Oleander-X · published · build 23992852
Some players told us that the current Story Mode can be quite hard to complete all the way through. We recently introduced Fighting Mode for Story Mode to give players a more action-focused way to play, but we wanted combat to feel even more fun, flexible, and replayable.
So in this update, we are introducing New Game (Stage Select).
Stage Select lets you jump straight into a standalone randomized mission. You can choose a lab map, pick a game mode, and select the weapon you like. Weapon choices are limited based on the selected lab, so earlier labs stay balanced while later labs give you more firepower options.
This mode is separate from Story Mode. It does not affect story progress, save data, money, EXP, inventory, route flags, or mission progress. It is made for quick runs, combat practice, score chasing, and replaying Oleander-X in a more flexible way.
Stage Select also now includes leaderboards. For now, these are personal/local leaderboards, with data stored through Steam Cloud. We are also working on support for official Steam leaderboards in a future update.
We have also added a Multiple Player option to the Stage Select menu. Multiplayer is not available yet, but it is now officially in development. Our current plan is to release Stage Select multiplayer around late 2026 or Q1 2027.
Combat should also feel clearer now: guards now display an HP bar, so players can see how many more shots are needed to take them down. This apply for both Story games and Stage Select games in all game mode (Classic/Fighting).
The FREE Demo version also includes the full Stage Select feature, with Lab 01 to Lab 04 available for free.
Release Notes
Added New Game (Stage Select).
Renamed the original new game option to New Game (Story Mode).
Added standalone randomized missions with no Story Mode save impact.
Added map selection, player option UI, game mode selection, and weapon selection.
Added a Multiple Player option placeholder for Stage Select.
Added randomized evidence, bomb site, cameras, laser traps, guards, patrols, and escort objective.
Added Stage Select escort objective with Subject Vanta or Lead Scientist.
Added Stage Select personal/local leaderboards, with data stored through Steam Cloud.
Added lab and game-mode specific leaderboards.
Added Stage Select result screen with player name entry and top scores.
Added guard HP bars so players can see how many shots remain before a guard is neutralized.
Updated guard scoring
Improved camera and laser trap placement.
Added global loading overlay.
Demo now supports Stage Select with free Labs 01-04.