This update is perhaps our most significant one up until now.
The update contains an array of new mechanics that together add multiple layers of depth to the already existing game-play!
Hopefully you guys are excited for this one :)
So first off - we've updated our game-play trailer to reflect the new content, check it out here:
https://youtu.be/CWLDJu0iLh8
Let's quickly some of the significant features included in this update:
Major Features :
Bow & Arrow
We've always been very inspired by the old "Thief" games. Ever since we launched this game we've wanted to add a bow and arrow as a main utility for the player to manipulate the world - and now we've finally done it ! With this update we've made available to the player 3 different arrow types:- Lethal Arrow - Assassinate guards from a range. These arrows will not penetrate heavy armor and so as with the dagger player will be required to aim for a guard's head or neck.
- Noise Arrow - On impact creates a noise for several seconds distracting guards and luring them towards it.
- Water Arrow - An arrow that will allow the player to change the lighting conditions in the environment.
Ability to Manipulate All Lights and Snuff out Candles !
Numerous times have people been asking for the ability to snuff out candles.
We've replied that the challenge with achieving this goal is performance related.
Without diving too deep into the technicalities of the matter we've made use of multiple optimizations techniques and are now able to support multiple "dynamic" lights in a scene (meaning they can be turned on / off).
As a result we've made all lights in the game either completely or partially extinguishable depending on the type of light (candles can be completely snuffed out while braziers can be dimmed for a period of time).Manual Save & Load System
Allow the player to save and load the game at any time they wish from their Journal (in game menu).
The player now has 3 slots which they can save to or load from at any time they require.
This means you can now save just before you attempt something bold and restart at that very last location if things do not work out as you planned.
No more checkpoints !Loot !
Loot has been requested since the early days and is finally starting to make its way into the game.
With this update we've introduced loot as part of every level as well as hints (in the form of notes) lying around hinting at the location of that loot.
Players who manage to collect all loot in a level will be awarded with a special achievement for their success.
In future updates we will be taking a look at expanding what a player can do with the loot they collect (ideas suggested include : trophy wall, sell for gold etc.)
Minor Features :
- Performance Optimization ! This update has pushed us to invest a lot of time and effort into optimizing the game's performance in order to support all the features we were striving to add. This resulted in the game's overall performance improving quite significantly leading to a much smoother and more pleasant game-play experience.
- Tutorial Way Point Markers Added a way point marker on screen to assist the new players with figuring out their next destination.
- Official Support for Chinese (Simplified) We've translated every piece of text available in the game to Chinese (Simplified) using the help of a professional translator.
- Guards Now Wear a Variety of Helmets ! Every guard in game can now be assassinated, should the player wish to do so. Every Helmet has its own weak spot.
- Journal (In Game Menu) Interaction Hide hands when interacting with the journal (so they do not obscure the text)
Hope you all like this update - we're really excited for your thoughts and feedback !
As always withing a few days we will be posting a thread where we can discuss together the plans for the upcoming major update !
Looking forward to engaging with you guys <3