Week 11 - 01/12/08

I started this week by filling in all the gaps in the GUI, where I needed to put a simple screen of content. First off, I finished the online options in the start menu with the ability now to check for updates and install them, install/uninstall mods and see fake links to community websites. I like these little details because I think they make the project feel a bit more real, like the game has a bit more substance.
Next up was the inventory section of the pause menu. I added a final screen for the Equip and Journal options and the selection of weapons to tinker now goes to a selection screen with slots for equipment. They cycle through quite smoothly and say currently unavailable where they haven't been unlocked in the game yet.
In the HUD screen, I have added a tutorial to walk the user through the different interactions they can perform. As well as finalising the animations and visuals of the radar and candle, I have added muzzle flare to the pistol and an NPC that pops up and shoots the player to show how damage will be visually displayed.
My final tweak has been a complete redesign of the banner on the start menu. It is now animated with falling coins and includes money, guns and blood in the design - as these themes will recur throughout the game. The text also has a glow and drop shadow and I think it stands out well and remains legible despite the detailed background.
With the work complete in my eyes, I have sent links out to people on my course and friends on facebook who fall into the target audience of the game.