We are TWO WEEKS from launch day! I'm very excited to share the final version of the game with you all, but first I do have some bad news. This update marks the first version where I am limiting the game demo. The demo now ends with act 1, but is otherwise a full game experience just lacking some of the fancy steam features like leaderboards.
The good news though, is I've added another really cool new feature: secret rooms! These are available in the later parts of act 1, although they will be more common in the bigger maps of acts 2 & 3 (and in those there can even be 2 secret rooms in a single level). You might notice a room that's entirely walled off when exploring the map, and if you do, keep an eye out for a switch later on in the level. If you flip it, you can head back to that room and it will be open. The rewards can be chests, coins, items, and even a magical portal that teleports you to the surface for 2 minutes for an all-you-can-burninate buffet! Be careful though, as secret rooms can have hidden traps too!
Full changelist below:
Maps and Rooms
Added new hidden room mechanics with switches, pressure plates, special rewards, and new room interactions.
Improved dungeon generation to support hidden spaces and more varied room layouts.
Updated the run map with occasional empty spaces and cleaner pathing.
Added draw and erase tools to the map so players can mark routes or notes.
Progression and Achievements
Added new ascension win achievements for key ascension milestones.
Updated ascension progression and capped ascension levels at 10.
Added new achievement art for ascension wins.
Adjusted XP requirements slightly.
Gameplay and Balance
Adjusted several enemies, including the Armored Warrior, Samurai, and Giant Snail.
Improved food upgrade behavior, including better interaction with Crown Leech.
Improved saving and restoring during active levels, including enemies, doors, room states, and level stats.
Improved store flow between acts so the next act starts through the map instead of jumping directly into combat.
UI and Text
Clarified many upgrade descriptions, especially minion type and affinity upgrades.
Added tutorial text for new special gameplay sequences.
Improved minion tooltip behavior when inspecting or hovering.
Added new switch, portal, plate, and achievement visuals.