01 · Where the idea came from
Every game started with something Sabina liked.
We love axolotls. We also love talking about the wonderful places we have visited in Mexico. Those ideas came together as Axie, a pink axolotl in a bright game world.
We started small: a swamp, a beach, gold coins, hiding places, and a slow guard. Once that small game worked, Sabina had a place to add more ideas.
02 · Our first plan
We wrote down what the game needed.
Our first plan was short. It listed the characters, actions, rules, and goal. That gave the coding helper enough information to make a first version.
A gentle game with a pink axolotl who can walk, jump, and duck to hide.
Two first settings—a Mexican swamp and a sunny beach—with platforms, coins, and playful scenery.
A guard you can see. If it spots you, you lose a few coins and try again from a safe point.
Stars based on collected coins, a level map, saved progress, and big touch controls.
Bright pixel art and tiny video-game sounds.
03 · Parts of the game
Each part has a job.
Engineers often call these parts systems. When we name each system, it is easier to understand what it does and fix it when something goes wrong.
Movement
How does Axie move?Speed, falling, jumping, ducking, walls, and touch buttons all work together.
Levels
What changes in each place?The controls stay the same. The platforms, hiding spots, dangers, guards, and coin paths change.
Trying again
How can a mistake feel fair?Getting spotted costs a few coins, but it does not end the whole trip. You can also turn the guards off.
Progress
What does finishing mean?Reaching the exit ends the level. Finding enough coins earns stars and opens the next place.
04 · What we changed
We played the game and made it better.
- 1
Start with two places
The swamp and beach taught us how movement, coins, hiding, guards, safe points, stars, and touch controls should work.
- 2
Add sound and choices
We added music and sound effects. Players can control the music, effects, and guards on their own.
- 3
Grow the adventure
We added four worlds: Jungle Temple, Crystal Cave, Sky Ruins, and Volcano Peak. Each has new paths and dangers.
- 4
Make the reward clear
You can reach the exit without enough coins, but you earn no stars. You must try again before the next level opens.
05 · What we learned
Thinking like an engineer
We wanted players to explore without losing the whole game after one mistake. We also wanted coin collecting to matter. That is why reaching the exit and opening the next level are two different goals.
Talk about it together
Questions you can ask while you play
- Which parts should stay the same in the next level?
- What is a fair consequence when the guard spots Axie?
- Should reaching the exit always open the next level?