Right, just to be difficult I've decided to do something a bit avant-garde taking some cues from 1920s architecture, some stylish euro graffiti, weirdo public art installations and some contemporary public spaces.
If all goes to plan I should be able to make an environment that flows from an exterior busy upper city through an interior space, such as an arcade or train station or somesuch, then down alongside a river keeping it all looking like a coherent, stylish, lived in city.

Some quick inspiration:


Challenges? oh there's many..
- Like so many other people..finishing (bleh)
- Creating a convincing living environment, not something that looks like it's been cobbled together so you can conveniently eat things you find on the floor, but keeping gameplay elements intact (ala Yakuza, Shenmue, Heavy Rain... but side scrolling)
- Working with real time specs again..I've been too spoilt doing pre rendered things
- Getting a somewhat interactive demo out too?

Finally had some time to block out a bit of the level.


Well after looking at the whole blockout for the interior section cutting down the length of the first half is to be expected...now to work on the outdoor bits..

Looking good.

Perhaps it could use some vending machines or a fast food kiosk in the middle to beat up for food power-ups.