Hello all! I'd like to make a formal announcement regarding the upcoming release of rampage moed and the still-unannounced features coming in chapter 3. Note that some of the features originally intended for chapter 3 will be included as a part of this update because I figured it would be more fun and easier to program to include them as a part of rampage mode. They will be explained later in this post.
First though, what is rampage mode? Rampage mode is the new arena-based endless mode experience for Xenoterrestrial. It is locked behind a level 10 requirement, but I promise it's a lot of fun (it's easily my favorite part of this game now). Every round, you are sent to a one of 8 different arenas, and a wave of enemies are spawned. The enemy spawns are related to which wave you're on, and the difficulty will ramp up over time. Between rounds, you are sent to a recovery room to resupply and are awarded skill points. This new system allows you to upgrade some of your stats and abilities as a player and can make a huge difference in the long run. One of my favorite things about this mode is that it has really revealed the uses of some of the lesser used weapon mods, enabling the use of far more interesting loadouts. There are even rewards for reaching certain waves. I'm very excited for you to try this new mode!
Rampage mode will be releasing October 27, 2024!
But what about those new chapter 3 features? While not every chapter 3 feature will appear in rampage mode, all of the new enemies and some of the new level mechanics will, so here is a review of what to expect! Just know...I'm not going to reveal any of the stuff that won't be in this update just yet to keep some element of surprise.
Enemies
Stray
The stray is a unique enemy in that they don't directly target the player. They'll roam semi-randomly placing mines in a certain area. These mines will explode on contact and can't be destroyed on a whim, though they will dissapear on their own after a while. Notably, these mines do not emit a glow effect, which means they will become invisble if the screen is darkened, which is another new mechanic!
Shade
The shade is a powerful mid-size enemy that will continuously darken your vision the longer it is on screen. it also shoots out an array of attacks that can be tricky to dodge and has access to blue defensive projectiles when it gets below half-health.
Cleric
Another somewhat unique enemy, the Cleric does attack the player however it can't do damage. The cleric uses a combination of darkness projectiles, which significantly darken the screen on contact with the player, and healing projectiles, which target other enemies and can heal them even above their base health. These healing projectiles are actually parryable, and while a parry of one of these is very difficult to pull off, it is extremely rewarding.
Bastion
The bastion is another unique enemy which has a shield that orbits it, constantly facing the player. Virtually no attacks can go through the shield, but parried projectiles and the jackhammer can permanently disable it. The bastion also shoots a combination of rockets, magnets, and new repulsor bolts which knock you back and deal low damage. They are the most dangerous enemies in terms of area denial in the game.
Eliminator
This enemy, which wears its inspirations on its sleeve, is designed to wear out the players stamina. They shoot high speed flechettes which are nearly impossible to dodge on higher difficulties and stick into surfaces (including the player) before exploding. These flechettes can be shaken off by dashing. They also can chase the player, fire parryable projectiles, and use sweep lasers. These guys are serious threats and should be treated as a top priority.
Level Objects
Black Hole
These portable black holes darken your vision the longer they're on screen. They can be temporarily disabled by the jackhammer.
Sentry
These Xyronian sentries continuously attack the player with sweep lasers and parryable projectiles, and cannot be destroyed using conventional methods. They can however be temporarily disabled by the jackhammer. Either way, your best bet is to limit line of sight with them as much as possible.
That's all I'll reveal for now... I'm excited for the release of this update next sunday. I hope you enjoy it!