We are so back.
Hello there, everyone. I am somewhat back from my big break. Rather, I did the usual where I give up on the game for a few months, then get inspired and start working again. Not the first time I have "parked" development on the game, and won't be the last either.
This update is a banger! We got a huge visual upgrade today. Take a peek:
The images are better when clicked on, since there is a ton of little effects!
Basically, there is a new set of shaders for the game. I got inspired by two things; player feedback and Vampire Crawlers. I was playing Vampire Crawlers earlier this month, and I was like, "Wow, this game looks awesome, I love the color palette and the dithering (patterns of color to mimic / blend new colors). I wish that I could make games that look good!".
I also remember people talking about adding a "VHS" or "CRT" effect like in the ad. So, I set off on a course, and got this all set up! There is a CRT curve w/ scanlines, and a new, dithering palette. The palette is AAP-64, a free and open palette! I tried a large number of palettes, and this one looked the best.
This will be the new default soon, for now it is in the Settings menu for you to turn on. Of course, you will be able to leave if off if you want the classic look too. It also take a little more GPU to render it like this, so beware! Although most the lag in this game is because a ton of enemies and is CPU bound anyways.
The amount of tomfoolery to get this working... I had to completely redo how the screen shows to the player, because shaders wouldn't work otherwise.
Oh yeah! VSYNC is now also good / not laggy. I think it has to do with the new way it renders, with multiple RenderTextures stacking for the effects.
Overall, nice update! The color looks great, it's chaotic, cohesive, and visually interesting.
Now, I have to update all the marketing and screenshots for this new look too :)
Please leave feedback! I want to know how the new visuals are. Working on more game stuff soon too.
p.s. basement flooded, so I have no controllers to test more than 2 players. Whoops. Yeah, been dealing with that too. hate water