Muran the Battlemage
Hello friends!
We haven't sent out a patch update in a few months, and that's because we've been cooking up a big one, including the all new Combat Arena, new enemies and a huge overhaul of many of our combat and RPG systems! Today's update addresses a lot of issues and - more importantly - makes the game an overall much better experience. Only through your diligence in providing constructive criticism, praise, and bugs, can Early Access be of any use to us, so for your patience, and continued enthusiasm and support, we thank you.
Character Progression
- The first, most apparent change is a complete overhaul of every character(!). We were never happy with our characters in our first release, and it was clear that they didn't all feel as unique and compelling as we initially planned. We've changed that today with a complete overhaul of powers, progression and economy. Now, every hero is replete with a stunning arsenal of useful powers and unique tactical options.
- Complete overhaul of progression, including some new powers, a ton of traits and skills, new recipes for crafting, and streamlining of the progression pages.
Combat
- We took a strategic step back on the 'Engagement' system. It was an interesting idea, but never came out the way we had hoped. Some powers can still cause engagement, but it's a special event now, instead of a penalty for every melee attack ever. This should open every character up for much more interesting tactics, and allow you to be more reactive in battle. You'll have more choices moment to moment in every battle.
- Only 0-energy 'farmer' powers grant energy for attacks now. 3 for a miss, 5 for a hit, and 8 for a critical. Simple.
Exploration & Skills
- We took a mulligan on loot! Containers now give recognizable types/amounts of loot, have a random chance of being locked or trapped (better work on those skills!) and should work more consistently in and out of combat. Oh, also enemies drop loot too now. For the ruined friendships we're about to create from all this stolen loot, we're sorry.
- Oh, and speaking of skills, we've streamlined these a lot. Every hero now has 6 (except silent thorn, who stole an extra one) and they correlate with base attributes.
- Status Effects have been simplified as well. When looking at a power description on handset, teal text can be tapped to get more information.
- Crafting and Gear now works better. We're still in the process of working out some interface challenges, but expect to pick up and craft a lot more gear and have it be actually useful.
The new Bloodguard Commander now in the Combat Arena
Enemies
- Enemy difficulty and placement have been tuned to compensate for all the great stuff up there, so don't think this is going to be a cake walk now.
- New enemies including the massive Bloodguard Heavy and Bloodguard Commander, the venomous Collectors and Corrupted Harvesters, and grand-daddy of the Arboleks, the Arbolek Spine Tyrants to menace you in Campaign and Combat Arena.
Combat Arena
- We're also happy to introduce the Episode 1 Combat Arena! This is a survive-until-you-don't wave scenario independent of your main campaign that can be accessed on the main menu. Choose any hero, experiment with high-level power strategy. Try to get more kills than your allies, and work as a team to live longer. Everyone starts with a power load-out at Level 6 with more Renown and Resources to spend.
The new Bloodguard Heavy Soldier in the Combat Arena
As we get ever closer to a 'Full Release' we hope all of you who've been with us since the early days jump back in and let us know what you think of the new balance and progression!
And that's not all! We've fixed a bunch of stuff that we're sure was an enormous bother. You can read up on all the patch notes here
- Scott Penner, Lead Designer Eon Altar
WARNING! Your previous save games will work, but since we've rebalanced resources significantly, you may end up with fewer resources than intended. Powers that no longer exist, or which have moved and are no longer unlockable will be refunded for their original purchase price. However, it is strongly recommended you do not use those saves.
WARNING for our Lead Programmer! Image of Spider ahead!!!
Muran the Battlemage vs. a Corrupted Harvester