MISFORTUNATE Update - Steam Build 25008010

This update continues the cleanup and unification of MISFORTUNATE's Item interactions, with a particular focus on FLAG, BOULDER and COMPANION behaviour.

Special Items should now feel much more naturally integrated into the board rather than interrupting normal gameplay with unnecessary interfaces.

🚩 FLAG Improvements

• FLAG is now integrated into the normal Context Panel flow.
• When landing on an applicable space, the usual options remain available - such as BUY, USE ITEM, VIEW INFO and REST.
• FLAG can now be selected through the USE ITEM submenu rather than replacing the normal landing interaction.
• Once placed, a FLAG protects the player who placed it from the effects of that space.
• FLAG protection now also extends to the placer's teammate.
• Opposing players remain completely unaffected by another team's FLAG.

🪨 BOULDER Improvements

• BOULDER can now be accessed through the standard USE ITEM flow when it is available.
• Placed BOULDERs continue to interrupt players attempting to move through their space.
• Teammates are no longer treated as automatically exempt from a BOULDER.
• If your teammate reaches a BOULDER you placed, you are still asked whether you want to STOP them or ALLOW them to continue.
• The decision always remains with the player who originally placed the BOULDER.
• Existing SWORD and LADDER interactions with BOULDERs remain intact.

🐾 COMPANION Item Flow

• COMPANION is now presented through the same unified USE ITEM submenu pattern.
• Its existing gameplay rules remain unchanged - it becomes available at the appropriate point after the player's normal interaction with the space.

🧭 Context Panel Improvements

The Context Panel continues to become the central place for board interactions.

Rather than special Items spawning additional buttons or separate interfaces, applicable Items are grouped underneath USE ITEM, with a BACK option allowing players to return to the original space actions.

This keeps the interface cleaner, prevents oversized horizontal action lists, and makes Item interactions more consistent throughout the game.

⚙️ Multiplayer & Gameplay Reliability

• FLAG team protection is resolved using the existing team system while keeping ownership tied to the original placer.
• BOULDER decisions remain authoritative to the original placer in multiplayer.
• Existing Item ownership, movement and multiplayer authority rules have been preserved.

Steam Build: 25008010

Thanks for continuing to test MISFORTUNATE during development. More interface polish, gameplay fixes and multiplayer improvements are on the way.