Global map.
In general, we have finished conceptualizing the global map. It is going to have two distinct states: default and the Eruption. Each of those states has its distinct features based on the player's successes and failures.
The non-stop rivalry between you, The Player, and The Gates is the basis of Hidden Pass. You will have to deal with sporadic wormholes and tears in reality while you cruise through Elyrium Belt, a very unstable space itself. While your main goal remains and you have to endure the hardships to fulfill your orders. Numerous encounters and the need for expansion are inevitable on your way. Your successes are tied to the power growth of The Gate. The stronger they are, the more the space is warped and more unstable.
Thus, you can tell the power of the Gate by looking at your surroundings both in default and Erupted states. In these trying times of Eruption your faction will face massive challenges, so try to hold back the Gate as much as possible. As a wanderer, you feel when the Eruption is going to happen, so prepare yourself!
Combat
The rework of the combat is almost done and we are on the finish line to releasing the April Demo. The only question is how much can we implement before the Turn-Based Fest (4-8 April). Right now, we have a more compact and more appealing map ready.
Now our focus is shifted to the player’s movement during combat in the game. As we previously said in DevDiaries, the main idea is that you have to be able to reach every part on the map.Now one can easily move between the map layers. Previously, only flying units had the opportunity to reach the heights of layer 3, now we have added terrain pieces that allow you to reach previously unavailable places. For example, Elyrium Updrafts will launch you from layer 1 to the tops of small Eolites on layer 3.
Thanks to the compactness of the map, you can jump into action right from the get go! No more unnecessary steps to reach your enemy. Sling your spells, let your weapons sing!
Push became an important part of combat. Many spells and abilities (explosions, for example) will now push units in different directions. And if they collide with an obstacle, they take damage based on the power of the collision and the nature of the obstacle itself. For example, your face had a chance encounter with a boulder? Not a big deal. But if you face planted in Elyrium crystal, the damage is the least of your problems and now you will have to cure Elyrium poisoning.
Flight is still in the game, but now it is not free, as it used to be. Characters equipped with Jetpacks will have the option to fly by filling the Elyrium Madness gauge.
Speaking of the devil, Elysium Madness has reached its final shape. If you fill this gauge to the max, you are as good as dead in several turns. The number of those turns is based on the character's Intelect. To save this unit - simply finish this combat before he dies. It’s a good strategy, in general. Besides, Madness grants you temporal boost to your damage before you are no more. Channel your most hard hitting spells, finish combat before you seize to exist and repeat!
GG😎😎
Thanks for reading our February DevDiary! We hope you found them interesting.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, feel free to leave your comments on our Discord or X (ex-Twitter).
Visit our Website and you can follow us on Steam.
P.S. Don't forget that we're planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign in May 2024, so you can sign up on our Kickstarter page.
Congratulations on the progress! Keep it up!