From the start I've always wanted Track Star to have lots of replayability. Track and field games aren't going to come along every day, I want to make sure I give the people who were waiting for this niche new content to enjoy.
To that end, I've been experimenting with a feature I wanted to add and I think we're ready to go live. Let's get into it.
New Feature: Rotating Challenges & Steam Leaderboards
On the main screen you will now noticed a 'Challenges' button. Click it and you've entered a new part of Track Star, one with customized saves that you play with the goal of achieving a high score. And, thanks to Steam, there will be an in-game leaderboard that tracks the competition.
The first challenge, live now is focused on the story of Frank Taller (real track fans, iykyk). Frank is barely clinging to his Division 1 scholarship. You'll start his career as a freshman and see if you can turn him into a legitimate contender. At the end of your career, the game will record your best 5000 meter time and post it to the leaderboard.
The system is spec'd to hold up to three challenges at a time, I will likely rotate new ones through periodically. One bummer with Steam - the leaderboard can record time, but it's not going to be able to record distances, so jumps and throws will likely need to be based on total score vs. a best mark model.
Bug Fixes
Fixed two race-result spoilers. Relay results were always laid out in lane order by finish place, which gave away the outcome before the animation. And, the specialization tier-unlock popup was giving away certain race finishes. Both have been fixed.
Fixed the Javelin build's tier 2/3 technique bonus granting Strength instead of Speed — Javelin has always weighted Speed higher.
Rival challenges now have a cooldown so you can't just spam your way to 100 mentality.
Hardened save data and made it more durable.
Addressed a potential bug where it would be possible to corrupt your Hall of Fame.
Fixed a minor scrollbar flicker during screen changes.