Landing Some Hits
Hey folks!
As February comes to a close, it’s time for our monthly roundup.
This time, we’re coming at you with a much-requested, new player ability, fresh impressions of the 5th story level and a bunch of new enemies. With Speed Design, we also launched a new video format that gives you a relaxing glance behind the scenes.
Oh, and there’s a hidden BONUS FEATURE at the end of this Devlog :]
Here we go!
Progress Report
We've got so much to show this time, that we opted to spread out all the info into several smaller videos that are easier to digest. So keep reading :]
Fists Will Fly
You asked for it, we’ve built it: Player Melee is finally here!
This was one of the most requested features amongst players and in hindsight, it’s obvious why. With fists covered in needles, you naturally want to deal some bloody noses.
So, here we go!
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Using melee is a simple and effective way to destroy enemies and objects:
- Just hit the punch key and smack right out.
- Tap repeatedly for a continuous stream of left and right hooks.
Of course, this ability can be mapped to any key or mouse button in settings, ensuring perfect access in tight situations.
Amidst The Cliffs
Jerry is currently designing the first major temple that players will explore. A sacral architecture hidden in the canyon that aims to evoke a deep dungeon atmosphere.
Take a look at these early blockout shots of Story Level 5:
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Filled with destructibles and prolonged battles combat, this level is set to be rich in combat. Particularly, because the Desert Turtle will be introduced here, setting a major gameplay beat.
To loosen up the pace, simple puzzles and pitfalls will diversify gameplay and force you to be vigilant. They also provide your triggerfinger with some well-deserved rest.
Heavyweight Foes
Speaking of big enemies: Pierre, our 3D artist, and Robert, who tackles the last month of his concept art internship, are creating some seriously strong enemies.
Here’s a quick rundown of the two:
Desert Turtle
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The Desert Turtle is a ranged enemy that launches homing rocks at you. Keep your distance to avoid its massive stomp attack.
It’s weaknesses are slow movement and the soft spots not protected by the shell. So keep moving and aim precisely to take out the Turtle.
Black Rhino
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The Black Rhino is a steamroller-type enemy. When charging at you, it plows through anything in its way, regardless if friend or foe.
Avoid being hit by it’s horn, which deals severe damage and sends you flying high. Instead, try to dodge laterally and keep firing needles to dispose of the Rhino properly.
🐀 We recently added another new enemy. Check it out here:
Maximum Sh*tshow
We told you about the Dung Beetle in the last issue. Now it’s fully implemented and ready to go, so we’ve put together a little showcase for you to watch.
💩 Check up on the Dung Beetle:
Speed Design
Lastly, we want to give you more glances into development over the coming weeks and months. As a first step, our new Speed Design series shows you how we build levels using relaxing timelapses.
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In this first episode, it’s about Hideout, the scene used to create the Melee Showcase video.
🗨️ Tell us your opinion about the new format, so we can improve:
BONUS: Death Cam Ragdoll
For too long, CACTUS lacked a properly staged player death sequence. This ends now!
If you die, you’ll now see a ragdoll Cactus being knocked across the scene, bouncing into objects while the camera follows and zooms along. Hopefully, this will numben the pain of failure a bit.
What's Next?
The coming month will be a hardening phase, where we beef up the first five levels and make them available to testers. Meanwhile, our artist will create even more enemies for our coder to implement.
We’ll also release news about industry events in 2024 soon. After all, putting the new stuff into your hands and receiving feedback is not only vital, but also good fun.
Have a nice weekend!
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