), and time in the lockpick challenges will be decided by your current lockpick skill x2.
(ex. Lockpick Skill of 7, will give you a timer of 14seconds.)

Basically what you do is match the top "image" of columns with the bottom columns by either choosing to adjust the column or leave it alone and move onto the next.
Not every column will always have to be moved each time, but if you do choose "Next" on a column that needs to be adjusted there won't be any turning back and you'll ultimately fail the lockpicking session.
So you'll have to be careful and look closely, but be sure to get it all done within the time limit!

If you do succeed in picking the lock, you'll be awarded experience points which will of course vary again on the difficulty of the lock, and of course gain access to a new area/room/etc.
If you fail, the lock will become broken and unusable, thus disallowing you access.

I'm still working out a few minor problems with the system, but I can assure you you'll see this somewhere in the next update.
I hope this will add some fun and sense of "puzzles" to the game where I think it's lacking.

Cheers. :)