Hey everyone, Paris here,
It's been a hot minute since I officially updated you all on the status of the next big update, so let's take some time to quickly dissect everything that is coming in the next big update, v0.2.
OVERVIEW
To start with, let me apologise for the extended delay getting this next patch out. My 6 year relationship came to an end a couple of months ago and has put a lot of strain on my living situation, slowing down dev speed. On top of this... well let's just say this next update that jumps from v0.17 to v0.2 contains more additions than all the updates from v0.01-v0.17 combined! What's that going to mean for you, the players?
STAGES
There will be 1 brand new unlockable stage called Stardom Stadium. In this stage set above the planet Klianc VIII, meteors and comets smash into the arena and pass through, knocking things as they go. This stage will always be the "Grand Finals" stage in the cup mode on all difficulties.
There will also be one other special stage, called King's Quarters, that only appears at the end of higher cup difficulties (more on this below).
All stages will be playable in a Hazardless form, meaning if you want a straight gimmick free match, but don't want to be locked to Hologram House or Primary Park, you can get the vibes of any stage you want!
Background Spectators are being added to most of the stages. So far we have spectators on Circle Circuit, Plazzma Penthouse, Ring Research, Nautilus Nights & The Clawcade, with more being worked on for Primary Park, Rec Room, Haunted Hangout & Stardom Stadium. Most of these spectators will play a small reaction animation or two when goals are scored. They add extra flavour to the stages as well as giving an opportunity to see existing and new species that aren't the playable cast.
CUP
The cup will be playable on Super & Hyper ranks, which add additional levels as well as higher CPU difficulty.
Characters will have a conversation with the king about their wish at the end of any cup mode, and on higher ranks they will also have to defeat the king in a special boss battle that takes place on the King's Quarters stage. Cup end cards for all the playable characters that show them enjoying their wish will now appear at the end of the cup too!
MATCH SETTINGS
A new unlockable Match Mode type called Zone Breaker will be available. In this mode, only Zone Breaks count towards your points. I recommend slower shield recharging times when trying this mode.
MUSIC
In addition to the new music that naturally appears on the new stages/boss battle, there's also going to be the Museum version of the Main Theme and the Gift Shop is finally going to have it's own theme.
There's also some additional SFX & Ambiences added to some existing stages.
OTHER
I should also hopefully be adding some of the achievements as part of this update for you all to aim for. And of course, there's a bunch of miscellaneous changes and tweaks coming too!