Hello!
It's been a week since we launched Backrooms Cleanup Crew into early access! We're super thrilled with how folks have enjoyed it so far. Let's chat about what's in store for Major Updates in early access.
Prior to the launch of early access, our intent was to continue development of new levels in Chapter 2 as fast as possible. However, based on feedback there are a few rough patches in the player experience we want to tackle first - the first Major Update we deliver will focus on addressing those, then we will focus on new levels. Here are a few changes we're working on:
Upgrades
No feature has been asked for more than a system for upgrading your character between levels. We're currently developing a feature where players earn currency for completing levels and can spend that currency on upgrades for a variety of gameplay elements such as increased washing power and holding more small items - as well as more specialized upgrades such as bonuses when playing solo or additional effects from the Incursion Sigil Power. We want this feature to both provide more interest for a first time player as well as more rewards for the player that plays levels again and again.
Less Unfair Death
Backrooms Cleanup Crew can be a challenging video game, especially when players are learning the mechanics of Incursion for the first time. Repeated deaths leads to loss of Sigil Power, which leads to slower level completion, which leads to the pacing feeling slower than intended. While we want there to be challenge, we've received feedback and observed players getting killed in ways that feel unfair. We're fine-tuning a variety of aspects of existing Incursion mechanics (ranges of grenade blasts, speed at which lasers or spinners activate, etc) as well as implementing an edge-of-screen threat indicator for those pesky grenades or sweepers that are out of your view or behind you.
Death Gameplay
Coupled with the above, players who get killed quickly in an incursion often sit there twiddling their thumbs for a minute while their friends have fun. Then upon respawn, they lack Sigil Power and can't contribute as much. We're currently developing a system where surviving players have a chance to revive a downed player at their ragdoll via an in-development washing mechanic. The revived player will then pop up, regain their Sigil Power and be back in the action. We're hoping this makes for exciting moments during Incursions and less frustration for players who get killed more often. We are also considering a mechanic for solo players that will be similar to this benefit - albeit without the multiplayer gameplay, of course.
We're trying to get these improvements out as fast as possible - with the goal of releasing them within a month - and then getting back to making new levels! If you have ideas for fun or interesting upgrades for our upgrades system, please share them here or on Discord!