Hi Awakens,
It's been a while since our last update, and we're thrilled to share some exciting progress with you all. Despite the silence after Steam Next Fest, rest assured, we've been hard at work behind the scenes, making significant strides towards our upcoming Early Access launch. So, without further ado, let's dive into some of the recent developments.
Please note that all the content shown below is still in development. They do not represent the final quality of the game, nor will they be updated into the demo.
Firstly, we've made substantial headway in stage design and enemy development over the past month. With a plethora of enemy types to consider, we've decided to focus on discussing three stages that follow the fully developed first stage from the demo.
Watch the Map Reveal Trailer here.
The "Animitta Mountain" stage offers a captivating blend of divinity and darkness. While the towering Buddha statues initially exude a sense of sacredness, closer inspection reveals a sinister undertone. Broken statues, extinguished incense, and scattered gold coins hint at a malevolent presence lurking within the mountain's depths. The stage's boss, "Monk Jin," embodies this duality, wielding weapons with monk-like serenity yet harboring a hidden darkness beneath.
Moving on to the "Eerie Garden," its ominous ambiance is palpable. Illuminated solely by eerie red lanterns, this stage sets the scene for a chilling encounter. Despite the lanterns traditionally symbolizing auspiciousness, their presence here adds to the foreboding atmosphere, warning players of the danger that lies ahead. The stage's boss, "Peony Demon: Keh," epitomizes this danger, her allure masking a malevolent intent waiting to be uncovered.
Last but not least, the "Mythic Graves" stage transports players to the ancient resting place of the Ink Gods. Giant skulls, burial objects, and the ever-burning lamp imbue the setting with an otherworldly aura. With the incorporation of Loong elements, such as statues and exit gates, players will unravel the mysteries hidden within these hallowed grounds. The stage's boss, "Dream Master," embodies the enigmatic nature of his illusion magic power, promising an unforgettable confrontation.
In addition to stage development, we've also made significant updates to the "Fox Inn." From the welcoming entrance to the bustling dining area, every corner exudes charm and character. New NPCs and sets further enrich the inn's atmosphere, inviting players to explore its depths and uncover its secrets.
The entrance:
The counter:
The huge hotpot and dining area:
New NPCs:
We've also been hard at work refining interactions between the player and our beloved companion, Momo the Ink Pet. We've introduced higher tier Momos with unique battle commands, these enhancements promise to elevate Momo's role in battles, providing players with exciting new strategies to master. Expect our adorable pet to showcase some of the coolest looks and abilities in the EA version!
We have plenty more to share with you, but we don't want to overwhelm you with too many updates at once. In the next devlog, we'll introduce updates for core gameplay elements like new Ink Gems, new weapon stances and abilities, and new special levels. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey together!
Until next time, Awakens!
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