Psycho Frogo - 2025 Development Changelog

🎮 Major Features

• JSON Data-Driven Architecture (September 24) - Complete refactor to data-driven configuration system using JSON files for levels, skins, and achievements, replacing hardcoded values throughout the codebase
• Dynamic DataManager Singleton (September 24) - Centralized configuration management system that loads and caches all game data from JSON, providing unified APIs for progression and unlocks
• Credits Scene & Music (September 30) - Added dedicated credits scene with original music track
• Skin Unlock Achievement System (September 28) - Implemented achievement tracking tied to skin unlocks with Steam integration
• Time Penalty Collision System (September 24) - Added base level hook for time penalties when colliding with hazards, including animated penalty labels and audio effects
• Artefact Collection System (February 15) - New collectible artefact feature with persistence across levels and unlock requirements

🎨 New Content

• 13 Playable Levels (January-February) - All levels (1-13) placeholders and implemented with unique music tracks and completion themes
• 11 Unlockable Skins (February 13-September 24) - (Placeholders) Including Speed Frogo, English Frogo, Master Frogo, Glitch Frogo, and more
• Level-Specific Music Library (February-September) - Custom music tracks for each level plus unique completion music
• Steam Achievements (February-September) - (Placeholders) Achievement integration for level progression and special skin unlocks

🔧 System Improvements

• Audio System Overhaul (February 15) - Enhanced AudioMaster with improved music transitions, slow-motion audio effects, and dynamic bus management
• Level UI Refresh (September 28) - Updated HUD with power counter fixes and improved completion screen displays
• Main Menu Refactor (September 24) - Completely rebuilt menu system using DataManager for dynamic level buttons and unlock guide text Settings Menu Enhancement (February 13) - Improved settings with CRT shader presets (light/medium/heavy), volume controls, and Steam status panel
• Save System Improvements (February-September) - Enhanced SaveManager with better progression tracking, per-level statistics, and artefact persistence
• Base Level Script Refactor (January 24) - Created unified base_level.gd for consistent level behavior and reduced code duplication Pause Menu Refactor (January 21) - Improved pause functionality with better focus management and controller support

🐛 Bug Fixes

• Completion UI Crash Fix (September 24) - Resolved crash from skin debug logging in completion screen
• HUD Power Counter Fix (September 24) - Corrected power counter to properly track collected speed powerups
• Pause Menu Node Reference (September 24) - Fixed node path issues preventing pause menu from functioning
• JSON Type Conversion (September 24) - Fixed float-to-int conversion issues with level IDs affecting cache lookups
• Music Transition Improvements (September 26) - Removed blending artifacts in completion music playback
• Speed Power Down (January 26) - Corrected slow powerdown effects and duration calculations

🎯 Code Quality & Cleanup Removed Unused Managers (September 24) - Deleted obsolete UnlockManager and deprecated stats save APIs Debug Logging Cleanup (September 24) - Removed extensive Level 4 debug logging after successful troubleshooting Asset Organization (February-September) - Reorganized graphics, audio, and font assets into proper directory structure Git Repository Cleanup (January 21) - Updated .gitignore to exclude .godot/ build files and temporary assets

🚀 Steam Integration

• GodotSteam Integration (January 27) - Full Steam platform support with achievement tracking
• Achievement Mapping (February-September) - Comprehensive achievement system linked to level unlocks and skin progression
• Offline Mode Support (January-February) - Graceful degradation when Steam is unavailable
• Steam Status Display (February) - Settings menu integration showing Steam connection status

✨ Performance & Quality of Life

• CRT Shader System (January-February) - Customizable retro CRT visual effects with multiple presets
• Controller Support (January-February) - Full gamepad/controller input mapping with Steam Deck optimization
• Speed Powerup Visual Effects (February) - Ghost trail effects, color pulsing, and screen shake feedback
• Music Slow Effect (February) - Dynamic audio filtering during slow powerdown with pitch shifting
• Unlock Gallery (February 13) - Dedicated skins screen showing all unlockable content
• (September 24) - Context-aware unlock hints displayed in main menu

📊 Technical Foundation

• Godot 4.3 Migration (Throughout 2025) - Upgraded and optimized for Godot 4.3 engine
• Comprehensive Documentation (July 14, September 30) - Created GameDesignDoc.md with full system architecture and LLM-friendly specifications
• Version Control Best Practices (January-September) - Implemented proper branching strategy with feature branches and pull requests

**Total Commits in 2025: **160+ **Current Version: **Psycho Frogo v1.0 Psycho Frogo is a grid-hopping Frogger-inspired game built with Godot 4.3, featuring 13 challenging levels, 11 unlockable skins, Steam achievements, and a complete data-driven progression system.