Isometric Souls-like (2D) — Project Roadmap

Engine: Godot 4.x
Language: GDScript
Art Style: Pixel Art / Isometric (2:1 projection)
Core Mechanics: Stamina management, precise combat, Z-axis simulation

---

Phase 1 — Core Foundation (Current Status)

Goal: A character that feels good to control, interacts with the "fake" 3D world correctly, and manages resources.

1.1 Physics & Projection

• Input Map: Configure WASD (Movement) + Shift (Sprint) + Space (Action/Jump)
• Isometric Math: Convert Cartesian inputs (WASD) into Isometric vectors (Cartesian to Iso)
• Collision: Setup CharacterBody2D collision box (feet only) for accurate depth
• Camera: Implement Camera2D with position smoothing (child of Player or RemoteTransform)

1.2 Movement & State Machine

• State Machine V1: Implement Enum-based states (IDLE, MOVE, JUMP)
• Visuals: Implement "Bobbing" sine-wave animation for walking
• Directional Sprites: 4-Directional sprite swapping based on velocity
• Z-Axis Simulation: Visual jumping (sprite.y offset) independent of physics collision

1.3 Resource Management

• Stamina System: Drain on sprint/jump, regen on idle
• UI Integration: TextureProgressBar anchored to screen (HUD)
• Stamina Polish: Add "Exhausted" state (cannot sprint until stamina > 20%)

---

Phase 2 — Combat Architecture

Goal: Implement the "Crunch" — hitting things and getting hit.

2.1 Advanced Movement (The "Souls" Feel)

• Dodge Roll: Add ROLL state with high velocity burst and ignoring input during animation
• I-Frames: Implement "Invincibility Frames" during the middle of the roll
• Hit Stop: Tiny time freeze (0.1s) when damage is dealt for impact

2.2 Hitbox/Hurtbox System

• Hurtbox Class: Create a standardized Area2D class that receives damage (used by Player and Enemies)
• Hitbox Class: Create a standardized Area2D class that deals damage
• Signal Bus: Connect on_area_entered to subtract HP

2.3 Player Combat

• Attack State: Add ATTACK state that stops movement
• Combo System: Allow chaining 2-3 attacks if clicked with correct timing
• Visuals: Add weapon swipe sprites or separate weapon pivot rotation

---

Phase 3 — World & Elevation (The "Isometric Illusion")

Goal: Solving the hardest part of 2D isometric games—height and depth.

3.1 Depth Sorting

• [WIP] Y-Sort: Configure TileMapLayers and Actors for correct occlusion
• Transparency: Detect when Player is behind a wall and turn the wall semi-transparent

3.2 "Fake" Elevation (Stairs/Cliffs)

• Elevation Logic: Create a variable current_layer (0, 1, 2)
• Collision Masks: Change collision masks dynamically (e.g., on Layer 1, ignore Layer 0 walls)
• Stairs Triggers: Area2D zones that transition z_height and current_layer smoothly

3.3 Level Design

• TileSet Setup: Define collision polygons for walls, pits, and water
• Navigation: Bake NavigationRegion2D for enemy pathfinding

---

Phase 4 — Enemies & AI

Goal: Creating resistance.

4.1 Basic Enemy (The "Slime")

• Stats: HP, Damage, Speed
• Detection: Area2D ("Aggro Range") to detect Player
• Behavior: Simple "Move Toward" logic

4.2 Advanced AI (The "Knight")

• State Machine: Idle → Patrol → Chase → Attack → Stunned
• Pathfinding: Use NavigationAgent2D to avoid walls while chasing
• Telegraphing: Visual flash before attacking to give Player time to dodge

---

Phase 5 — Systems & Polish

Goal: Turning a prototype into a game loop.

5.1 Interactive Objects

• Interactable Class: Press 'E' to talk/open
• Chests: Animation + Loot drop
• Bonfires: Save point that respawns enemies and refills potions

5.2 NPC & Dialogue

• Dialogue System: Simple JSON or Resource-based text parser
• UI: Typing effect for text display

5.3 Menus & Persistence

• Main Menu: Start, Settings (Audio/Controls), Quit
• Pause Menu: Freeze Engine.time_scale
• Save System: Save Player Position, Stats, and Inventory to user://savegame.json

---

Phase 6 — Juice (Visual Feedback)

Goal: Make it feel professional.

• Particles: Dust clouds when running/rolling
• Screen Shake: On taking damage or heavy attacks
• Lighting: PointLight2D for torches and atmosphere
• Audio: Footsteps (synced to bobbing), Swing SFX, Impact SFX