The demo now has six levels and three bosses, up from four levels and two. Thanks to everyone who played and sent feedback.
New in the demo
- Two more levels after THE CHURCH: THE BELFRY, then THE EMBER GROVE or THE CATACOMBS.
- A third boss: EMBERWING, the phoenix, in THE EMBER GROVE. After a swoop, a flare or an eruption she is winded and sinks low. Get under her and swing up.
Longer levels
- Every level is about a third longer, with about a third more foes. The new stretches add new crossings, climbs and fights.
- More hearts sit along the way, so the longer levels are not harder to finish.
New boons and gambles
- PLUNGE: in the air, down + attack strikes straight down. Hits bounce you back up.
- STORM DIVE: landing a plunge or a long fall blasts the foes around you.
- New boons: REBUKE, SHADE ROLL, CROW WING, LOW BLADE, RED TALLY and MISER'S VOW.
- New gambles: BLOOD PRICE and ANVIL OATH (a big upside with a real cost).
- New pairings when you hold two that fit: SKYFALL, PASSING BELL, UNDERTOW, LONG HUNT and WERGILD.
Balance
- Heart vows cost less: GLASS EDGE leaves 5 max hearts (was 3), BLOODFORGE 6 (was 4), GALEFOOT costs 1 heart (was 2), and BERSERKER'S OATH heals 75% (was 50%).
- Bosses resist stacked damage boons, so a strong build no longer melts a boss in seconds.
Fixes
- EMBERWING can no longer be left alive at 0 health, which could stop the level.
- Flying foes no longer sit inside rock, and knocked fliers recover properly.
- Fire bats only throw fire once they are on screen.
- Knight fixes: plunge bounces, coyote jumps, charge cancel, and attacks face the right way.
- Smoother foe and boss animation: no foot sliding, no pop when they turn.
- Coins and hearts sit right on the ground.
- Controls menu: PAUSE can no longer be rebound off START by accident, and a mouse click cancels a key capture.
- Music fades into and out of fights properly.
If you enjoy the demo, a wishlist for IRONVOW helps a lot.