Last Updated: 2025-05-03

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This roadmap outlines the development process for Terminal Tycoon in Godot 4, breaking the project into distinct phases with clear milestones, tasks, and deliverables.

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Goal: Create the core terminal UI and basic resource mechanics

• Set up Godot 4 project with appropriate structure
• Create a basic terminal UI using RichTextLabel and LineEdit
• Implement command parsing system
• Create command history navigation (up/down arrows)
• Implement basic terminal styling (colors, font)
• Create text animation for terminal-like output

• Implement basic resource types (cycles, bandwidth, storage)
• Create resource generation logic
• Implement resource display in terminal header
• Add basic manual resource generation commands
• Create saving/loading system using JSON
• Implement offline progression calculation

• Create upgrade system for resource generators
• Implement automation mechanics
• Add basic idle progression
• Create resource cost scaling formulas
• Implement progress bars for ongoing processes

• Create custom terminal text renderer in Godot
• Set up signal system for command processing
• Create resource manager singleton
• Set up configuration system
• Implement autosave functionality

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Goal: Add progression systems and basic gameplay loop

• Implement research points system
• Create basic technology tree structure
• Add research commands and interface
• Implement technology unlocking mechanics
• Create tech tree visualization command

• Design initial skill tree structure
• Implement skill point acquisition
• Create skill node system with prerequisites
• Add skill tree visualization command
• Implement effects of basic skills

• Create network node system
• Implement basic network visualization
• Add network expansion mechanics
• Create network efficiency calculations
• Add network-related commands

• Design data structure for tech tree
• Create skill tree data model
• Set up network graph visualization system
• Optimize resource calculations for idle time
• Implement notification system for completed research/upgrades

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Goal: Implement core gameplay systems and start creating content

• Implement terminal switching mechanism
• Create basic terminal (term-0)
• Add CryptoCore terminal (crypt-0)
• Develop NetSec terminal (sec-0)
• Implement terminal-specific commands
• Add terminal-specific UI elements

• Create card data structure
• Implement card collection system
• Add card drop mechanics
• Create card management interface
• Implement basic card effects
• Add card slot system

• Create event triggering system
• Implement basic security events
• Add opportunity events
• Create challenge system
• Implement daily/weekly challenges
• Add reward distribution system

• Design modular terminal UI framework
• Create card effect processor
• Set up event queue and manager
• Implement timed events system
• Add notification system for events
• Create challenge tracking system

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Goal: Add depth through migration systems and advanced gameplay

• Implement Cloud Migration (first prestige)
• Create migration rewards system
• Add permanent bonuses
• Implement reset mechanics
• Create migration preparation phase
• Add post-migration bonuses

• Add card rarity system
• Implement card fusion mechanics
• Create card synergies
• Add terminal-specific cards
• Implement card events
• Add special effect cards

• Implement DataLab terminal
• Add NetForge terminal
• Create terminal upgrade paths
• Implement terminal customization
• Add terminal synergies
• Create terminal-specific achievements

• Design migration data persistence system
• Create card effect combination processor
• Implement advanced terminal rendering
• Optimize performance for late-game
• Add analytics for balancing

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Goal: Balance, polish, and prepare for release

• Complete all planned terminal types
• Finish card collection
• Complete all migration paths
• Finalize skill tree
• Complete achievement system
• Add endgame content

• Balance resource generation rates
• Adjust upgrade costs
• Test progression pacing
• Balance card effects
• Test migration rewards
• Verify idle progression

• Add polished ASCII art
• Implement sound effects
• Optimize performance
• Add quality-of-life features
• Create help documentation
• Fix bugs and edge cases

• Perform optimization pass
• Clean up code and add comments
• Create export configurations
• Set up error logging
• Create user documentation
• Test across platforms

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1. Core Implementation:

   • Use Control nodes as the base for the terminal UI
   • RichTextLabel for terminal output (supports BBCode for formatting)
   • LineEdit for command input
   • Create a custom resource for terminal themes

2. Text Rendering:

   • Consider a custom shader for terminal text effects
   • Use a monospace font like "Cascadia Code" or "JetBrains Mono"
   • Implement cursor blinking with a Timer node

3. Command System:

   • Create a CommandParser singleton
   • Use signal system for command execution
   • Implement command registry for modular commands

1. Data Management:

   • Use Resources for data definitions
   • Create custom Resource types for upgrades, tech, cards
   • Implement a ResourceManager singleton

2. Saving/Loading:

   • Use Godot's File class for save data
   • Implement JSON serialization
   • Store save data in user://saves/

1. Idle Processing:

   • Use delta time to calculate resource generation
   • Implement time jump calculations for offline progress
   • Consider using background threads for heavy calculations

2. Memory Management:

   • Pool commonly used objects
   • Use object instances sparingly
   • Unload unused textures/resources

1. Terminal Animations:

   • Implement typing effect
   • Create fade in/out for new lines
   • Add visual feedback for commands

2. Audio Integration:

   • Use positional audio for terminal feedback
   • Implement simple keyboard click sounds
   • Add ambient background effects

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• Set up project structure
• Design terminal UI layout
• Research terminal fonts
• Create ASCII art style guide
• Design resource scaling formulas

• Create basic terminal UI
• Implement command parser
• Set up resource system
• Create saving/loading mechanism

• Project setup in Godot 4
• Terminal UI design mockups

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• Godot 4 Documentation
• UI Controls Tutorial
• Custom Resources Guide
• Saving Game Data

• Monospace Fonts Collection
• Terminal Color Schemes
• ASCII Art Generation Tools