Hi, so I couldn’t quite find a decent answer online about this and figure just jumping in would be the best way to start learning Godot since traditional learning isn’t working for me.
So I have an idea for a little game based on Spectrobes, the old DS Disney creature collector title. I want to first and foremost learn how to program the digging minigame.
For those uninitiated, the spectrobes minigame involved “digging” for spectrobes fossils and minerals. You’d break through layers of rock first by tapping the screen, then land on a layer with a bit of the fossil/mineral sticking out. You’d then “dig” the fossil/mineral out of the ground, all the while being careful not to damage what you’re digging up with your drill. It’s this mechanic I want to figure out how to program.
From there I want to expand it as a micro game to just revive your spectrobes, grow them, and send them on missions. But first and foremost I want to learn the digging mechanism. Can anyone help me figure out where to start looking?
It looks to me (based on your description and a half second of youtube footage I found) like it’s “3D”, at least in part.
I’m guessing, but I think it’s something like:
have a rock layer plane that fills the screen, every time the player taps it, it changes texture (to look like a new, different layer), and you play some particle effects and breaking rock sounds
an underlying fossil layer that’s the fossil embedded in geometry – pre-shatter the geometry, or make it a bunch of small objects packed together, so when one gets tapped you can either make it disappear (and trigger some sound/visual fx) or send it flying (along with whatever effects).
The digging minigame is 2d pixel drawing. You can google “Godot set_pixel” to find examples how to use it. You would want to paint on an images alpha channel to make it transparent. Like using the eraser in a drawing program.
Much more beginner friendly version would be like what @hexgrid suggested, but with 2D sprites. I recommend that if you are learning programming.
Have a bunch of ground sprites cover the fossil and delete them by touching or clicking with mouse. Google “godot delete sprite by mouse click” to get started.