Devlog – Breathing Life into the First Biome
Today I made some exciting progress on Savage Horizons, focusing on the creation of the very first biome players will explore. Since this area sets the tone for the adventure, I wanted it to immediately feel alive, colorful, and welcoming. The idea is to create a unique hybrid between a dense jungle and a peaceful lakeside—two environments that usually contrast with each other, but when blended together, form a vibrant and almost dreamlike atmosphere.
The palette I’ve chosen leans toward bright and joyful tones. Expect to see vivid greens from the foliage, deep blues reflecting the calm waters, and playful accents of purple and orange scattered throughout the scenery. These colors aren’t just chosen randomly; they’re meant to inspire curiosity and positivity right from the start of the game. I want players to feel like they’ve stepped into a world that’s both natural and magical, a place where exploration feels exciting but never oppressive.
Of course, a biome is more than just static backgrounds—it has to feel alive. That’s why a big part of my work today was adding motion and atmosphere to the environment. I animated drifting mist that rolls across the jungle floor and over the water, giving the impression of a world that is constantly shifting. On top of that, I experimented with particle effects to simulate things like floating spores, light dust, and faint ripples on the lake’s surface.
Sunlight was another key element I wanted to emphasize. I added soft rays piercing through the canopy, filtering the light in a way that makes the scene feel more immersive and layered.
Looking back at today’s progress, I feel this biome is starting to embody exactly what I want Savage Horizons to represent—an uplifting and colorful adventure that feels handcrafted with care. While there’s still a lot of work ahead (enemies, interactive objects, and hidden paths are coming soon!), the foundation is being built one detail at a time.
I can’t wait to keep refining this area and eventually share it with you in motion. Until then, I hope this small glimpse into the creative process helps you picture the kind of atmosphere I’m working toward.
Files
Get Savage Horizons (Demo)
Savage Horizons (Demo)
Metroidvania
| Status | In development |
| Author | Insolence |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Tags | 2D, Atmospheric, Monsters, nostalgic, Retro |
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