Shadows - Prototype 0.2 RELEASED

Release Date: Monday, October 7th, 2024

Hey Shadows fans,

We're excited to bring you Prototype 0.2 of Shadows, packed with new abilities, weapons, and quality of life improvements. 

First of all, we've opened a public Discord with this update. Join now: https://discord.gg/Dajpp22KpA

Second - the macOS port is not ready, but we will be releasing it soon, likely in between 0.2 and 0.3.

Here's what’s new:

New Features

Hitmarkers

• Added hitmarkers for better feedback during combat.
• Built-in enemy health indicators now give you more visual cues on your damage impact.

New Ability System

• Dash and Walljump have been fully reworked into abilities behind the scenes
• New visual polish added to the Dash ability, bringing a sleeker, more engaging experience.
• Introduced two new abilities:
  • Boost Jump/Up Dash: Propel yourself upwards with precision by double-tapping jump in the air.
  • Boost Down/Ground Pound: Double-tap crouch in the air to slam, down with a powerful AOE splash damage attack when done from enough height, perfect for crowd control.

Weapon Switching Overhaul

• Completely revamped UI/HUD for weapon selection.
• Scroll through your weapons, left-click to confirm, right-click to cancel.
• You can still use number keys to cycle between weapons if that’s your style.
• Inspired by systems in classic beloved PC shooters for smooth transitions and better control.

New Weapons

• New Starter Weapon: We've replaced the old, cumbersome starter with the sleek, semi-automatic 1911 Pistol for more fluid early-game combat.
• New Full-Auto Weapon: Welcome to the roster, AK – our first assault rifle, giving you sustained firepower for later levels.

Weapon Balancing Tweaks

• Revolver:
  • Increased ADS zoom, enhancing its long-range capabilities.
  • Full gunplay rework improves the revolver’s tactical use and feel.
• Shotgun:
  • Damage slightly buffed for better close-quarters impact.
  • ADS stance updated to a more traditional, grounded pose.

Bug Fixes

AI Fixes:

• Enemies can now aim vertically, no longer restricted to horizontal aiming.

General Fixes:

• Fixed infinite air dash exploit. Ground dashes remain infinite, but air dashes are limited to two per jump.
• Resolved issue where weapons would disappear when rapidly switching.
• Fixed scenario where new weapons could continue firing as if they were the previous weapon after switching.
• Fixed knife-throwing issues where knives could be lost permanently.
• Several crash fixes and stability improvements.
• Performance improvements in certain sections, though a larger optimization phase is coming in future updates.
• Majorly tightened up shooting gunplay, brought all weapon crosshairs to center by default before recoil and motion, made ADS accuracy independent of weapon sway

Level Fixes:

• Tutorial:
  • Fixed blacked-out video screens in the wall-running demonstration.
  • Removed an awkward "lip" edge in the wall-running tutorial that was confusing players.
• Level 2:
  • Fixed issue where the music wasn’t playing correctly.
• Endless Mode - Courtyard:
  • The level’s shaders and post-processing have been updated with a fresh look. We’re experimenting with a different toon shader. Let us know how you feel about the new style here versus Level 4.

Level 1 Improvements:

• Objective markers now guide you step-by-step, showing more specific targets throughout the mission instead of directing you to the final goal from the start.

Coming Soon in Prototype 0.3

• Unarmed Melee Combat: Get ready for up-close action with punches and kicks.
• Offhand Ability System: Offhand abilities like throwing knives will become part of a broader ability system. Look forward to more customization and playstyle flexibility.
• Revamped Tutorial: More streamlined and user-friendly.

• New Endless Survival Map: Featuring fresh gameplay elements that will keep you on your toes.

Stay tuned for more updates! Let us know your thoughts on the changes, especially regarding the new shaders in Endless Courtyard. Your feedback helps us shape Shadows into the best game it can be.

Thank you for being part of this journey! We can’t wait to see you in the next update.

Stay stealthy,

Alex - Kyron VideoArts