Haunted Castle | Devlog

Support the Project: / legend64project
It felt great to make some artwork again after focusing on enemy AI for so long! I had a lot of fun making this environment, so I hope you enjoy the video :)
A huge thank you to all of my patron supporters!
#gamedev #unrealengine #indiegame #spookygames #liminalspace

[@RaspberryWoof]

Just stumbled across your Twitter page last night and this video has me super excited for this game. I love the ideas behind liminal space in game design and feel like you could do so much with a hub world that would make things creepy and interesting. Rooms could shift around. A room could lead to hallways that go on far longer than they should when the player 'knows' that it shouldn't be that long. Once familiar with the layout, new doors could appear that weren't there before. Rooms themselves could change, ala the ballroom and bar in the Shining, and then change back as if nothing happened. Twilight princess's wolf link form letting you talk to the shades of ghostly spirits that weren't otherwise visible was also very cool and set a creepy atmosphere. Ghosts lost and confused unable to tell that they're already gone and just wondering what happened. So many cool things you can do~ If you haven't read it, House of Leaves is a very good book that could be a source of inspiration (I'm commenting only halfway through the vid so if this is mentioned later apologies~) But yeah! Very cool~ super excited! Love the aesthetic!

[@Legend64Project]

You're speaking my language :)

[@Claire-gy9yu]

having random happenings in the castle hub area is such a cool design space to play with. random characters that appear and leave, maybe a strange gap in a wall or ceiling that opens up (possibly leading into a new area), random enemies, even atmospheric effects like rare sounds, like creaking wood or muffled creature noises that only play every so often or when certain conditions are met.

[@thrashmash]

Loving the mysterious atmosphere. Kind of on the in between of being an adventure game and a horror game. This game will be legendary.

[@hawshimagical]

it made me feel like zelda ocarina's forest temple but as a full game. that temple was a haunted mansion

[@kylemason01]

So good! My only critique is that you lost a little of the impact of entering your new area because the camera is pulled back so far from the character, it adds this disconnect from the perspective. I would have pulled the camera in when you enter the corridor that leads to the main hall.

[@vertiZuDemKarl]

This (at least for me) hits all the boxes you mentioned perfectly. A Liminal, Spooky yet somehow nostalgic and protected feeling. Absolutely great work on the design part! I am so excited to see where this project is heading!

[@FlorianEckerFilm]

The Guardion move was genius! Please do that in the final game, too! Not with a Guardian obviously but with something similar unexpected.

[@tomkc516]

When you transitioned to the lighting adjustment, my mouth dropped! Looks amazing!

[@eath2496]

man if there was a spider like enemy like that climbing up the pillars to me on a different flower would be terrifying honestly

[@walrus2515]

I love the sort of atmosphere you’re tapping into with this game! I can’t wait to explore the castle myself.

[@lokkrip]

the guardian actually scared me hahahaha

[@Eendhoorn]

That was an amazing devlog! You really described a lot of intangible feelings I had playing n64 games. After ganondorf entered the temple of time midway in ocarina of time I was scared every time I had to go back there. Putting a surprise encounter there would surely traumatise a lot of younger players the same way haha.

[@Legend64Project]

Younger me would have freaked out if they did that XD

[@sirtroba]

10:36 I played an old RPG Maker game called Ao Oni that handled this concept beautifully; regardless of where you are in the mansion, the Oni can spawn at one of the entrances randomly & chase you through the rooms for a couple seconds You never knew when it was gonna happen, & the only option you had was to get away

[@Smabverse]

This game really looks cool, I don't know any other game that looks like this, except for games that really launched around 1995.

[@Manfre22]

The encounter really brought it all together for me. Having it go from just mysterious to dangerous is the transition that struck a chord for me

[@minilabyrinth]

Wooo 3rd! Always love seeing updates on this game. You should add an optical illusion somewhere in the castle, it seems like it should have one

[@Tazerboy_10]

Yup

[@sleepynuigurumiamalgamation]

I just made a connection at the very end of the vid. Occasionally I browse Itch for odd games, a number of low poly spooky games, the atmospheres, & great amount of oddity. I never really took time to know what liminal space is but now hearing it; I realize some of my favorite parts of those games are liminal spaces, that "are fun to explore." Thx for that. Magic spaces of unproportionable size are awesome too.

[@GammaRayTech]

You've done did it, you've finally convinced me to drop everything and try to work on a game with these graphics, i've been thinking about it for years, I always end up coming back and seeing your progress and I freaking love it! I've always loved these graphics the most from any period of games.

[@purplewurmple7759]

nice good luck on your project!

[@GammaRayTech]

@@purplewurmple7759 Thank you :D. This game gives ultimate nostalgia feels, I love it :D

[@Lbird1993]

As someone who feels the itch but all of his work is still in 2D where do you think you're gonna start?! :o

[@GammaRayTech]

​@@Lbird1993 i'd say trying to untrain the high poly mentality is the part i'm starting with. I've taken ZBrush ZSpheres for granted for character modeling lol.

[@GammaRayTech]

@@Lbird1993 I've tried to learn 2D, I don't iknow why, I just cannot grasp how to do Pixel art, yeah I know it's funny lol.

[@enriqueroque3634]

I love this style of games

[@Tazerboy_10]

The low poly N64 and PS 1/2 era?

[@enriqueroque3634]

@@Tazerboy_10 yes!

[@FioreFire]

I could eat nothing but this game's aesthetic for every meal for a week and not get tired of it

[@evanstowers8529]

I really liked how visually jarring thr spider thing was when it suddenly came on the screen and towards the main character at the end. This castle is a work of art honestly. Last night I suddenly got the itch to make an OOT style game and I haven't been able to keep it out of my head....I called my brother today and talked to him about us hanging out and getting UE5 and learning how to make a game. Watching your videos has made me appreciate OOT even MORE! But honestly I've always said that there has been no true successor to the N64 Zelda games in gaming and there has been no game that was truly like OOT. I honestly believe it's a massive unexplored type of game... ...people make games that are of similar "type" but they honestly just miss out on whatever it is that OOT brings to the table. When I see projects like yours I realize that other people are working on spirtual successors to OOT and I still want to work on my own but I'd also just be happy to play yours if I do end up coming back around to this.... Nice work! Seeing your develogs has made me appreciate the time it takes and also informed me that it's probably not for me woth my other passions and everything. :)

[@infront95]

The only bad thing about theese videos is: There is never enough of them. Waiting new devlogs as saturday morning cartoons back in the day.

[@rookus875]

excited to see where this game goes!! I’m always waiting for new dev logs to come out - very inspiring

[@Dilllly]

Love how this turned out. Definitely appreciate how you showed your approach to some very interesting ideas. The texture atlasing really had me like :0

[@MadamLava094]

"Wow this really is coming togeth-" *guardian theme starts*

[@JamesFarrOfficial]

Love this. Keep up the amazing work. Subbed.

[@paulytheking7365]

Wow, this looks amazing! I don't know if you remember me, but I'm the guy that sent you those music demos.

[@n2existance]

Really liking how the interior looks so far, love watching your process

[@fungo6631]

Ironically, Kaze Emanuar's new Mario 64 mod looks much better while running on a real N64.

[@utryping]

You have a very good understanding of how to create atmosphere

[@cgl4de]

I love the look of this and the atmosphere. Kinda eerie and mysterious at the same time you know?

[@Broockle]

only found the channel yesterday. Love it. Still got a bit of binging left 😀

[@connorfarnham7059]

this rules. i’m reminded of Souls hubs, like Firelink or even Roundtable Hold. often very eerie, and sometimes you show up and the bonfire is out and an enemy shows up in your supposed safe place.

[@jmcgaggles6822]

Coupla things 1: I think another good example of an uncanny setting is the Black Lodge from twin peaks. The chevron floor pattern is quite active while the red curtains give you the impression they could part at any moment with someone/something hiding behind. 2: Atmosphere is a hard thing to nail down but I think, hypothetically, one could make a tutorial on it. Atmosphere is about adding a 2nd dimension to what already exists that the audience/player/pedestrian is look at. Like yes there is a hallway, but SURPRISE there is fog and while you recognize it to be a foggy hallway you may have a full grasp of what it means; be it big or small there is a level of obscurity that supports the initial focal point. That gen of console game were excellent at using atmosphere because you can't help but make something uncanny with the graphic limitations at the time.

[@josikinz]

holy shit this project is so cool

[@hawshimagical]

i do kinda wish i wasnt spoiled of the surprise with that robot monster in the castle, but thats just how devlogs are. very very nice job, i like goemon and zelda on the n64

[@alt0248]

You've got the touch! I absolutely love the look!

[@beeshings]

The guardian's legs suddenly appearing from offscreen was legit creepy AF.

[@mangoalias608]

LOVE this. always excited to see more of this series. I think the way you use inspiration is really interesting, you're a very talented developer :)

[@smileforever176]

That Guardian scared the crap out of me

[@kn58657]

Someone might have mentioned this, but seeing the giant enemy in the castle hall reminded me of the iconic spider-tank scene from the original Ghost in the Shell film. Awesome presence. I really like your uniquely thoughtful and meditative videos -- eager to see more (:

[@JeffreydeKogel]

This is absolutely lovely. As a fellow (former) game designer, it's very cool to watch your entertaining and informative devlogs.

[@zakkiblakk]

I LOVE the idea of a safe space becoming hazardous as the game progresses. Like when Mr. X enters Resident Evil 2... that unnerving feeling is one unlike any I've felt before.

[@KamranWali]

The game is coming along very well. Really like the atmosphere of the game. The environment does really feel spooky. Also adding the giant enemy in that area is a good idea it adds to the horror element. A lot of old games does feel empty now when you think about it but back in the day that empty feeling would be replaced with imagination. Keep it up! :)

[@GoblinDepartment]

I appreciate your "function + form" approach to level design - you understand a space's purpose & layout, relative to the player, beyond just making it look nice.

[@derple8524]

I won't lie, the Guardian coming out of nowhere with that music made my heart jump

[@user-fo2cw5wn3w]

I grew up with the N64, I can't wait! I always wanted to make a video game of my own!!!

[@dudetteofclowntown]

To be honest a giant creature just coming in randomly after you entered time and time again would be a good spook XD

[@sethtfp2373]

You do not understand how long I just spent trying to find this channel again.

[@n64glennplant]

Tons of goemon vibes in this castle setting - and that’s a high compliment 👍

[@Muninn_Crow]

That was hilarious. Thanks for such a detailed review of the design process for the space. It answers a number of questions I'd been poking at for my own projects.

[@blackcitadelstudios]

Love your videos and your dev journey. Working on my dream game too. Thanks for inspiring me to continue working on my game. ☺️

[@blackcitadelstudios]

If you got time and if it's not a hassle. Do you have any tips on how you manage to build your game at the same time build your youtube community? I'm a bit lost at this part.

[@EllieCollie]

I think a 100% safe room is needed for any place supposed to be “scary” most resident evil games do that and it’s so relieving after a long time of playing to go into an room you know is safe and hear some soft soothing music.

[@TheUnknownAK]

only just found this series but I love everything about this game and the style you're going for, really great work

[@JonnyCrackers]

I know nothing about game design, but this is looking fantastic. I love the atmosphere and art style. It has a lot in common with Legend of Zelda, but also Mystical Ninja which is a game I still love to this day. Looking forward to seeing more of your progress!

[@StaleHotCheeto1]

Each one of your devlogs just makes me more excited for this project. Amazing work!

[@RugbugRedfern]

This game keeps looking better and better! The texture work is amazing. Can't wait to see what you do next :D

[@CrystalFaceGuy]

Just found your videos and I’m VERY excited about your game! This looks so amazing!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@projectavalongame]

Absolutely goated devlog series, the game looks fantastic and you always tell some story about the inspiration which in turn inspires me. Thanks for the vid :)

[@megafgc9213]

This is awesome man, great work

[@Sensei-from-BlueArchive]

10:35 I like that concept, if I may remember right, Metroid games made use of this a lot. You pass through a seemingly peaceful area or relatively easy enemies, then when you have to go back, it has far stronger enemies and you are given the chance to ignore them and keep going until you reach next rooms

[@Lux-le7kb]

I love following your work and seeing your inspiration and design process, this format is perfect 👌

[@rickerto]

I really like where you're going with this project.

[@rickerto]

Btw. is that a music 10:50 from Return to Castle Wolfenstein?

[@Pivot-Shorts]

Love this project. Definitely earned a sub here! Looking forward for more dev logs :)

[@selfdestruct8432]

This has become one of the best devlogs around, thanks bro.

[@Rice_And_Cast_Iron]

Yet another prefect environment! Keep it up and you will have an awesome game in the end! Thanks for introducing liminal space to me, never heard of it until now and I will surely look into it for inspiration!

[@grunnindieps1-stylesurviva200]

Really cool stuff man, love the design and you walking us through your thought process. Good results :)

[@starlitcastle]

I really enjoy the atmosphere you are building! Makes me want to play around with a low poly level myself.

[@fatmario8244]

Dude this is so awesome, it’s beyond words, the art style is so so beautiful and the atmosphere is amazing. You managed to capture and outdo your inspiration perfectly. Really excited for this.

[@HurlyBurlyStudios]

I appreciate how you have a rationalisation for each creative decision. Great work, fella.👍

[@fangbauble0133]

a guardian as an easter egg when you enter (like 1/100 or 1/1000) would be cool

[@doododaadoo8673]

When I first saw your "making my dream game" video, I was worried this game would just be a boring rehash of OOT. This video, however, proved me wrong. Your ideas for this area alone are absolutely incredible, and I am incredibly excited to see how this game evolves.

[@Zeithri]

The first three minutes and hilarious, you got me wrong every time 😆😆😆 I don't mind Mario 64 the least bit unnerving at all. Nor uncomfortable. Nor any of those other places you pointed out as liminal spaces. No what I find terrifying is when I *feel* eyes are staring at me, and I know there used to be people living in that area. But a hospital at night, hotel at night. No, not scary at all. School yard? Hell no. 10:20 - HAHAHA THE GUARDIAN XD Inspirational as always even if it was hilariously wrong-hit on me the part about liminal spaces x3

[@swisspunker94]

by far my favorite devlog to watch! I think you really nail the n64 look and the game is coming together nicely!

[@sirtorus]

I’m excited for this, the way you imply there is more space to this castle is so cool and unique! Keep up the good work!

[@SebastianGraves]

This is genuinely my favorite project to watch right now. Great work man.

[@Greyson666]

lmao this was my first time seeing this project, and at first i thought it was a creepypasta-esque legend of zelda fangame based on the thumbnail and name of the project. the guardian weirdly fits in really well within the environment.

[@orlanswf]

ohhh boy! i've been expecting a new video from you for what feels like half a year! seeing your uploads pop up in my feed is always exciting!

[@dawne2780]

Man, all of your videos are so inspiring. It just goes to show that with enough passion, someone can make their dreams come true. Love the Mystic Ninja soundtrack by the way, that's very on theme with your game.

[@martinlasek]

This really evolved fantastically during the video 👊🏻✨

[@Old_Harry7]

Quick question, have thought of a story for the game yet? The vibes this game gives is really something magical and just by looking at it I imagine a young boy traveling from his little village through the forest and stumbling into the mansion/abandoned temple by accident then _Navi_ would come along and act as the tutorial. The old folks back at the village before you part ways could also mention the mansion as a sort of urban legend hosting a bunch of spirits and warning you to not venture too deep in the forest for that very same reason. "_player's name_ I know you like playing in the woods but do not venture too far in it, spirits guard the place".

[@Entikai]

Very nice! I like everything I see here. Keep it up, you are doing great!

[@Zawazuki]

Dude, your dev vlogs are awesome.

[@TheSpectralForce]

Your work is truly impressive

[@UliTroyo]

Such a cool project. One of my favorite devlog series :)

[@GrandHighGamer]

Looking great. I know the character isn't finished and I don't know if you've access to vertex colouring to make this easy, but I feel like baking in a tiny bit of shading into the character model's vertexes might help prevent her from ending up looking flat if she's not being strongly lit. The player character from Banjo Kazooie shows this off a bit better than Link I think, but just having the undersides / corners of the models / interior of the sleeves slightly dark as though the character's in overcast lighting means that even devoid of a light source they'll not just become completely flat shaded. Currently her skin tends to just become a solid colour under a lot of the lighting conditions. Baking in the lighting when possible is a definitely hallmark of games really up until the 360 era.

[@Junkuza]

A game called 'The Sexy Brutale' does this sort of thing very well too, especially considering it feels lonely and stressful even with the addition of other characters. I love games that do stuff like this.

[@PhantasmicDev]

Great work! I love the eerie atmosphere.

[@sandakureva]

How did I sleep on this channel for so long? This stuff is fantastic work.

[@ArodoraaSFM]

I'm so excited for you to be able to see everything come together, you're doing fantastic!

[@corwynprichard6274]

This is looking stunning, like a spooky feudal japanese Spencer Mansion foyer, looking forward to this project!

[@syeo501]

It's absolutely awesome to see a process like this. It's also very inspiring. Couple of months ago I had a game idea and I feel like doing some work on it someday.

[@zackbryans4982]

It looks so good, amazing as always! The souls games have a similar kind of feeling that you were talking about at the end. Returning back to a place that had been your safe haven to be greeted by an enemy is a great way to keep your players on edge.

[@Fighter05]

Such a talented artist! Love these videos so it feels good to be early.

[@MrCheeze]

Like the surprise at the end. Since you brought up the topic, this area really does feel well suited to an event like that.

[@FoxerTails]

Absolutely nailed the Japanese aesthetic for this castle! Also, how dare you put in that Guardian jump scare. I'm actually in the middle of a new BOTW playthrough getting ready for the sequel, so hearing the theme definitely made me jump for a moment.

[@OceanicManiac]

The hub zone randomly having a huge monster (or a large group of smaller monsters) would be great. Depending on how and where your endless hallway is going to be accessed, I think being forced to run into the endless hallway to escape whatever has appeared in the hub zone would be really cool, similar to if Mr.X from Resident Evil 2 was a random event, or appears after certain conditions are met. Maybe returning to the hub zone when this monster has appeared has a different, spookier tune playing. And when you come into view of the monster an intense/urgent version of that tune starts playing as it gives chase. Maybe after getting the right equipment or powers, you could actually fight it as well. This could be for main story reasons, or it could be an optional challenge for an extra reward. I think in the og version of RE2 you got infinite ammo if you managed to kill Mr X early.

[@mikel9292]

Damn, this is looking freaking fantastic. Keep going!

[@Jkg71]

This was the most entertaining Devlog Ive ever watched!

[@lastkings_games]

The castle looks amazing! I really like the mood. Looking forward to more.

[@neill6585]

We must be on a similar wavelength. The subtle fade in of Bill Browns track from RCTW was just perfect. When I'm testing out some of my scenes I'll throw it on in the background as kind of a mood reference. Splendid work on the game so far. You're really capturing a vibe and its wonderful to watch.

[@rubiksstudios4584]

I can't wait to play your game man! I'm also making a game and you're a huge inspiration to me.