A new update has been released for BlastZone 2! (v1.25.0.0) The main improvements in this update focus on Mission Mode level select, changing the way it works. Now, only individual levels are played and the player is directed back to the level selection screen to choose another level. Also, starting stats and lives have been tweaked to better fit this new play style.
Another big update included here is a new “Kiosk Mode” that completely changes the way the game is approached. This mode was created to split the game up into small 5-10 minute gameplay sessions with a broad selection of areas to try out. This is intended for use with public showings of the game, including conventions, trade shows, and similar events; so people can walk up to play a “bite size” version to make it easier to see the many facets of the game. This mode is accessible in this release, but is not the intended way to play the standard public release of the game. There is a hidden setting in the game config file to turn on this mode, but should only be attempted by more technically adept users.
Here are the full release notes for this update:
- Made a few improvements and updates to mission mode level select -Only the individual level selected is played, then the game ends to select another level -Starting from later levels gives a starting boost to stats to better simulate what the later levels play like in regular mission mode -Fewer lives are given to better balance gameplay for playing a single level
- A new "Kiosk Mode" has been added to the game -This is a hidden feature and is not intended for regular end users (can only be accessed by editing the config file manually) -This has been created for use in future conventions and other public showings -Removes many game features and allows the player to select between several areas of the game to play with intended 5 minute play sessions
- Fixed incorrect cave background lighting when entering and leaving a ship selection screen without starting a new game
- Updated the underlying engine to support loading external *.OBJ model files (will be utilized in future updates, but is currently unused)
There was another update released a few weeks back (v1.24.2.3), that focused on bug fixes. Here are the release notes for that:
- Particle thread count is now capped at the number of logical CPU cores, even if a higher value is selected
- Fixed misaligned explosion flares for the later levels of Classic A/B game modes
- Fixed a few rare crashes related to multithreading
- *Hotfix #1* Fixed occasional hitchy behavior for explosion animations
As usual, to make sure you have the latest update, launch the game and check the lower left corner of the title screen for “v1.25.0.0” or higher. Don’t forget to leave any feedback or questions in the forums. Enjoy!