The 3rd anniversary of the Reloader: test_subject and Alpha dev status

Happy New Year, Reloaders!

Today is not just the start of a new year, but also a meaningful day for me—it marks the 3rd anniversary of the release of Reloader: Test_Subject! That also means we’re entering the 3rd year of development for Reloader: Subject Alpha.

To celebrate this milestone, I’ve put together a summary video showcasing the progress of Subject Alpha so far.

Reloader: Subject Alpha Development Update

It’s already been three years since the release of Reloader: Test_Subject on January 14, 2022. Although I didn’t immediately start developing Subject Alpha after that release, it’s been a long journey nonetheless!

While Subject Alpha still needs more time, I can feel it steadily moving toward completion. To mark the beginning of 2025, I’ve organized the current development status and a to-do list.

I can’t promise it will be finished soon, but it doesn’t feel like it will take an indefinite amount of time either! I believe I can showcase something pretty impressive later this year!

Development Status

⬜️ To be done 🔳 In progress ⬛️ Completed

Visuals

⬛️ Core Reloader Character Graphics System: The system for rendering characters in Reloader: Alpha.

⬛️ Voxel and Normal Map Graphics System for 3D Environments: A graphics system for static objects in Reloader: Alpha.

⬛️ UI Graphics Style: The design of UI elements, balancing visuals, readability, and gameplay.

🔳 Character Resources: 2D pixel art graphics for various characters, including the player character. Only a few test characters are complete.

🔳 Weapon Resources: Voxel graphics for in-game weapons. Only a few test weapons are complete.

🔳 Background Decoration Resources: 2D and voxel background resources for in-game environments. Only a few test backgrounds are complete.

🔳 UI Item Resources: 2D pixel art graphics for items like guns and magazines shown in the UI.

🔳 Character Animations: 3D animations for characters. Most basic animations are complete, but additional event-specific and melee combat animations are needed.

⬜️ Cutscene Artwork: Large-scale images for cutscenes.

⬜️ Dynamic Effects: Various visual effects like explosions, shattering glass, smoke, and electrical sparks.

⬜️ 3D Map Resources: Textures for floors, walls, buildings, and background assets.

⬜️ Special Effects for Key Moments: Unique effects for memorable events in the game.

Game Systems

⬛️ Reload System: A detailed and segmented gun operation system including magazine changes and chamber checks, along with gun malfunction mechanics.

⬛️ Free Hands: A system allowing free actions, like throwing guns or magazines, holstering firearms, and picking up other weapons.

⬛️ Shooting System: A revamped shooting system allowing for more freedom than in Test_Subject, including point-blank shots and firing during fast movement.

🔳 Melee Combat System: A system for melee combat, hostage situations, and reloading during close combat. Most of the system is complete, but special actions for unique enemies and gameplay testing are needed.

🔳 3D Field Movement System: Similar to Test_Subject, but with more cinematic effects and enhanced movement possibilities in a 3D environment. Most core systems are complete, but further refinements are required.

🔳 Game Event System: A system for event scenes, including dialogues and actions. The core system is ready for implementing various event scenarios.

🔳 Enemy Spawn System: Enemies spawn dynamically based on stage conditions and player actions.

⬜️ Enemy AI: Behavior logic for enemies to react to the player’s actions and the surrounding environment.

Story and Level Design

⬛️ Game Story: It’s a secret!

⬛️ Level Design: The rough layout, stage progression, and stage gimmicks are complete.

⬜️ Stage Implementation: Concrete implementation of stages based on level design is needed.

⬜️ Music and Sound Effects: Work is needed.