I want to make this game similar to Build A Boat for Treasure except in my game (called Whatever Floats Your Goat), the player has to get their goat to the finish line.
I have no idea where to start with this so I could use anything that will help.
Well if I were making this game this is how I’d go.
Build system. Just being able to place parts that stick to each other how you want them to.
Part inventory system. Allows players to choose different parts, and start work on UI design.
Ready mechanic. Switches players from build mode to “put my boat-goat on the river” mode.
Save system. Saving each boat build players make to be reused when needed.
Map. Your map, with all those boat-breaking dangers that are coming for your goat, so it ain’t just building here.
Part and goat stats. Give each different part different stats such as cost, durability, weight, etc. Also your goat can have health if you want.
Refine. Go back on your previous work and find ways to improve them. Make them faster, easier, prettier. Play test all around.
Victory. Make your victory location and mechanics, things like a victory screen and rewarding points. Then moving players back to the start.
Additional features. Add things that make your game more fun. Tools to protect the goat, parts that allow more functionality. Make use of those stats.
There are plenty of resources to learn from if you’re unsure. I figure the hardest parts are the building and inventory systems, but they’re very important so you should start with those.