I do a little bit of game programming in my free time (aka, the time I should be studying), and my current project is almost done! Yay!

So, the game... it's called 'Pit: The Bite-sized Shooter.' It's a little FPS with 6 levels, 4 weapons, a handful of enemies and collectibles, and a retro design philosophy that hearkens back to the glory days of "maze" shooters. Although progression is mostly linear, the entire world is open to explore from the start. Each level has a distinctive visual style, aided by a minimalist mono-color scheme. Combat is fast-paced and arcadey, with lots of projectiles to dodge and enemies to mow down. The entire game is made to be able to be completed in a single sitting, but hidden collectibles and secrets lend it some replayability.

'Pit' is in the final stages of completion, with sound effects and some minor UI/visual polish left to do. There is no set release date as of yet, but it should be done around next month. I'll post a download link when it's finished, so keep an eye out! This is not a game that is meant to revolutionize the world or steal you away from Battlefield 3. It's just supposed to be a fun diversion for people who need something to play in a computer lab or who want to get a full FPS campaign condensed into a bite-sized package.

Oh yeah... the game also features full mouse control, so don't worry about having to deal with clunky arrow key aiming :3.

(attached are some screenshots of the game. All resources were done by me, apart from some of the weapons which were re-skinned from Wolfenstein 3d and Doom)

EDIT: Hmm... only 1 screenshot seems to be showing up. Anyone know how to fix this?

Well, the screenshots don't seem to be working, so here's another one

kool.

you just need more color. all white hurts my eyes a bit :)

Don't worry, that's only for one level. Each level is a different color.

that's what I am saying... you need more color per level. even wolf had colors.

"The Bite-sized Shooter"

Reading this and looking at the screenshot makes me think I'm crawling through a maze, walled in by blocks of Hershey's chocolates xD

To hell with story, complexity and all the new gen shtick. I need a first person shooter that can deliver good sound effects, and the very satisfying feel of plowing through hordes of enemies like a scythe cutting through grain :)

-edit- The above was posted in response to your first comment and screenshot. I looked at your 2nd screenshot and it really, really looks like Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses. Either your artistic flair has a tendency towards food, or I'm just hungry.

What language are you making it in?

I'll be curious to play it when you release it next month. Kudos on making it this far!

thanks! heh heh...well, I'm doing it in Gamemaker

*sees everyone running off*

wait, wait! It'll be good, I swear! It's true that Wolf3d had color. In this case, I'm going for a very minimalist flavor, and experimenting with how much you can vary the "feel" of things simply by changing things like the level color, the fog color, and the type of walls used. It may not work for people, but that's what experimentation is for!

Plus, each level is pretty short. Maybe a minute or two tops. I didn't notice that, but now that you mention it... :P

Yeah, I'm really trying to get the combat right. It's actually surprisingly difficult to do, and I've gotten a new respect for games like Doom. They seem simple and easy to make, but in reality there's a lot of little details that can make or break the experience.

Heh, the platform's not important as long as the game is good. Carry on and do your thing, I like that idea for one

i'd be happy to give it a shot.

By the way, congrats on winning a game on steamgifts

I'm looking forward to playing the game. Keep it up!

I like indie games i'll try it.

After Mondo series by cactus, Gamemaker 3D is no longer scary by itself :)