Celestial Lions - Checkpoint

Here is the final draft for the checkpoint flag in the game "HOP". The original idea was set as just a simple flag, but i wanted to add some flair. The first being the flag rising up - the game being a 2D sidescroller i had immediate Mario inspiration for the flag animation. Wanting to help give a good distinction from Mario, i went with the pole itself rising, this giving the whole animation its own sense of character and charm. The animation would seem wonky without some backstory - The environment pieces (Being 2D) are not deep platforms that i could easily hide the flag itself underneath, so i sat the whole piece on its side, and only upon activation will it rotate into place and begin rising, that way it wouldnt break player immersion.