Progress Update
Hello Ninjas!
Over the last month, the team has been working hard in the shadows, so let's catch up!
What we did last month:
Full controller support: Sit back, grab your gamepad, and strike from the shadows with newly implemented controller support
New tutorial & first cutscene: We’ve finalized our brand-new tutorial level, featuring the game’s very first cinematic cutscene to immerse you right into the story.
UI overhaul: A completely fresh user interface has been implemented to keep your HUD intuitive.
Optimization: We were focusing on implementing systems and optimization techniques that will keep the game running as best as possible
Playtest polish: Our primary focus was squishing bugs and boosting performance to ensure the current build runs as smoothly as possible. (More details on how to join the playtest at the end of this post!)
Looking Ahead: Our Focus for This Month
This month is all about you. We are actively diving into the amazing feedback we’ve received from our community on Discords to fine-tune the experience.
We are also introducing new mechanics designed to create more emergent stealth opportunities - giving you more creative freedom in how you infiltrate and bypass guards. Plus, production has officially begun on our next map! If you're a fan of salty-air port villages, you’re going to love this one.
Mechanics Spotlight: Sacred Statues
During your runs, you will stumble upon Sacred Statues. However - only some of them are active - this is randomized between runs to keep you on your toes.
When you spot green fireflies flying in the air or notice a unique icon pop up on your radar, track it down. It will be worth your time.
Every time you pray at a Sacred Statue, you will be granted a selection of powerful buffs to choose from. These can dramatically alter your run by doing things like:
Multiplying your earned Experience Points for the rest of the run.
Granting a 30% speed boost - perfect for darting between patches of tall grass when you're caught out in the open
But beware…
The spirits can be fickle. Some of the most powerful buffs come tied to a CURSE. Will you risk the penalty for ultimate power?
World Activities & Dynamic Challenges
There is plenty to do in the world beyond your primary quests. As you explore, you'll find valuable resources scattered across the map and locked away inside treasure chests.
But if you want to truly test your skills, keep an eye out for these activities:
Randomized Optional Tasks: Before embarking on any run, you will be assigned two optional side-objectives featuring randomized challenges. Completing these will grant you big bonus experience.
Wanted Posters: The cruel Daimyo is not a fan of our ninja clan meddling in his affairs, and he has plastered the region with bounties for your head. Track down these posters, tear them down and score extra XP while you're at it.
Remember: Every single run is scored based on your overall performance. Sneaking efficiently, completing objectives, and staying undetected is the ultimate way to earn Honor Points. We will dive much deeper into our progression systems in an upcoming post!
Playtests & New Gameplay Footage!
The gates are open! Players are already sneaking through the current build and sharing invaluable feedback on our Discord. The good news? We are still inviting more playtesters to join the ranks.
If you want to get your hands on the game early and help shape its development, here is how to apply:
Join our official Discord community: https://discord.gg/8uaR7YsmM
Leave a comment in The General Hall channel and add ExoPlay as a friend.
Complete the quick NDA, and you'll be granted access to the build!
Until next time, stay in the shadows!