Polonaise Hollandaise started in my head as I was randomly thinking about combining different game mechanic with one another. I not really sure anymore what I was thinking about, but at one point I combined something with the snake mechanic and it stuck. 

So I started working on it. At first I started with the American / Latin style Conga line. (Which is actually quite weird because it's not the default here in the Netherlands). In the first iteration I tried to make the conga line beat working while you are walking around in the environment. The beat is a count of three and then you stick out a leg or something to emphasize the fourth beat. But you can't walk while you stick your leg out, and to me it makes sense to stop walking on the fourth beat. 

While testing the game and letting others play it, it turned out it was not fun. I also got the question why it wasn't the polonaise people in the Netherlands do when it's a good party or even better, when it is carnaval. Which makes sense because is more fun to have as a mechanic. You can keep walking, so you keep your momentum, which keeps your attention. 

In the first iteration, the people you tag get in line at the end. the polonaise at carnaval is more organic then that, so I changed this behaviour. They now choose a random spot in the line. Most go into the front now, but a random one still goes at the end because I kinda feel bad that the last on in line, because they would be the last one forever. And it works really nice. The growing of the line feels more organic this. 

Even though the game is obviously nowhere done I do like how it already feels and controls. But there still a lot needs to be done. I'm thinking about a couple of things I want to try out. 

1. The main thing I'm thinking about is that the line gradually begins to pushing you forward and all you can do is control the steering so you don't walk into walls. Which would bring the snake back, but also would make the end game more enticing I think. It takes over control and all you can do is guide it.
2. Thinking about adding pickups like water bottles. Staying hydrated is important. But this would clash with the point above.
3. Adding different environments. A mall, a park, a city block. They would all give unique situations and strategies.

Thank you for reading. Please try the game if you haven't already and share you thoughts!