Surprise! Malfunction II - V-3.0 IS HERE!
It's been a long wait yes, but I promise it'll be worth it! Let's discuss some of the biggest additions.
New Narrative:
Dwenguil is no longer alone on the Isolate Chasm- Throughout your journey you'll find many friends who all share the same goal; Stop the evergrowing Plague. Did I mention there's actually a villain now too? I suppose it's also worth mentioning this update closes Malfunction II's story.
Side Missions:
Dwenguil has much more exploring to do! Every level now has a side mission alongside them which branches out entirely new environments, unique puzzles and fun combat scenarios. Seriously, check them out. They're a lot of fun!
New Missions & Regions:
That's right! On-top of the side missions you also get your traditional addition of 2 new missions & 2 new regions. If you've been around since 1.0 you might recognize some of the areas; as they were originally cut but have been completely restored and overhauled.
Intel Database:
If you were around in the Malfunction I days (I salute you), Malfunction I had a very simplistic Journal Note system which essentially gave brief backstories of certain areas/characters. Malfunction II brings back this system but dives a little bit deeper: Each entry you locate includes 5 pages of lore which expands upon the Isolate Chasm, events after Malfunction I, etc.
If you ever locate any, give them a read! They can get rather dark at times but that's fun- right?
Quality of Life Improvements:
Oh boy. There are a LOT of improvements on this update. From re-making models to improving the combat system (LOTS of bug fixes as well); 3.0 introduces not only a lot of additions but fixes as well.
Patch Notes:
Additions:
- Added NEW NARRATIVE (While the story is still similar, you can now expect new cutscenes, dialogue & new characters)
- Added 2 NEW levels (These were cut levels that have been completely overhauled and reworked)
- Added 2 NEW regions (Featuring several new environments, puzzles & combat scenarios)
- Added 6 NEW side missions (These missions are found whilst playing the story and consist of new environments, puzzles & combat scenarios)
- Added 3 NEW enemies (All of which feature significant & challenging mechanics)
- Added NEW skill sets (These skill sets can be unlocked via completing side missions. Skills include: Mortar Scope & Health Extension)
- Added NEW double jump mechanic (This will be required for certain areas of the game)
- Added NEW combat system (Dwenguil now shoots bullets which will also display an arrow indicating where the player is aiming)
- Added NEW Intel Database (Intel will now be scattered throughout the game and consist of lore across Malfunction's universe)
- Added 10 NEW Steam Achievements
- Added damage & attack animations to enemies
Fixes:
- Fixed the game from staying paused after finishing ending cutscene (LVL2)
- Fixed the game from staying paused after finishing mid-cutscene (LVL3)
- Fixed several deprecated items still being accessible (LVL3)
- Fixed the game from abruptly changing or stopping music (Region 2 & LVL3)
- Fixed the performance of Region 2 (further improvements may be added in the future)
- Fixed hack screens and terminals from soft-locking the game when pressing ESC
- Fixed the loading screen from occurring when destroying a new enemy
Changes:
- Changed ALL Intro Recap images (overhauled and updated)
- Changed ALL Cutscene images (reworked and updated)
- Changed Dwenguil's original frame (it has been reworked from the ground up to look more overworn & damaged)
- Changed Dwenguil's idle and moving effects (they are now more detailed)
- Changed Dwenguil's trail effects (they have been remade from the ground up to look more in-depth)
- Changed & overhauled plenty of models throughout the game (boxes, crates, walls, enemies, environmental objects, etc)
- Changed Barloc enemy: His attacks are now constant & his animations have been re-worked and improved
- Changed Plague Drone enemy: Model has been completely re-made and split into 3 different variations
- Changed all Region collectables to be more visible
- Changed all interactable objects to more visible
Removed:
- Removed un-used/deprecated assets to save memory & performance (models, sprites, sounds, etc)
This also concludes Malfunction II's Early Access state. This does not mean I'm finished with the game. I'm simply done with the story. Expect to hear more on that soon.