Hello,

today we're launching the public playtest round 3 for our upcoming game “Deadly Days: Roadtrip”. It's a spin-off of Deadly Days with new game mechanics and old acquaintances. This time you are on your own. But you can become more powerful than a survivor in Zombie Apocalypse ever was. Sounds interesting?

Sign up on our storepage:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3026450/Deadly_Days_Roadtrip/

If you have already been to the first rounds, you will certainly notice some changes. In addition to some exciting new items and objects on the map, you can now get a first look at two brand new game mechanics: Active Power-Ups and Meta Progress.

Here is the trailer:

Active Power-Ups

We created a new system for our power-ups (previous health pickup, vacuum, dynamite etc.). Before the change they automatically consumed. Now you can collect them and use them when needed by pressing the keys 1-4. An important strategic tool in the fight against the zombies.

There are also new items that exploit this new design space.

Small remark: QoL-wise we decided that the health power-up and level up power up instantly consume. If you have full health though then the health powerup will be slotted.

Meta progression

Depending on how far you get in a run, you will now receive a valuable meta currency that you can use to improve your stats. This means you not only gain game experience over time, but can also improve your initial stats.

Tech Update

Under the hood, we upgraded from Unreal Engine 5.4 to Unreal Engine 5.5 and re-integrated our entire sound design using FMOD. In the process, we have also integrated an extensive and varied soundtrack into the game, which adapts to the danger level. Take a look at the audio options, as these have also been refined in the process.

We have also been able to significantly improve performance in some areas.

If your hardware is a bit outdated, we recommend that you select the DirectX 11 version when starting the game. Feel free to compare both versions and write your experiences here in the comments, the discussion forums or on our Discord.

Inventory UX improvements

Inventory management is a central component of the game. We have made some progress here. Take a look at the snapping of the items and the item affection visualization.

Other changes

Added

• New magnet item (increases loot range)
• Craftable rocket launcher
• New "utility belt" item which increases powerup slots
• 2 new "active powerup" items which permanently give you an ability
• New "energy drink" powerup (faster stamina regeneration)
• New soundtrack incl. new boss fight music

Improved

• Barrels explode on second hit now, not directly on first hit. They also blink for a short period before exploding
• Player damage feedback now scaling with damage received
• Tackle enemy more predictable now (arrow scales and rotates towards player and then locks in and gets red)
• Reworked boss map visuals to fit farm theme
• Boss map gates open and close automatically now (not physics based anymore)
• Fuel automatically absorbed after beating boss and bus near to entrance now
• More vehicle types on maps
• Reworked character portraits
• Reworked day end and win / loose screens
• Manual shooting can also be triggered with CTRL key

Fixed

• Some tiles on map not generated (black holes)
• Many inventory related bugs
• Airdrop and some loot crates spawned outside of player-reachable area
• Some lakes did block bullets
• Game starting way before loading screen ended

Balanced

• Reduced base loot range (but you can buff it alot with magnet item and meta upgrades)
• Reduced stamina regen rate (so you can't constantly dash cross the map)
• Loot is distributed more evenly among lootspots (hopefully not completing fuel by just looting one car)
• Generally more lootspots, especially in forest maps (e.g. tents)

We definitely forgot something in this list, but you'll see for yourself :)

If you want a chance to win a key for the full version of Deadly Days: Roadtrip, use the feedback form and enter our new monthly giveaways. Thanks for all your valuable feedback so far! That is what we need!

About the game:

Deadly Days: Roadtrip is an exciting action roguelite, that combines reverse bullet hell gameplay with strategic inventory management.

Start your road trip through the zombie apocalypse! Fight your way through, gain experience and collect items to assemble an epic inventory. Craft more effective weapons and find out what items you can combine to withstand the ever-increasing waves of zombies.

How to play:

Feel free to join our Discord and chat about Deadly Days: Roadtrip: https://discord.gg/WZE8RUXhyu

Have fun playing the game.
Your Team Pixelsplit