Massive Boss Won't Fit on Screen. Meet 'Mower', New High-Rise Monster in 'Penitent' / Devlog 20

I'm thrilled to unveil the latest addition to Project Penitent: 'Mower'. With dimensions rivaling a high-rise, this colossal adversary will stretch the limits of your screen as it relentlessly pursues you.
Mower lives in an expansive, sodden grassland, a serene yet treacherous setting. The opening segment of this video dissects the components of this environment. While I'll be introducing distinctive landmarks down the line, the overarching vision centers on cultivating emotions of vulnerability and isolation, entwined with a profound connection to the expanse. Within this enigmatic terrain, there exists no sanctuary to evade potential perils that might lie in wait.
The protagonist, Degroth, embarks on a journey through these marshy expanses, a quest propelled by the pursuit of clues guiding him toward the ultimate challenge: a showdown with Mower. Lacking a conventional map, the distant thunder serves as the lone compass, guiding the player to vital checkpoints. The mission demands the collection of artifacts, and of course, the fortitude to stand tall against the daunting presence of Mower
#godot #godotengine #devlog #Penitent #devmar

[@Noodlekdoodle]

Very few games succeed in making their enemies look and feel huge. They often lack the immense looming feeling you get when you see something massive in real life, but you somehow did it perfectly and it looks great

[@ElGreco15]

I think it's because a lot of times the bosses are actually far away, maybe an arm gets close but that's about it usually. This is like Shadow of the Colossus where it's right there

[@bok4822]

Sometimes, the devs might not even want to make you feel like you are facing something that big. Sometimes facing something that actually feels that big can draw away attention from other aspects of the game that they want you to rather focus on. Monster Hunter is a game where both feelings happen. If you've ever tried facing Dalamadur in Monster hunter 4/U, then you know what I'm talking about. It both feels huge, but at the same time just big enough to be beaten. An I think part of the reason for that is a design choice. In Monster hunter World, a later entry, every monster feels much bigger than before, even if they are the same size as old versions of monsters. As immersion seemed to be one of the core aspects of the game that the devs tried pushing for, it really did wonders for making me feel like I'm just a guy trying to hunt monsters that are several times bigger than me.

[@pokapoka3686]

Lost planet 2 really excelled at this 👍

[@whatfreedom7]

I thought SOC and God Of War did pretty good at it.

[@Luis-rp2lm]

Armored core has a monster that’s half the size of the entire elden ring map

[@rayanderson5797]

Those huge, strange things in the distance and fog are just... peak horror aesthetic. I could watch hours of just... stuff like that.

[@Bat3p]

what things? I can't see anything

[@hangry3102]

@@Bat3p They are making a general statement about the _theme_ of a large thing, or thing(s) in the distant fog in horror, like shown in this video. 5:10

[@atrocious_pr0xy]

.. like massive glaciers calving. massive objects defying known logic.

[@unhott1893]

Great work - the amount of polish you have on work-in-progress as you develop is incredible.

[@whydoineedthisB]

No not the polish.

[@MiGLifeCrisis]

​@@whydoineedthisBI wasn't the only one who read that as Polish 🇵🇱

[@Pixelsoep]

You should totally do a second phase, in which the head sprouts either legs or wings!

[@SH-Night]

Second/third phase definitely sounds perfect!!

[@richardwikiera3]

I agree. It would take significantly more time on this boos, but it would make it that much cooler if it had a second phase. Like maybe there should be something like t-rex arms at the top and when you destroy the first head, it gets down on all fours and you have to defeat it that way.

[@Pixelsoep]

@@richardwikiera3 It wouldn't necessarily have to take longer. The first phase could be shortened a bit, to take the extra time the second phase woud take into account. Then again, this looks like a fight that is worth the extra time. Especially if things get mixed up, the fight wouldn't have to get stale.

[@holtty53589]

I was thinking of the scene from "The Thing (1982)" as reference for the head sprouting legs.

[@smolltaco5667]

Or a headless monster comes in and steals it

[@melhupby]

The initial attack is perfect. It's so massive you don't really appreciate it's size even when it's charging towards you until suddenly that head lurches from distant and indistinct to _in your face_ and several times larger than yourself.

[@greatsol2444]

Your creations are marvelous- I can’t wait for you to release on Steam. Or wherever!

[@keithprice1950]

It seems as if Godot is just about to start hitting its stride. I've heard a lot of people comparing Godot's development to Blender's. Starting off a bit rough but because of the great community it became an amazing tool. I think Godot has a very bright future and with games like yours it will only inspire more people to give it a try.

[@foobars3816]

This looks insanely good! The Godot community is lucky to have you

[@frozone-yeah]

I just happened to spot this video on my feed, and I just cannot believe what I’m seeing. I truly do have a soft spot for games where it really explores the concept of Megalophobia. Your explanation of how the entire game looks is well detail as is your game world and gargantuan Frankenstein creation that stomps around in it. Consider me impressed, intrigued, frightened, and willing to subscribe to your channel and keep up to date on this game. Keep up the enormous efforts. Haha. 😅

[@FileTh1rt3en]

Echoing everyone else, great work here. I love seeing concepts like the infinite grass and rocks. The jittery movement on the old IK set up is actually kind of neat, and honestly could be embraced for that horror element, but I get wanting everything to be perfect. Also +1 for hearing about your infinite grass system in a dedicated video, it's incredibly interesting to me.

[@Matthew_Fog]

shadow of colossus type feeling

[@_ShinobiToB]

The atmosphere of this game looks incredible so far, and big lad is really cool. I think if you made him shake or twitch as sort of an idle animation that would make him even more terrifying also the bursting eyes for loot idea is cool D; Hope you see this one through to the end, good luck man!

[@rtasvadum1810]

This is beautiful. I love how you kept the skybox simplified. I'd imagine it saved you so much space on the backend with the code you didn't have to write. 10/10 design choices!

[@Tanweerr86]

This is definitely one of the creepiest giant bosses I've ever seen and the tricks youv'e used to make the scene is really smart! If you're planning on a further polish I'd love to see it have more weight, especially on the legs. Since the IK adjusts to the body position, it often slides across the ground really quickly without lifting up. Would love to see the legs squish more to make it looks like carrying the body is difficult as well!

[@njdarda]

this looks amazing. you're really showcasing what can be done with godot

[@avalerionbass]

I loved when Shadow of the Colossus came out and gave the vibe of these grand scale bosses, and I've always loved every game since that had these kind of boss fights. Looks great!

[@SchubertDipDab]

The Mower is creative genius. Well done, sir.

[@PinkBroBlueRope]

Small detail but good on you for not making the rain in your game the indie-dev-standard transparent strips that burn my eyes and nobody else notices

[@RegalRoyalWasTaken]

I stumbled across this by complete accident and I am already really pumped for this.

[@braedenward8570]

What an incredible design for a boss. It’s creepy and evocative and I love how well it seems suited to its environment. It almost implies that this colossus is the reason the surrounding grassland has no trees. The player gets an idea of how this predator fits into the larger ecosystem at a glance without any audio logs or flavor text needed. So cool

[@Ravenpaw1313]

Mower is absolutely phenomenal! I LOVE all the obvious passion and effort that went into him from the environment which really makes him stand out and elevates just how important and frightful he is. The science behind the moment of the legs is really interesting to learn (even if most of it unfortunately went over my head), but I found it really fascinating to see how different tactics worked. The sound design is definitely excellent. I can "feel" the sheer weight of how he moves not just in the great animation that makes the "weight" of the creature felt in order to move any part of it, but also in the sound as the head passes by, the thundering of the steps and camera shake. It's surprising how these little touches actually turn a good fight into an amazing fight and *experience* more than anything! Definitely giving a follow, I am very excited to see more about your project!!

[@DangAllen]

I can always learn something from your video, BIG THANKS! Such a good idea to create lighting in the sky.

[@lorddemonius6970]

This looks really good! I love the sense of scale and the overall tone of everything, great work👍 I'm looking forward to see more

[@SmellsLikeRevengeProductions]

We're going to start implementing instance culling based on the distance to the camera for animations now. Thanks for the idea. This is a gpu saver!

[@arctiformgames]

That is epic, and loved hearing all the little things you did to make the scene feel the way it does

[@CitizenCoder]

Holy chit dude the initial view of that thing was awesome. Subbed, looking forward to your progress.

[@siliconhawk9293]

just found you channel and I think i will stay, keep making more video its always fun to see someone develop stuff from ground up and see as it grows

[@stevemcwin]

I've just recently been wondering where you've been. Really glad to see an update after this much time!

[@dueddel]

Glad you're back with devlogs! Keep up! 😘👍

[@adamarzo559]

I've seen quite a few of these devlogs over the years. I really don't comment on them because they don't have anything about them that pops. This though, this is crazy. 30 seconds in and it's something I'm already willing to buy.

[@fonchinthebroom4481]

This is incredibly cool, and unique, and I absolutely love the design of Mower! I don’t make games but it seems you go the more efficient route without worrying too much about the unnecessary details or how to achieve them, and I do not have to make games to know that is a valuable skill to have any industry.

[@onionyx6506]

I'm so excited to see where this project goes. This is my first time here and I'm staying for the rest of the journey 🙏

[@puntalic]

Like wow! This kinda stuff is what we need to hear. Thanks for the update/info. Can't wait for meore. Good luck,

[@DavidGillemo]

A standing ovation sir, this is just getting more amazing!

[@tinybanditgames]

Awesome work. Goodluck with everything!

[@tinybatmanname9476]

this is so creative man, good on you for the hard work to bring something like this to life

[@bypell]

I love your devlogs! Can't wait for the next one!

[@Dachusttin]

So many clever and smart choices! "Work smart, not hard" in the best way

[@akiraic]

WHY this channel only has 12k subs? This is top quality content.

[@lobaco]

So many interesting tips. Your work looks amazing

[@Ghost_of_spades]

I love it, I wish u the best and I can’t wait to see what u will make next

[@deuswilktm7341]

Praised be algorithm for taking me here, and praised be creator, for showing his ways of creation!

[@TimothyStovall108]

Dude, this captures perfectly the ambiance and atmosphere of a dream I had one time as a kid with giant monsters walking in the grass fields. Following. I'm interested to see what other kind of giant beasts you come up with.

[@JaredWyns]

This looks awesome! I've wanted to do something similar (huge, bigger than screen-type enemies on a lower-grav planet) at some point so it's epic to see something of this scale in practice. Loving the style and motions!

[@alexeinuville2555]

Your optimization is masterful

[@BlackCanvasAudio]

PHENOMENAL WORK!!!!! Well done!

[@OfficialPepe]

This looks amazing! Cant wait to see where this project goes

[@nguyenhoangminhtrung2779]

Love this video, please keep it going!

[@fatbadger366]

Talk about horrifying. I also kinda think that little jittery bit of the legs made it a bit more unsettling, but excellent stuff either way.

[@wizards-themagicalconcert5048]

Great content and video mate,subbed !

[@sugimanjuara8195]

Wait for your next videos, always great

[@nephilim2096]

Holy hell looks great man, can't wait to see the final version

[@VerasStudios]

Genuinely amazing work! I love how big the enemy is and everything you did with the water and rain. Really interested in playing this game once it's out :O

[@VIKclips]

Bro, I think it looks amazing, and I am a very picky person, I really love how you made the boss behave, It makes him very special and stands out, from the start it looks inspired but at the same time very original, I will play your game when it comes out for sure mate.

[@fallencantgetup3073]

first time seeing some of your game. Looks freakishly awesome and epic. You explain thing well and the models look pretty.

[@feterty]

this is awesome! id love to try that game out when its ready to be tested! Great Work my man

[@breaktherule758]

congrats, the desing is amazing

[@forthehomies7043]

Beautiful creation, bro! Looks insane.

[@ryant2389]

cant wait to see this finished. inspiring work.

[@Gigas0101]

6:40 The way the legs jittered could work for a different enemy. It certainly reminded me of a "demon bone-cracking towards the camera", so it could be an effect to try with things meant to be a bit more unsettling and erratic.

[@xdsloth5199]

I just found your channel and I got to say, this sh*t is bloody fantastic! this seriously doesn't look like an indie game, well done brother! I'll be looking out for more.

[@derelicts9503]

This is so freaking amazing to watch man!

[@alpacaofthemountain8760]

Amazing work! Absolutely terrifying

[@Esoteric_Games]

The game is coming along very well! I really like the concept, keep it up!

[@joeorion]

Ese jefe que has creado me parece una locura en el buen sentido! Es espectacular como luce tu proyecto, espero que puedas seguir compartiendo tu experiencia y explicar lo que sea posible para aprender de tu talento, me suscribo a tu canal ❤

[@hexsinthedemon9489]

This looks absolutely amazing, keep doing gods work.

[@wukerplank]

The visual quality of the game made leaps since I started following you!

[@myladsarechads]

imagine just seeing the boss maybe add a red mist or fog as it comes ever so closer, and the thunder gets more violent and ferocious as the sky rains down in a bloody mess.

[@rfsbsb]

Great video! I'd love to see more in depth the tool you mentioned!

[@Wandering_moron-dz8mn]

I really like how vast the scenery is. Really shows how small you are in this realm of beasts.

[@WaxinSavant]

Much respect brother!

[@mcben42]

It made me flinched a few times. Superb !

[@5alpha23]

KZbin recommendations brought me here and I'm glad about it. I don't play games or code but for what it's worth: Dude, that is absolutely amazing!! Small piece of constructive critique (maybe you've already changed it): those water streaks on the wet rock look like glibber. ;) You shouldn't be able to see individual streaks when the rock is wet - the water forms something like an envelope around the whole rock tiny fast ripples where there are indents and more water collects to run down. So there's a detail to play around with. :) Keep up the astonishing work!

[@maximiliantaubert4669]

Been waiting for this devlog since seeing the videos on twitter 🥳

[@sean7221]

Loving your work mate!

[@CaseliStudios]

This looks really good, I love it!

[@baertbellemans7500]

It is only getting better and better. I'm really looking forward to where this is heading.

[@RG-yt6wn]

The future of games really is just creative-ass dudes making some wild shit on their own. Awesome stuff!

[@nav3346]

That thing is terrifying, like something out of a nightmare. Great work!

[@MrDaehtop420]

As an old dude who still plays video games this was an amazing insight on how games are coded. Very cool. Keep pushing forward with your skills and videos.

[@actualdevmar]

Thank you, old dude. From an old dude:)

[@TheAncientOak]

Looking great man!

[@TheGonza6829]

this looks sooo elegant, well done!

[@ThunderPlayStudios]

he'z backk, love watching your video

[@abominablesnowman64]

massive monsters like this is all I ever wanted. The massive size of a monster in the distance is just scary.

[@o_sushii]

I'm 13 seconds in and this is giving me the same feeling that The Witcher 3 and Elden Ring gave me when I first saw them. KEEP GOING, LOVE IT

[@Dante-420]

Super awesome work! Glad to see the power of free (as in freedom) software! 💪

[@dantescanline]

love seeing this come together over the last year(s)! its looking incredible, you could be a flagship godot game very easily

[@aviatedviewssound4798]

This looks sick and you're art style is very unique and gory lol

[@gamerhats4145]

Will love to see the progress of this project of yours, but do not feel the need to rush anything. Time, effort, polish, and passion will be shown when one takes their time. We're all just people, not machines, don't forget to care for your health overall! not just physical, mental and emotional too!

[@Einxeld]

Looks good! And thanks for breaking down these effects, I can definitely feel you have a lot of experience with making VFX and not wasting time on unnecessary complexity. I can suggest you make a pop-filter (or better windshield to put on the microphone) for your mic from simple dishwashing foam, it works amazing and blocks all "explosive" sounds Upd: dang Mower it so amazingly grotesque man

[@nosdregamon]

Awesome work. Got to polish my blender skills :)

[@kairu_b]

Great work, sir

[@kerkvlerk4720]

This reminds me of the bosses in painkiller they where also really big and massive and did not fit on you screen. Well done on your project i enjoyed the video!

[@deadalus1991]

Frist time i see your devlog, i have to say this map has such a cool creepy atmosphere! It reminds me of the images where strange gigantic animals are roaming, clouded by fog!

[@keravesque]

I am just learning Godot and this is very inspiring. :) Thanks for sharing your creation and technique!

[@user-kj8li2fk8k]

this just popped up on my fyp but im very invested in this suddenly

[@MisSorryforthespam]

honestly i like the jittery legs. it already looks off balance because there is no follow through on the body when the head swings. the jitter gives it like a supernatural vibe.

[@meltingatom]

The jittery legs looked to freaky , I love it

[@filipecoelho9855]

Incredible work, and thank you for sharing your insights and your "workarounds" for things like the rain and the rocks. Knowing what you do know now, if you would start over this project, would you pick the Godot Engine again?

[@WoolleyGamer]

This is incredible. I hope Mathchief and others share this!