Hey guys! Krayfishkarl here with another Droplet: States of Matter update video! Version 1.3 of early access is now available! The main feature of this patch is a graphically reworked version of Cretaceous Caldera along with new music for it - part of my ongoing effort to convert the game from basic blockouts to static meshes. Additionally, bug fixes and performance updates are also included.
I first showed off Cretaceous Caldera back in March 2018, roughly two months after development first began. The level has been kept mostly the same since I first showed it off back then, but I've added a lot more detail.
Cretaceous Caldera was one of the first levels I created to test out the idea of the environment being a factor in influencing the gameplay. I got the idea of using lava - where being in close proximity would cause the player to gradually change into cloud form over time.
This was also the first level that I created that used mud as an obstacle - water cannot pass through it but other states of matter can. Mud intended to serve as a counterpart to how cloud form can walk on clouds and ice form can walk on gratings. When conceptualizing this level for the first time, I thought about the types of environments that could accommodate both lava and mud. That's when I thought of a prehistoric jungle at the base of a volcano.
My goal was to seamlessly integrate the environmental storytelling with the gameplay. Each section of the level from entering the volcano to being chased by a T-rex was to convey a miniature narrative of sorts. In many ways, the world became as much of a character as Droplet himself.
How exactly are there dinosaurs on another planet? Well, I'll leave you guys to come up with theories. But if you must know, on my website, the section known as the Krayverse contains all the worldbuilding details fully explained. I regularly update it with new stories so be sure to follow my social media if you want to stay up to date.
Oh, and one more thing. Droplet: States of Matter is on sale for 30% off until July 8 as part of Steam Summer Sale 2021! Hope you enjoy! And with that, thank you for watching!
Patch Notes
Main Features
- Cretaceous Caldera updated with new graphics and music.
- Altered the path to the hidden artifact in Cretaceous Caldera.
- Moved an atom from the artifact challenge. If you have existing save data, you may find one extra atom, but this is nothing to worry about.
Bug Fixes
- Fixed misaligned text in the time trial screen.
- Fixed an issue where the “All atoms collected” text does not disappear.
- Crystal count no longer flashes in the wrong direction when opening a progress gate.
- Fixed an issue where certain hints were not appearing.
- Meteors no longer pass through mud.
- The T-rex no longer has a chance of floating in mid-air when it trips and falls.
- In the event that a T-rex falls out of bounds, the footsteps will no longer keep playing.
- T-rex dizzy stars no longer persist between level transitions.
Audio
- Added more high quality samples.
UI
- Adjusted the time trial UI slightly.
- Prompts now appear if green and pink crystals are collected.
Quality of Life
- Conveyor belts are no longer marked as “safe to respawn on”.
Optimization
- General performance improvements.