Quality and Smaller Feature Patch

We've just rolled out another update focusing on refining the gameplay experience with added features, important fixes, and some quality-of-life improvements. It was intended to just address two bugs, but as I saw some streamers playing, I noticed a few additional things I wanted to fixːdeheadː

The big thing in this patch is the option to turn on rankings in the ‘Non-Competitive Mode’. So everyone who enjoys doing time trials and just wants to find some shortcuts, get a good run, and get scored on that can do that now without worrying about leaderboards, or the other aspects of the competitive mode.

New Features:

• Ranking Support in Non-Competitive Mode: We've introduced an optional timer in non-competitive mode. Activating it will now allow you to see your personal rankings. This is designed for players who prefer to set personal challenges and goals without engaging with the competitive leaderboards.
• Mid-Level Timer and Ranking Toggle: You can toggle this setting on or off even during a level, making it easier to evaluate and opt in/out. (Unlike the old competitive mode setting for turning off the timer, it takes effect right away.)

Improvements:

• Menu Text Adjustments: The text for replaying cleared levels has been updated from "Start" to "Replay Level," making it clearer when revisiting levels. The button has also been adjusted in size and position.
• Shield Door and Gate Feedback: We’ve enhanced how shield doors and gates respond when shot, providing more noticeable visual feedback when damaged or turning on/off.

Performance Optimizations:

• Faster Hub and Level Select Loading: Load times for the hub and level select screens have been reduced. This was achieved by skipping the initialization of enemy effect objects that are not used in these areas. As these areas are loaded often it's just nice to have them load faster.

Bug Fixes:

• Mouse Cursor in Photo Mode: Fixed an issue where the mouse cursor trail would remain visible in photo mode, ensuring a cleaner capture experience.
• Aim Assist Camera Fix: Resolved a rare case where a mismatch between the X and Y axes in the aim assist camera could cause math errors, potential division by zero, and abrupt camera snaps in rare scenarios.
• Steam Leaderboard Access Issue: Corrected a problem where leaderboards would incorrectly attempt to access data when the game was run without Steam, preventing visual errors and potential crashes in offline play.
• Camera Issue with Zero Lives Restart: Fixed a recently introduced bug where the camera could disconnect from the player after trying to respawn with zero lives in competitive mode, which was quite strange (though rarely game-breaking).
• Difficulty Animation Display: Fixed an issue where the difficulty animation might not display if you selected a level at the exact moment it was hovered.
• Rare Effect Manager Crash: Fixed a rare effect manager crash which could happen when effects were active as a level was unloading, due to resource release order.

That’s it for this time. Hope you enjoy it!ːdeboostː