I just released a demo to the update that adds the game's first boss, Vatra the Fire Elemental! This will be the final demo update for a while, since I now have to put my nose to the grindstone to add a number of big new features.
In the meantime, since there aren't a lot of games similar to this in their combat systems I wanted to share some of the enemy designs with you. Here's a rundown on some of the enemies you'll encounter in Eclipse Breaker.
Azothic
First up is the Azothic. This fallen angel is basically the tutorial enemy. He dashes towards you and then charges up and unleashes a slashing attack. You can block, dodge, or even simply run away from this attack.
The player has a lot of options here because I'm allowing them to learn the controls and combat system in a forgiving environment. However, this enemy gets stronger and more formidable in groups and combined with other enemies, and you won't get maximum damage against them unless you learn his tricky parry timing.
Desiccant
The Desiccant, with her demonic arm, fires an un-dodgeable attack that must be blocked or parried. She likes to keep her distance, but you can also avoid her attack by running out of her max range.
The Desiccant also comes in a "Stable" variety, who fires constantly in a fixed direction, occasionally re-aiming at the player. You'll find Stable Desiccants mixed into other combat encounters as an added layer of difficulty. Their attacks are more frequent and can be blocked and parried as usual, but you can dodge them or run away.
Athanor
The Athanor leans his spiked wing and horns into you and charges at you for his attack. As the compliment to the Desiccant, you must either dodge or parry this attack - you cannot block it. (If you're quick you can avoid him by running laterally, but it's risky!)
This enemy comes later on and the timings are tighter. Make no mistake, this is the toughest enemy you'll face thus far. Many players end their first run when they see this enemy for the first time.
Vatra
Finally, I'm excited to announce Vatra, the game's first boss. He is the first enemy to have four different attacks. His two primary attacks are a double slash and a charge that leaves behind a fire trail. He can also throw a fireball at you that you must dodge away from, and summon multiple fire traps that you must avoid.
Narratively, he is unlike the common enemies in that he's not a fallen angel. Rather, he's an elemental demon. Defeating him grants the player a buff that allows them to attach elements to their abilities. I may write more about this in a future email.
Fun fact: While all common enemies in the game are named after alchemical concepts, this boss instead takes his name from the Croatian word for "fire"!
Join the Mailing List
By the way, have you signed up for our mailing list yet? That's the best way to stay up to date on breaking news about Eclipse Breaker and other Lunar Workshop games, and secure your spot in the upcoming preview build event that we're going to be releasing at the end of September!