We know this has been a long awaited patch for some of you. It hurts when developers push back fixing "the most critical issue" about a game you want to play – we know, we're gamers too. As developers, the difficult part was having to weigh two large issues up against each other: Loot and upgrades vs. combat fixes. We still stand by the order in which we did things, but we're sorry we let some of you down by making that priority. If we had the manpower we'd do both at the same time, but, as many small studios can testify to, that wasn't possible. Also worth noting: This is the first combat patch, but it won't be the last. As with the RPG patch, we're adding layers one step at a time, and will continue to improve the experience over the course of Early Access.
We're aiming to patch next week. To award your patience, here's a preview of what's to come:
- Controller tracked locomotion (also known as 'Onward-style'). Multiple presets for different movement preferences (teleport, free locomotion, both of the above).
- Breakable objects!
- The Goblins have taken combat lessons and are now better at dodging and parrying. The trainer is still lurking about, and future lessons are to be expected.
- The Vulture Bear and Corrupted Troll have learned new tricks.
- Monsters now respect your zone of privacy: Instead of standing in your face (literally), they keep a proper fighting distance.
- Improved AI pathfinding: Monsters will no longer stack up behind their buddies if they can find a way around them in order to reach you.
- Players no longer take damage from simply touching the weapons of the enemy. Monster weapons will only deal damage from actual strikes.
- Players no longer randomly take damage when performing a successful parry.
- While not actively engaged in combat, players will, over time, heal up to 50% of their maximum health.
- Ability to cause damage wiggling your weapon has been reduced. As always when fighting in Karnage: Pretend you're holding a real weapon.
We'll try to get this out as soon as possible, but we also have a great desire to do things right and give you the best possible experience. Hope you're as excited about this as we are!
In the meantime: Wreak karnage, Murkwraiths!