The second major update to Vanishing Realms is finally available! Highlights:
- Hard mode with new AI that can parry, dodge, pursue, strike at vulnerabilities and execute combination moves.
- The mid-game has been expanded to include a number of large new indoor and outdoor playable areas.
- Two-handed bow aiming is now supported, and there is a new two-handed melee weapon which requires some skill to master.
- From the opening screen, it is now possible to select and replay any previously reached checkpoint.
- Checkpoints may be replayed on either 'classic' or 'hard' mode.
- Many previously inert items may now be grabbed, burned, thrown, broken, and these behaviors are integrated with puzzle design and gameplay.
- Skeleton swordsmen are divided into three distinct difficulty types with new custom model changes for each type.
- Monsters have approx 40 new melee animations.
- Teleporting uses a new spline that better shows range limits and interacts with terrain.
- Achievement stats are now visible from the pause room.
- The Rite Of Steel arena retains the two-death restriction, but the time constraint is now relaxed so that all players will have ample time to strategize.
- The final game room contains an End Game button and a summary of all achievements and checkpoints.
- Many more small changes than can be listed here - please find more detail pinned in the dev post under 'Players Post Here' in the Vanishing Realms Community Hub.
As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated!