Java
Java is an island – that i definetly agree on. But java was the only thing i learned in school before starting my bachelor. I did not encounter big issues when tasked with coding a simple application or describe how something works. So i felt rather comfortable. Then came a big announcement. We had to make a game only using java. Naturally i got really excited and did not wait until any further information was announced.
I started building a framework that would supply a 2d game as well as provide simple controls and enemy behaviour. Luckily for me, the game i was working on did fit the criteria that where later announced. The only thing i really needed to add on top was a possibility for two players to play the game in a local multiplayer mode.
And with that i was set. I worked more than i had planned for, because it was fun. I dove deeper and deeper in my “little java project”. And in the end i had created my fully fledged and working game. I was so excited i immediatly published it on itch.io. In the first weeks i got great feedback from friends and collegues. I even made an update including different unlockable hats to customize your character.
To summerize the project – it was fun, stress and a bit too little sleep. And looking back with the knowledge of other languages and frameworks. I will never set foot on this island ever again. At least not for the purpose of making a video game.
About the game
The game is a bullet hell like shoot em up. You play as a computer virus currently infiltrating your pray. But the system is throwing enemies at you to get rid of your presence.
In order to succesfully accomplish your mission you need to get past several security protocolls in form of boss fights. Each boss infuses, if defeated, the normal enemies with a part of their power. With that they will get stronger and gain new abilities. At the end stands the firewall. Will you be able to defeat it?