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Nic Cresswell.

@tw0fish.bsky.social
2.3K followers 1.4K following 351 posts

The guy that does the thing. DM's open & always happy to chat. ko-fi.com/twofish

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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Omni-Crete (temp name) is a multi-purpose construction material. While its forms are near limitless, the amount fired from the main cannon is enough to patch holes, repair damage, create structural supports and more. Though it may require additional reinforcement as it dries. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Goober is a word I use frequently as well to describe this one. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The 'Projectile Launcher', like the main cannon, can fire a variety of ammo types. Just far smaller. The ammo used here are screws that use the rifling of the barrel to self tighten. I also wanted to experiment with adding picture-in-picture aiming for extra precision. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Having hit a wall in a few other tasks I decided to refocus on some simple visual stuff. Mainly making the vehicle more amusingly chunky. Which in turn lead to adding attachment animations and visual cues for when an attachment is near. Also moving wheels and suspension! #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Added pressure plates as another means of activating things. Each plate can require different mass values to be triggered requiring the player to use varying ammo or objects to weigh them down. Also experimenting with more of the environment emerging from the water. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Never would have predicted that the sound of a hot air balloon burner would be the thing that woke me at 6:40 this morning. Much less a series of them traveling overhead. At least it gave Philo something nondestructive to do before breakfast. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
After having a few difficulties moving and aiming in slightly tighter spaces I set about creating a Line of Sight alt mode for the cannon. You sacrifice trajectory control, aiming beyond obstructions and certain ammo types. But in turn gain much more immediacy and simplicity. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
An Obelisk Seal can be used to hide all manner of things and can only be opened by breaking the Obelisks found around the level. While some Obelisks can simply be broken when found, others have different conditions, such as having a time limit before they sink and reset. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Mini update: Decided to mess around with the idea of removing the "Range Finder" camera from the HUD and onto a floating widget above the reticle to be toggled on and off. Plus I added some sticky explosive charges that can be detonated at will. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Today’s update is sponsored by the letter F. F for Fracturing and Field Systems. Of course, when acquainting oneself with destructible meshes, one must select an appropriate target for testing. :D #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Time for a small, but no less important update. I've created a basic hub space and "elevators" to transport the player between levels. As well as a quick token pick up to test objective and level completion. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The rocket pod, good for those tough to hit enemies or when you need to hit a specific area while deploying evasive manoeuvres. xD #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Trying out an old school hazard idea that rolls drums of various & volatile substances along the ground. It also features the previous gear shell mechanism as a means of opening the lid to expose its "weak spot". Plus it was a good test for destructible barrier ammo. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The gear shell and its associated mechanism is designed to be that next step up from the binary functionality of standard buttons. It gives the player an extra level of control over how something operates by alternating its rotation and cancelling it will. #UE5 #IndieDev #GameDev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
In an effort to avoid having attachments and whatnot being pre-set in the environment I decided to implement a system for players to call in what they need when they want... As well as limit what they have access too when problems call for greater obstacles. :D #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Continuing with the electrical theme from the previous addition I've created the "Shock Field Generator". An attachment capable of generating far greater output for powering larger machinery. This increase in power also means it will damage enemies as well as stunning them. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Artists, quote-post with something that’s a circle. There's like 80% of a circle in there, so I'm counting it! xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
It would appear the tradition of #portfolioday catching me totally by surprise is still going strong. xD Unfortunately a lot of my time recently has been spent prototyping in #UE5 so if you feel inclined please have a browse of my media tab to see the videos of what's been going on. :D Thank you!
A short sword is stored within its sheath. The sword has a metal blade and wooden hilt trimmed in a golden metal. The sheath is trimmed in that same metal and clad in leather panels that are stitched together. At either corner atop the sheath are two metal loops that allow it to be affixed to clothing or gear. In the center of the sheath is a slot that allows items to be latched to it. From a metal loop hangs a large stone block, a whetstone used for sharpening the blade on the go.A series of images showing variations of the blade as well as two close up shots of the metal and wooden detail of the blade and hilt. The blade is split down the middle into two pieces. An engraved line runs along the flat face up to screws that fix them together. The left has a completely curved 'tip'. The middle has a curved forward edge and a notched rear. The right is a rectangular blade with two notched corners. A series of shots from different angles of the clay jar. Some showing it with the lid removed and the inside cavity exposed.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Added a new "shock" ammo type that can be used to either power devices or stun enemies. As well as a generator that can sustain the activation of various machinery when powered. I also decided to upgrade the ramps to be able to use them as pathway limiters and problem makers. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
I believe the technical term is "Three-dimensional Dark Side Of The Moon". :P
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Testing out an idea I had for a resource dispenser and fabricator. The notion being that the resource chunks get ground down and then forcibly moulded into something of use. #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The colour palette in combination with the lighting of the second image caused me to have a sudden flashback to this track from Rollcage. :D
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Feels like this image fits the dilemma of wanting to paint a model you don't want to make perfectly. :P
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
A first attempt at a basic turret. One that tries to lead the target based on speed and direction with a small delay thrown in to ensure accuracy is a little "wonky". The shielded version cannot be damaged from above, so the "burrowing" variant of explosive ammo is needed. #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Spent a little time on some management stuff. A rudimentary objective tracker and the ability to pick up/drop attachments. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
A quick test of some ammo types and how they might be used to solve puzzles or move around the environment. The platform shell creates a surface that can be raised and lowered.The jump beacon is a single use teleport and the impact shell is for long range button pushing. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
A little look at some of the stuff I've be tinkering with as of late. #gamedev #indiedev #UE5
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Post the best picture you have ever taken of your pet. The image quality is a little lacking but the position was just too perfect that I hurried to take it before he woke up and moved. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Something I've only just finished and then the thing I've just started blocking out. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
A traveller’s sword and sheath. It is designed to be worn against the lower back/waist, often underslung beneath a backpack. The sheath also has a small rail slot that allows for the attachment of useful items, in this case a whetstone. #b3d #substancepainter #gamedev #gameart #indiedev
A short sword is stored within its sheath. The sword has a metal blade and wooden hilt trimmed in a golden metal. The sheath is trimmed in that same metal and clad in leather panels that are stitched together. At either corner atop the sheath are two metal loops that allow it to be affixed to clothing or gear. In the center of the sheath is a slot that allows items to be latched to it. From a metal loop hangs a large stone block, a whetstone used for sharpening the blade on the go.A series of images showing variations of the blade as well as two close up shots of the metal and wooden detail of the blade and hilt. The blade is split down the middle into two pieces. An engraved line runs along the flat face up to screws that fix them together. The left has a completely curved 'tip'. The middle has a curved forward edge and a notched rear. The right is a rectangular blade with two notched corners. A wooden box with a metal interior that contains five whetstones when full. It is painted in yellow, blue, black and cream coloured paints. The edges are worn and the paint chipped and faded to show its long usage and frequent handling. Two whetstones shown from varying angles. They are made of a grey stone with subtle areas of green, red and blue mixed into the palette. Each has a paper label wrapped around them that is marked in black symbols and text. Embedded in the upper area of the whetstone is a recessed golden metal frame with an opening through it.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
It's certainly difficult to argue against when you have the ability to be a pint-sized purveyor of excessive firepower all while sporting a hairstyle that's equally excessive. :P
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
It's been a while since I've been here... Time to scratch the MMO itch once again. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
As soon as I read that I was immediately struck by the memory of this. xD
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
I feel like Mark of Kri goes unappreciated in a lot of ways. One of which is quite memorable environments and impressive combat animation.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
It seems nighttime Nic had some wildly optimistic ideas and vague notes about how things would function. But, as is often the case, daytime Nic managed to decypher the sleep-addled scrawl and spaghetti blueprint graphs. It's a little rough, but it works! #UE5 #indiedev #gamedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
In a rare break from the norm I actually finished a piece of work before #portfolioday . However, it was less than 24 hours ago so I thought I'd quote the original post here alongside some other stuff. So if you can, please give it a look! :D
A tall, narrow piece of machinary designed to move heavy loads along a track. Its movement is powered by a large, underslung, gear that meshes with the underside teeth of the track while two wheels rest atop it. An enormous cuboid chunk of stone is affixed to it by chains that pivot on cylindrical anchor points that also act as the gear axle. The body of the machine is painted in yellow, black and teal while the stone is grey with a light purple sigil painted on it.A render of a fictional instrument that features a stool, two bells and a series of metal plates suspended by ropes within a curved frame. The text to the side reads: “... its metals, soaked in unnatural waters, produce no sound. Yet when struck, a melody is formed within all that surrounds it. A tune that reverberates, echoing and changing as it travels through wood and stone. It engulfs us from inside, inescapable and all-encompassing. Ever changing, never repeating. But always heard from within…” A stylised rendition of a post box. A tall metal structure based in a stone plinth, it features a vertical postal slot and narrow door that conceals the mail crate. When the crate is full a small sign raises up to alert the need to empty. It is painted using a colour palette of deep blue/teal, pale orange and a light cream.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
A recent gameplay addition to a #UE5 project required something to pick up, inspect and stack. So I decided to throw together a quick crate and clay 'bottle' to fit the need while also stretching the artistic muscles in the process. #b3d #substancepainter #gamedev #gameart #indiedev
A crate made of wooden slats stands behind a clay vessel in the shape of a long necked, square based bottle. It is painted in a mixture of yellows and reds. The remnants of a blue and cream coloured label are stuck to its side, torn at the perforation. At the base of the bottle rests a wooden stopper trimmed in a golden coloured metal with black painted lettering on the wood.A collection of close-ups of the bottle on its own showing areas of detail such as minor imperfections in the paint edges and application. Small chips that have occurred in the clay as well as the overall design of the decoration. 

The wooden stopper is affixed into the opening by a parchment label that runs over the top. The label is designed to prove it is sealed when sold and the parchment is perforated to easily release the stopper. The wooden crate is displayed from multiple angles to show its full design as well as an isolated shot of the stopper. Its inner area is divided by wooden planks into six spaces to fit bottles of varying types. On the short side there are openings to allow for easy handling and an inset area of parchment to mark the contents. On the long side there are large black letters painted across its center and a smaller square in the bottom right corner with red letters stamped inside it.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
A large clay jar designed for storing a variety of dry goods and those suspended in liquid, as well as a ladle and strainer for dispensing them. The ladle also features a rear spout so that when tilted backwards it can pour more accurately. #gameart #substancepainter #indiedev #gamedev #b3d
A large clay jar that features a narrow, rectangular opening that is sealed with a wooden lid with golden knobs. It is painted a sandy yellow, with blue accents and cream coloured detailing.A wooden handled set of utensils. A ladle and a strainer designed for use within the clay jar. The ladle features a wooden end guard so as to avoid damaging the clay and a rear facing spout for accurate pouring. The strainer has cross shaped openings that will allow liquid of varying viscosities to flow through while leaving larger objects in place. The wooden handles are painted in a scheme of teal, maroon and red.A series of shots from different angles of the clay jar. Some showing it with the lid removed and the inside cavity exposed.A collection of fine detail/up close renders. A number of them focus on the weathering of the asset, chipping off the clay as well as the paint flaking off of the edges and corners. The remainder showing closer looks at the 'stylised' effects of the textures themselves.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
🥳🎉🎂
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
I'm apparently still no better at knowing when #PortfolioDay is coming around again or what I'd included in my last one. But at least this time I know there's new stuff to post! So, I'll take that as a win, haha! :D
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Welcome back artists!🖌🎨✨️🍾 Quote Post with an old piece that you still like!
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Following in the wake of the 'Roller Stamp' I designed recently, comes my take on the Inkwell and Quill. Featuring a button activated inkwell with ink application, a rolling quill tip and a sealed bottle of orange ink. #b3d #substancepainter #gamedev #gameart #indiedev
A collected render of my take on an inkwell, quill and an ink pot. They're constructed from wood which is painted in varying shades of red and greenish blue. Trimmed in a golden metal and featuring elements of clay, namely the two rollers. The text reads "Inkwell & Quill".A render of the quill and a close up of its paint splattered roller as well as two different perspectives of the inkwell, one from the rear and the other from front/side.A collection of close ups that highlight details of the inkwell. The siphon area that features a pointed tip to pierce the seal of the ink pots and openings to draw the ink into the internal reservoir. The paint splattered roller that is used to bring the ink up and apply it to the quill as its held against the spinning surface, ensuring the quill tip spins and is given an even coat. A small piece of stylised text and the button that activates the rotating function.A isolated look at both the quill stand and the orange ink point. It's opening sealed by a piece of parchment that is adhered to the side of the pot. To use the ink, the pot is turned upside down and placed into the opening on the inkwell. It's seal is punctured and the ink will flow through small openings in the siphon.
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Here's the stamp in engine doing its thing! Albeit in a very rudimentary way. xD 2/2 #UE5 #gamedev #indiedev #gameart
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Even in the lands of fantasy, the humble stamp is still the bedrock of bureaucracy. From the banality of delivery receipts to the edicts of nations, they all receive a mark in one form or another. See next post for it in action! 1/2 #substancepainter #b3d #gameart #indiedev
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
A Cinnabar Moth. :D
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Action cards, at a base level, are broken down into two categories. Immediate and Persistent. The former are played from the hand while the latter are played onto the board. In this example, the persistent card modifies trade values and gains tokens for a cost. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5 9.2/n
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Action Cards (thematic name TBD) are one of the ways players can circumnavigate difficult situations or gain beneficial outcomes. The primary means of drawing cards is by expending resources when docked at a port. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5 9.1/n
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Each contract comes with a route, a port list that acts as a turn limit for completion. Players can choose to end a turn at any point, but must be careful not to overstay or overspend resources, but also not to rush. It will also reduce naval pursuit when clearing the board. #indiedev #gamedev 8/n
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Telescoping board pieces (more than a little inspired by the GoT opening sequence) are an excellent way to get bigger assets on the board within the limited room of the rotating hex tiles. An airship tower for trading with any port and a black market haven for contraband. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5 7/n
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Nic Cresswell. @tw0fish.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Many of the actions the player can take, as well as events that occur have a chance of drawing the attention of the navy. Needing some way to represent this I've added a "pursuit track" to the outer ring. The red peg denotes the distance between you and them. #indiedev #gamedev #UE5 6/n
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