A Clean Desk is a Sign of Dirty Drawers

The Sky Deck: Almost but Not Quite There

May 6, 2022

In Sleuthhounds: Cruise, located at the front of the ship on one of the upper decks is the sky deck. This is a multi-purpose location within the game that sees various changes to its appearance over time. At least it will, once I finish drawing all the room specific sprites needed for it. Which I haven’t quite done yet.

[Here the sky deck has been outfitted for a treasure hunt by the cruise director.]
Here the sky deck has been outfitted for a treasure hunt by the cruise director.
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[The sky deck. As a flashback. At night. With mysterious, half-remembered strangers.]
The sky deck. As a flashback. At night. With mysterious, half-remembered strangers.
Click to view larger.

At various points, the sky deck may be decorated for a treasure hunt, show the aftermath of a midnight dessert party, a flashback to said party, or else just be there, unadorned, for the benefit of the passengers. Having locations that vary over time helps to keep the game fresh. It’s also a boon to the believability of the world the story is set in. It shows that this is not a static world, that life is taking place. Characters other than the Sleuthhounds are evidently doing things and having an effect on the environment.