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Demo and the Future of Pack Rat

The cat is out of the box! The Pack Rat Alpha demo is finally available on Game Jolt. Throwback Lab has been working hard on an improved demo that was only available during the 2017 Puerto Rico Comic Con. Since then, we have taken into account the suggestions of the players, fixed bugs, and added in new features to this demo.

To be more detailed, the 2017 build runned UE 4.12. By then, UE 4.17 released and we couldn’t update the version due to lack of time and technical issues. The summer of that same year, Throwback Lab started working on Pack Rat from the ground up in 4.17. We had planned to have the new build up and running by the end of the year. Little did we know what would come during Fall.

Two tropical storms devastated Puerto Rico and left us without power for months. Naturally, other more important tasks came about, such as family. We had to put aside Pack Rat until Puerto Rico recovered. By early 2018, Throwback Lab was up and running with renewed strength and passion for Pack Rat.

This demo includes the first version of Local Split Screen. Down the line, we intend to replace the placeholders with fully modeled characters. As of this moment, Pat is fully modeled and in the process of being rigged while Matt is being modeled. For our next build, we will have an improved UI/Menu also the addition of Pat and Matt running around in game with their own unique abilities and stats. From their on out, a steady stream of characters will be worked on until the full cast of playable characters are in game and ready to pack.

If the demo is well received, we intend on frequently updating the client with new game modes and levels. To be more precise, We will introduce a new game mode and see how the public feel about it before moving on to the next game mode or making tweaks to the release. For so long we have had the goal to properly release a demo for everyone to enjoy. And we are very glad to have achieved that after a hectic year. Our next goal is to attend PAX next year with the help and support of the Pack Rat community.

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Dev Blog #3

Let’s get to it. Five people got on the magical pallet ride in the game and glitched out of the level at Puerto Rico Comic Con. It was a known issue beforehand but we thought it wouldn't be a problem. 5 out of 70 ish people who played are decent odds of it happening but we went ahead and fixed the gate that somehow didn't have a collision. Besides that, everyone had fun and enjoyed the game. Our first public outing with Pack Rat was a success.

June will be a big month for us. A lot is in the works as I type. First, the storyboard of the story mode intro is being made and it is turning out to be much more than I have ever imagined. On the musical side, we are removing the royalty free jazz track that played during the game. Due to the lack of time, only the main menu music could be composed. Down below is a small list of additions for the June 2017 build.

Objects will have weight and will affect character movement.

Objects in Time Attack will have different point values according to weight.

Better trigger box detection for doors.

Truck shutters will now be activated.

Tutorial mode.

Two new game modes (more details about it by the end of the month)

Split-screen for all three game modes.

Addition of a second character with unique stats.

More assets.

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Dev Blog #2

Hi everyone! My name is Jonathan and I’m the creator of Pack Rat. On this long overdue blog, I’ll catch you up with everything Throwback Lab is doing for our PR Comic Con debut.

Since our first dev blog, the team of three has grown into a team of of five. First came along William (Our lead Concept/Character Artist) who came to us by a glowing recommendation of Pedro who is a 2D animator that I have been interested on having him make animatics. Since his arrival, the project has come to life by giving it a unique art style and charm that fits in with what I had envisioned. The two main characters for co-op are getting modeled. The models aren't a priority at this moment, due to the Comic Con build only being single player and honestly, not having a dedicated rigger. So far, the progress of the 3D model of Pat is coming out nicely.

Our most recent addition to the team is Everrette. One day he came up to me while I was play testing a build in class, I offered him a chance to play, he was very impressed with it, and was very eager to be a part of if. I gave him a chance and he blew my boxes off. From that point on, he has added a counter for the game mode, countdown timer, interactable doors and vending machines. All that while juggling two other projects. The Box Gods truly blessed us with him. Having Everette onboard, gave me the chance to focus on the social media for the game, promotion and setting up a couple of surprises.

I made a ball bounce.

Luis made poop.

Christopher made some kicking tunes.

Everything is coming along nicely and on time for the due date. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Working along with Luis, Christopher, William, and Everette has been truly an amazing experience. Seeing them passionate about Pack Rat gives me reassurance that we are making something very special that we hope everyone gets to play.

I want to thank everyone who has been supporting the game. Professor Daniel Figueroa for believing in my idea when it was just on a piece of paper when it was presented in his Prototype class and for giving me the motivation to keep on working on it long after I passed the class. A very special thanks to my close friends Sixto, Ricardo, Christo, Javier, Chris, Emily, Eli, Luis, and Xavier for all their love and support. I also want to thank Professor Rodrigo Barasorda for being very supportive, giving us great ideas, and for making our trip to Comic Con possible. Last but not least, the Throwback Lab team. I guess you guys are decent. But really, all this couldn't have been possible if it wasn't for your dedication and love for the project. The amount of love you have for the project is insane. I know for a fact that I might have left out someone. If I did, I also want to thank you.

Until next time, I’ll be sleeping in a shipping container.

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Hey, Jonathan here from Throwback Lab sharing with you our first screenshot for Pack Rat. Pack Rat is physics based packaging game that is easy to pick up and hard to master. One of our goals is to make the environment extremely intractable. Making almost every object fair game to pick up and throw. Follow us on Tumblr for our next post and a bit more about Pack Rat.

Our project has been under production since late 2016 and is now presentable thanks to our modeler, Luis, who is working hard to bring the world to life and Christopher who is pouring every bit of creativity into the original soundtrack. As of now, we are a small team of three based in Puerto Rico. You can follow and like us on Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/ThrowbackLab/