Hello everyone!
The next major update to Second Stellar is coming soon, v0.2 "Ocean of Storms." This update focuses on fleshing out all aspects of the game with new items, weapons, skills, and more!
New Difficulty System
The biggest element of this update is the new Surge system, replacing the original 4 tiered difficulty. Each stage will have a set of default Surges, and other optional Surges- there are 3 tiers of Surges tied to Key Surges (these are the original difficulty toggles.) Additionally, stages may have unique Surges that interact with the stage's mechanics. For instance, the Neon Veil's Surges add a Dash cost to the teleporters, or increase their cooldown. To unlock new Memories, you'll need a certain Surge level- choose Surges you feel you can handle, and tailor your character's equipped skills to cover your weaknesses! Expect this system to be adjusted and expanded upon as the game's development continues.
New Story Chapter
This chapter of the story follows the Starfarers as they parley with the mysterious Whalers to gain access to the Pillar. You'll meet some new faces, but expect this chapter of the story to be shorter.
New Character + Expanded Skills
After a certain story segment, you'll unlock a new character, the Whaler Captain Nemo. His innate skill replaces your Dash with a targetted grapple that launches you towards an enemy near your cursor while dealing damage and granting Invincibility. His kit focuses on survival and elite-slaying.
Furthermore, each character has 4+ new skills available in their arsenal- this opens up a ton of buildcrafting and should add a ton of diversity to your runs!
New Stages
Venture to the new stages of The Southstop and the Cygnus Loophole as the Starfarers try to gain access to the Pillar. The Southstop's foes always arrive from the south, and they're flanked by enemies which provide aura buffs to them. Packing enough single-target pressure to handle these stronger foes is important! The Cygnus Loophole, caught in a galaxy-spanning storm, will have you dodging incredibly potent lightning. However, the storm doesn't discriminate- you may be able to use the lightning to your advantage to clear large hordes.
New Weapons
Wield the "Beast of No Nation" a rocket-powered spear that allows you to dominate the battlefield with fury and speed. Or, try your hand with "The Briarchord" the first summon-type weapon. Conjure allies to strike your foes while you empower them and yourself with potent songs.
New Memories
Acquire 12 new Memories in this update, as well as the introduction of new Rare Memories. Unlocked by completing stages with high Surge level, these Memories are harder to come across but can win runs if you build around their talents!
New Boss
The Cygnus Loophole's boss will be unique to the stage, and while there won't be any spoilers this foe may be quite the difficult opponent...
Other Changes
This update includes lots of other changes and additions, including new Observatory levels, new achievements, a rework to the pre-game menu, FPS capping, lots of bugfixes, polish and VFX changes, and more!
Expect another devlog after the update launches! Thank you for playing Second Stellar!