Dirk Dashing 2: E.V.I.L Eye v0.6.3 introduces dozens of new features and gameplay enhancements, based partly on feedback from early pre-order customers.
Many of the changes revolve around a new interactive audio design that integrates the music and sound more tightly with the gameplay. First, the music has been tied to the story. Instead of just looping music repeatedly, the game transitions between music pieces as plot developments and game events occur. And to fill the times when there may be no music playing, Jesse created various ambient sound loops and new sound effects for game objects that previously had no sound. I've also implemented a simple 3D positional sound system, so any object that emits sound will gradually fade in/out based on its distance from Dirk. Previously, I was turning off the sound for any object that wasn't on screen. But now you can hear the pop of wall-mounted gun turrets in the distance, the faint footsteps of an approaching enemy, etc. This creates a richer audio landscape for the game.
Second, we've assigned a new material property to every floor surface in the game. The material property indicates whether it is made of stone, wood, metal, carpet, dirt, etc. Jesse recorded a bunch of different footstep sounds for each material, which I tied directly to the animation for Dirk and other game characters. So as they're walking or running around, you'll be able to hear them. This way you'll know when an enemy is approaching before you ever see him.
Third, I've beefed up the AI so that the game characters can "hear" your footsteps and movements too. Guards and enemies can hear Dirk running, landing after a high jump/fall, and shooting. They can also hear fellow guards who cry out, explosions that occur nearby, and more.
To compensate, I've given Dirk a new move: the ability to sneak silently. You can hold down the Shift key along with the Left or Right arrow key, and instead of running, Dirk will tip-toe quietly. This allows you to sneak past an enemy unseen or get close enough to knock him out (which is very handy when taking on more powerful enemies).
Another enhancement for v0.6.3 is the addition of three different skill levels. This was added in response to feedback from pre-order customers. Some felt the game was too easy, while others felt it was too hard. The normal skill level is about the same as the earlier versions of the game. In the easy skill level, the game provides more ammo and health kits, and guards will never shoot (even if the alarm goes off). In the hard skill level, guards will always shoot on sight (even if the alarm hasn't sounded yet). The player picks the skill level when they start a new game.
Other enhancements for v0.6.3 includes the addition of 2 more save game slots, inventory improvements (like reverting back to your default weapon after using a gadget, so you don't inadvertently waste a gadget when you wanted to shoot), minor adjustments to the controls to make it easier to jump on ladders, and a plethora of bug fixes.
You can download a free demo of v0.6.3 now. Give it a try! You'll find it's much improved from the initial pre-order release!
Nice! I like the concept and it looks well executed. Tracking.
Thanks! It still has some rough edges, and it needs some polish here and there (particularly on the menu system), but it's coming along. I'll be releasing v0.7 next week containing the Part 3 levels for pre-order customers. I'll post a news item here when it's ready.