WW2: Rotary Gun Simulator - out now!

Games
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Hello everyone,
I’m super excited (and honestly a little nervous) to finally share what I’ve been working on for the past three months—WW2 Rotary Gun Simulator. This project has been on my mind even before my Playdate arrived, and now that it’s coming together, I wanted to give you all a peek behind the curtain.

The Journey So Far
The moment I saw the Playdate’s crank, I knew I wanted to create something that really made use of it. And what better way than to simulate the mechanics of a rotary gun? I’ve always been fascinated by history, especially World War II, so this felt like the perfect fit. But let me tell you, trying to balance a fun game with something as heavy as WW2 has been no small task. I’ve spent a lot of late nights making sure it’s respectful of the past, while also being something you’d actually want to play.

Marking a Special Date
I set a pretty ambitious goal for myself: to release the game on September 1st, which marks the 85th anniversary of the start of World War II. This date means a lot to me as the war started in the country that I come from. The whole concept revolves around using the crank to fire the rotary gun, with a shop and upgrades to keep things interesting. Every detail has been a labor of love, and I’m really proud of how it’s turning out.

What’s Next?
Right now, I’m polishing up the final details and getting everything ready for launch. I’ll be sharing more updates in the next few days as we get closer to release, so stay tuned! I’ll be posting on my itch.io page and the Playdate Dev Forum, so keep an eye out for those.

Rotary

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How did you code the 3d effect of moving forward and what did you use to make all the art

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Hey! Thanks for the reply! I used Unity 3D to make models and poses that then were redrawn/fixed in Aseprite for pixel clarity. Same thing for the 3D enviro. I then found an online tool to loop that zoom in animation and convert to dither. Then using Playorama with rate adjustment for the speed of player. A similar technique someone did for his game with bikes. I hope this helps you. Feel free to ask more!!!

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This looks amazing! Can't wait to give this one a try.

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Thanks for your kind words @mvaughan44 all the support is so well received!!!

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The wait is over! I’m thrilled to announce that WW2 Rotary Gun Simulator is officially out today, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you all. This project has been a labor of love, and I’m proud to finally let it loose into the world.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about cranking the Playdate’s handle to unleash a storm of bullets, especially when you know every shot counts. WW2 Rotary Gun Simulator takes you back in time, putting you in control of a rotary gun as you defend key positions, take out enemy forces, and navigate the challenges of war. It’s intense, strategic, and a little bit nostalgic—perfect for those who appreciate a good challenge with a historical twist.

Each mission ramps up the tension, and the more you play, the more you’ll find yourself drawn into the rhythm of cranking, firing, and strategizing. Plus, with a few neat upgrades available, there’s always something new to discover.

What to Expect

The game is packed with moments that’ll get your heart racing, whether it’s the feeling of just narrowly avoiding an overheat or the satisfaction of landing that perfect shot. And with the unique controls, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the action. It’s not just about shooting—it’s about mastering the art of the crank.

For those who love to dig into the details, there are some cool upgrades and strategies to explore. The game lets you approach each mission in your own way, making every playthrough a bit different from the last.

A Small Request

If you’ve been curious about the Playdate or just love a good arcade challenge, I’d love for you to give WW2 Rotary Gun Simulator a spin. It’s been a joy to create, and I think you’ll find it’s one of those games that sticks with you.

Oh, and if you do decide to pick it up, I’d really appreciate hearing what you think. Your feedback will help shape any future updates or tweaks, and it’s always great to hear from the community.

What’s Next?

I’ll be taking a bit of a breather now that the game’s out, but stay tuned—I’ve got a few ideas simmering for what might come next. In the meantime, enjoy the game, and let’s see how far you can crank that rotary gun!

Thanks for all your support and happy cranking!