Hi everyone,

finally reaching itch.io and excited to share the project we are working on: StarBoost.

StarBoost is a galactic racing game with spaceships you can choose - earning money and reputation by winning tournament races - each having unique flying behavior and specs, enabling different racing styles and maneuvers. There are a lot of combat mechanics besides shooting with a focus on manipulating time and making quick jumps, strafes, boosts and so on. The teaser we made for launching the steam page shows off some parts of the core gameplay and mechanics.  

Currently we are working on features that extend the core gameplay and make it more fun and engaging. We are a small indie duo:  my partner -  who is focusing on world building and coming up with new ideas for game mechanics and overall design of the game - and I, responsible for programming and UI. We have been working on this one for quite a while - over one and a half years - but it has been on and off in the beginning.
Serious development started in the last 6 months and we are looking forward to a year full of adventures and learning that lies in front of us.

Current Development Agenda:
During the last 2 weeks I have been experimenting with getting  a first draft of the Racing AI implemented. I think nailing  the competition feeling during the race down will take a lot of work and balacing it will probably take up until the very end to get it right. BUT, I think this is a great addition and looking forward to getting a more and more refined racing rush into the game. The race itself definitely feels more dynamic this way. 

Having multiple racers on a track has a lot of consequences for the gameplay, implies further working on mechanics with offensive and defensive playstyle and also HUD updates to fit everything in and show all relevant data points. Not to mention level design and adjustments - so a lot of “feeling it out” until it comes together.

There is much more to show and talk about but I'll flesh that out during the following devlogs. There will be updates to share on the racing KI, vehicles and the environment side of things.

Hope you enjoy the glimpse into what StarBoost is about! Interested in hearing your first impressions. If StarBoost is something you would enjoy playing or if you have ideas or suggestions, let me know in the comments.

Wishlist now on steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2471590/StarBoost/?beta=1

Cheers!