Sky Full of Stars

No, this is not a post about Coldplay. What would a game called Star Jet Alpha be without stars? Stars are collectibles that allow the player to get more ships. Stars will be dropped when certain asteroids are destroyed. The asteroids will have a different look so that it’s obvious to the player. Collect enough stars and another ship is added.

There will also be bonus or challenge stages in Star Jet Alpha. If you’ve ever played Galaga then you’re familiar with this idea. I like the idea of stages in the game that give players a break from the frantic pace of play. This concept is called “home” and was discussed in a GDC 2019 talk by Nick Popovich (time mark 34:26).

Each bonus stage will be full of asteroids that drop stars when destroyed. The stage will be timed so the player will have the goal of collecting as many stars as possible before time runs out. The player’s Star Jet will be invulnerable while in the bonus stage so as to provide a “home”-like place.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below!