Hey everyone!
Two weeks have past since Of Blades & Tails launched into Early Access!
Four minor patches already found their way into the game, adding a bunch of QoL improvements and a few fixes.
Before we dig into the upcoming content, I want to thank everyone who took the time and wrote a review on Steam! It's very much appreciated and already helps a lot to reach more players! So if you haven't done so yet, please consider writing a review. Even a few words will already do just fine! <3
I believe it's a good time now to give you all an idea of what I have planned for the first content update and how some of the new mechanics are going to work.
So the first update is about stealth mechanics and improved enemy behavior. It also builds the ground for future talents like Beastmastery or Summoning!
Enemy Sight
Knowing the area that an enemy overlooks plays an important role when it comes to Stealth-based abilities. Therefore a perk will be available that reveals the enemy's sight on hover. This allows you to observe the area in which an enemy can detect you.
There will also be a new stat Visibility, that starts by 100% and by progressing the Steath talent line you'll be able to reduce it, which essentially reduces the range at which enemies can detect you.
Distraction and Enemy Alert State
Enemies will enter an alert state if they got distracted by something or if a nearby ally enters combat! So that also means pulling out single targets from a bandit camp will become much harder, but also more immersive.
You will also be able to throw objects near enemies to lure them away or ...
(Please ignore the green mess after the explosion. Bug in my gif recording software.)
... to lure some hungry crawlers right into a camp of bandits!
As you can see both targets (Poison Bee and Bandit Warrior) are inside the affected area of the Distraction Throw ability. So both enter the alert state and start to check where this noise is coming from by moving towards the origin. If they see each other, they enter combat state and start to fight, while Reik keeps hiding in the back and waits for his opportunity...
You can also see that an Insect Drone follows after the Bee, even though it was outside the noise area. This happens because the Drone got alarmed by the Bee as she entered combat state with the Bandit.
To give a little more detail how this works: All enemies are assigned to a faction and they will chose their next target based on their standing with that faction.
(Now please don't expect any overly complicated reputation system or something :D)
For now at least, this faction system says that Bandits are hostile against Insects and Plants. Insects and Plants on the other hand are neutral to each other. They won't fight themselves, but they also won't "support" each other. If they see a Bandit however, they will go all in :)
New factions might be added in the future.
The True Stealth Ability
Of course the one ability that every stealth gameplay needs will also be available: Vanish!
You'll be able to disappear from the battlefield for a couple of turns and any enemy that was in combat with you will enter alert state. You can now decide whether you want to retreat or just reposition to use a sneaky attack with increased damage while undetected ;)
Or imagine what might happen if you run into a bandit camp with a bunch of crawlers in your back and then you suddenly disappear..? Fun stuff probably! :D
I'm also working on a new type of item, that could make a great addition to stealth gameplay and distraction in general...
When?
Soon!
But on a more serious note: Most of the mechanics shown here are in a good shape and already available for internal testing. I have still some more ideas around content that could be added along these new features, like a new quest, more items, and a few surprises maybe... :) So I'll take some time to work on these things as well.
I'm planning to have the Stealth Update ready early December.
Until then, take care everyone!
Felix