Hello there!
We're so happy to announce that we've finally hit our last major milestone update - 2.0.5. This is our "pencil's down" moment. It's been almost 6 years since we left our jobs to create a game. I actually found our first prototype video from years ago: https://vimeo.com/66039524 - you can see the layout of the Kitchen area looks very familiar :). But we're super proud of the game and very grateful for all the amazing feedback and patience from players over the past year! Without your help, the game would not be what it is today.
Hevn today feels new with more balanced mechanics and some new features which we'll share below. We encourage anyone who has tried it before to give it another go. But this also means from here on out we'll shift our focus onto our next game, which we can't wait to share soon. Hevn will still continue to receive bug fixes and incremental updates and who knows where else it can go. With that said, on to the new features and latest updates!
This latest version includes an update to Sebastian's core abilities and is associated with the theme of Time in the game. Due to Sebastian's Lunarfungiosis condition and his exposure to Soviten, he's able to enter a "Time Well". This allows him to stop time and perform attacks and maneuvers that slowly move time forward incrementally. Increasing Sebastian's amount of Resolve increases the number of attacks he's able to perform and decreases the recharge time for this ability. This effectively changes how the game can be played and we're excited to see how players find creative ways to use this ability!
This is a big one - we've made collecting objects in the game much faster! You no longer have to Examine an object before deciding what to do with it. That functionality is still in the Quick Inventory menu, but now you can walk around and pick things up effortlessly.
The logic and attack abilities of the critters and droids has been updated. Not only are they much faster but they can be much more aggressive and there is a new enemy type that guards the nests in the caves. They should provide a good challenge!
There are more environmental puzzles in the game, where using anti-gravity Soviten zones or even the Time Well can be very helpful. You'll know you've hit one because it'll seem like there's no way to get past it. (Honestly, there are usually several ways to solve these puzzles). This also means the levels have gone through a bit of an overhaul to make traversal more fun.
We've added a new throwable device, called an Impact Grenade. This device explodes on impact and can be very effective in the Time Well. We've also balanced which devices and healing items are placed throughout the game.
The damage for the player and other objects/enemies/environment has been balanced. The colorful Soviten Gems that are dropped by dead critters can now be collected to increase Sebastian's Resolve. Also Oxygen, Radiation, and Toxicity levels have been overhauled to be more manageable. There’s also more medicine to handle each.
There is even more backstory and lore updates in the game. These can be read in the tablets, computer terminals, and magazines.
Sebastian's buddy MQ has more dialogue. Hopefully he feels more like a friend and is a part of what is going on.
We've updated the helmet designs and other objects in the game to be more rooted in the world. The Power Sledge is a true powerful melee weapon now.
There have been updates to improve the quality of life in the game, such as what's visible in the Investigation Screen. We've removed things to not get in the way, and also to allow the player to explore and solve navigation puzzles in a more efficient way. There are more options for Look Acceleration and Controller Vibration.
Last but not least, the end of the game has been revamped and improved and is more in line with how we originally wanted the game to end. Check it out and let us know what you think!
That's all for now. We really appreciate everyone who's played the game or provided feedback about the game. To celebrate this latest update we’re putting the game on sale tomorrow. We just can't thank you enough! It really means so much to us.
All the best!
Mat and Larry
