With a big wave of initial bugfixes and suggestions implemented and others coming in the next patch, I've moved to working on the first big content update - namely the Challenge Mode update.
This patch will add a big amount of gameplay and I expect it to go live in March. The biggest addition are seven challenge stages (for all current heroes except Phaser), each tailored to the hero's superpower. The aim of these challenges is to rack up the best high score you can, and will also be the way future heroes are unlocked for the sandbox.
Speaking of future heroes, there are currently two in the works, which will release in the same update as the challenges. I won't be talking much about them here until they are further along in development, but as usual I tried to make them feel very different from the rest of the cast.
One of the best parts of working on these challenges is that putting all characters in a gameplay-rich environment really outlines what works and what doesn't about them. So as I work on each stage, I'll also be refining the corresponding hero. And the first one is Zap the speedster.
Zap is already a favorite among players, but he is still lacking in effects and currently has no sounds. Both of which I'll work on. Additionally people expect him to be able to run on walls, which I've really thought about, but decided against it, because I couldn't answer the question "What happens when the player stops running along the wall?". Looks like I'll have to give this some more thought.
So that's pretty much what's up with development right now. I'll leave you with a sneak peak of Zap's challenge stage. Still working on nailing the aestethic, but I think I'm getting there.