To start things off in January, the demo is getting a few major updates! A new playable character has been added, a tutorial has been added, an intro scene has been added to provide some story, a new multi-slot save system has been implemented (which wasn’t originally planned for the demo), and many of the cards have been adjusted slightly for balancing, most notably, almost all of the Utility cards have had their energy costs adjusted.
Below is more information on the major updates, BUT there is one piece of bad news. Due to some of the updates to the core game and the new save slot system, *old saves will not work and will be overwritten in version Beta 1.6*. This is the only time I foresee this being the case, but I hope you can agree the additional content is worth the inconvenience.
Gunslinger
To start things off in January, along with many other improvements, the Gunslinger is being added to the demo for Risk & Riches. This means there are now two playable characters, the Prospector, who you start with, and the Gunslinger, who you must unlock.
The Gunslinger brings with her another 40 cards and 5 pieces of equipment. She’s far more offensively focused than the Prospector with a combination of low-energy attacks that can be altered and used in rapid succession, and high-energy attacks that sometimes require more planning to afford. Her defensive capabilities are low, but luckily she knows how to treat a wound and keep going.
Tutorial
Another major update is the addition of an optional tutorial at the beginning of a new game. For those familiar with deckbuilders it probably won’t blow your mind, but it does show off a few of the mechanics that are more unique to Risk & Riches, and a few detail items that could be overlooked. It’s worth playing through once, even if you are a veteran of the genre.
Intro Scene
There’s always been a story behind Risk & Riches, but now there’s an intro scene that conveys it. While it doesn’t add much to the gameplay, at least you’ll understand why you’re fighting creatures in an old gold mine. It’s not much, but I’m proud of it.
Multi-Slot Save System
If you share a computer or want to restart without losing your progress, three save slots can now be utilized. Each save slot can be overwritten and renamed by selecting it and then selecting "new game." The same warning that has existed about overwriting your save will alert you still to prevent accidents from happening.
Balancing
Many cards have been tweaked so that nothing is too overpowered or obsolete. Depending on how you play, some cards will seem more valuable than others, but I can say from playtesting that the more optimal styles of play change throughout the game. The most notable change is that the energy cost of most Utility cards has been reduced. Utility cards can play a major role in the beginning of the game, but they outlive their usefulness later on. This energy cost change helps to extend the time in the game where you may find it worthwhile to purchase them. It’s also a balancing move necessary for the Gambler, another playable character in the released game.
Major Bug Fixes
- The energy indication highlight around cards now updates if you spend your last energy on pocketing a card
- Pocketed cards now clear their status appropriately between encounters, so they don’t add to available pockets when discarded anymore
- The key term tooltips from status icons are cleared from the screen when the associated enemy dies, so they no longer get stuck on the screen
- Ending your turn quickly before the last enemy finishes its death phase no longer triggers status effects like poison and burn
- Not major but I fixed a few more spelling errors :) (Hey, there's a lot of text)
I hope you enjoy the new updates, and remember to wishlist Risk & Riches if you haven’t already done so!