Hey guys, sorry for the long hiatus! I know it's been quite a while since the last update but I still do genuinely want to create a great game for everyone. The main focus of this update is to address a lot of the feedback I've received up to this point, and create one big update that will hopefully improve the enjoyment for all players! This is the first game I have ever developed and it has been a huge learning experience for me, thank you to everyone who provided their input and have followed the game this whole time! It shows me that you actually like the game and want more, which makes me incredibly happy!
INTRODUCING CHAPTER SELECT
The biggest addition to Update 0.3 is the inclusion of chapters, allowing players to experience all of the content in a more structured format. Offering three unique scenarios with different settings and fixed layouts, this new gamemode will allow newer players to get used to the gameplay before trying out the randomized mode, which is still available separately from the lobby screen. The most common piece of feedback I received was regarding the steep learning curve of the game, players found the randomized map confusing and wanted more direction when it came to the puzzles. Each chapter will provide players with an ingame map item that will help them navigate through the area, as well as written notes that explain the various puzzles found within that level. There are also notes that go into detail about the unique behaviour of stalker enemies, telling players about their triggers and how to avoid them. Puzzle solutions will still remain randomized to provide some variety, and enemies can be randomized by selecting the Nightmare difficulty.
NEW ENEMY TYPES
Each chapter introduces a new enemy type into the game, each with their own unique set of behaviours. For example, the Mutant has a cage around it's head that prevents headshots from doing damage, forcing players to aim for its body. This is the complete opposite to the Skeleton who has armor covering it's body, making players target their head. I'll be leaving the other new enemies as a surprise for players, so be sure to let me know what you think of them and feel free to let me know some other ideas for unique enemies that I could add. All the new enemy types are also available in the randomized mode, but you may not always get them since enemies are randomly selected. If you want a guaranteed way to encounter all of them make sure to play through all of the chapters. Also be sure to read the notes to learn about their behaviours, I've made changes to the Ghost that will make her a bit easier to avoid too.
IN-GAME HINTS
In addition to providing players with a map and notes, I've also added a hint option that will outline the current objectives the player has in more specific detail. Unlike maps and notes, the hint option is also available in the randomized mode, this will assist players who prefer to have more direct directions. You can access this feature in the lobby menu when choosing a gamemode. Hints have no effect on rank so don't worry about using it, but I would also recommend attempting to play without it at first and using the ingame notes to help figure out puzzles instead. If you'd rather not read through the notes then go ahead and enable hints, I understand that not all players enjoy figuring them out. For players who just want to play the game without having to worry about restarting after dying, I even changed the Casual difficulty to allow infinite respawns. So I hope you guys have fun!
ADDITIONAL CHANGES
Honestly I've made so many changes and fixes to the game over the last year that I can't list or remember all of them, but here are some of the most notable ones that I can recall.
- New achievements.
- Added an option to disable camera wobble to prevent motion sickness.
- Server calls have been greatly reduced to prevent disconnecting.
- Server browser now displays the selected mode and difficulty.
- Levels will now display your best rank and the time it took to achieve.
- Game will now save your last selected map and difficulty and automatically set them next time a lobby is formed.
- Ragdolls of dead players will respawn if they clip through the map.
- Self revived players will now respawn at the starting area with all items intact.
- Fixed issue with current ammo count not matching between players.
- Compass puzzle will now notify players if they are on the wrong floor.
- Green and blue valve colours have been modified to be more distinct.
- Piano puzzle has been tweaked slightly to prevent any issues.
- Stage room has been modified to be more modular with other rooms.
Really hope you guys enjoy the new update! I have another smaller update planned soon with a few things I wasn't able to finish in time for this one, including the long awaited melee option.