The next step is to begin designing the layout for our game. You can do this on paper or on the computer; it depends on how you feel most comfortable.
In tower defense games, the UI often provides the way to interact with the game. Through the UI it is possible to build towers, sell them, or upgrade them. Furthermore, the UI is also used to visualize stats such as money and lives.
Here is a preliminary sketch for designing the UI for our cupcakes tower defense game:
As you can see, a number of key components have been mapped out. These are primarily around the player's interaction, as well as the way that their opponents, the pandas, will move and be targeted on the map. For example, areas where players can place towers are roughly indicated, and the direction that the player can head in is also displayed. The UI elements, such as health, points, and tower upgrades, are also included.
Of course, at this stage, it is all about experimenting with what feels...