So for the next update, I'd like to try (emphasis on try, no guarantees) to take advantage of the new modding feature to animate the bomb "barrel" so that when it fires, it plays a little (3 to 5 frame) animation.

Something like:

Frame 1 - sprite turns transparent (simulating the bomb drop)
Frame 2 - egg-shaped metal framework appears (1st stage reconstruction)
Frame 3 - framework with internal wiring and Suspendium core added (2nd stage reconstruction)
Frame 4 - current appearance (construction complete, awaiting next bomb drop)


Alternatively, I could add a little tube/storage type thing next the barrel and have a new bomb sliding out of it during Frames 2 + 3.

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I'm interested if anyone else has additional ideas about how to go about the bomb reconstruction / replacement animation.

Some things to keep in mind:


1) My art skills are limited so, simple >> complex.

2) Has to be clear what is happening from only 3 to 5 frames.

3) The barrel animation will need to not look weird if it rotates +/- 15 degrees with respect to the module.

4) I can add additional (stationary, non-barrel) elements to the module, so long as they won't significantly obstruct where the crew stands and moves.

5) The animation will only last about 5 or 6 seconds.

6) I'd like to stay within the steampunk, pre-WWI technology era as much as possible.

7) Googling images for "bomb construction" to get ideas will probably put you on a watchlist of some sort.


Any thoughts?