It’s been just over a year since the last ZOMBETES update. Today I am releasing the biggest update yet, with a complete overhaul on the games’ UX, and full controller support.
Content
Three new curated levels that continue the story (7 of 10 released).
35 new items, including new special items: BINOCULARS, COMPASS, ZOMBULIN
Steam Deck & Controller support
The game is now entirely playable using only a controller.
I will be applying for a Steam Deck compatibility review following this update; aiming for a fully ‘Verified’ rating.
Mini Games!
Attack, dodge, and other outcomes are now determined by short mini game events
Blunt weapons: hold the input and time the release perfectly
Bladed weapons: aim and click on the four dots that appear
Gun weapons: aim and shoot at the target. Each weapon has a different reticule sway. Head shots are instant kills.
Dodging: avoid the red dots in the allotted time Exercising: dance style mini game.
Added lockpicking and carjacking mini game visual
Design
Item crafting: combine items using the command ‘Combine [item 1] with [item 2]’
Combine two ‘light’ items or two similar barricade items to create a multi-use item and save on inventory space.
Hostile NPCs now follow the player. If you escape to a new room, the hostile NPC will appear there on the next turn/command.
User Experience
Added profiles: three unique save files per game copy (legacy saves imported on first launch)
Status and Context windows are consolidated to the main window
New pause menu with game settings for audio volume, text size, color palette, screen flashes
Updated layout of Status window
Text flow: new text scrolls when posted, entering new rooms clears old text, text fades on room transitions
Interact with the Status window directly to pick up/use/combine items, enter areas, and engage with NPCs
Improved game onboarding sequence
Visual overhaul of the Perpetual store
Performance Improvements
Game launches quicker and loads faster
There is a lot to discover with this new update. The added controller support and visual update makes it feel like a new experience, and I’m excited to keep working on improving the game.