Just news, no new playable build yet.
Instead of continuing to patch the holes in the old version I decided that it would be easier to restart. I delayed any announcement as I wanted to be close to having something playable first.
NEW VERSION
ROLL ATTACK
When designing the new version of this game I wanted to give the player more movement options. That way the standard gameplay could be more interesting and fun without the need for any powerups.
With the roll attack you can build up speed by rolling downhill or through enemies/breakable blocks.
So long as you have enough speed you will keep rolling. It can also be used as an attack while swimming. This should make water levels faster paced than before.
As a result of this I've removed the magic wand and punch attack since they didn't fit with the new gameplay.
MENUS
You can customize the game's settings and controls during gameplay instead of just on the title screen.
In the Extras menu you can view your awards, a summary of levels cleared/things collected, upgrades and player skins. The game will still have Steam achievements but each save file will have it's own in-game achievements to match them.
The ? coins are used to unlock new upgrades and the CDs are used for unlocking optional challenge levels
Your playtime and completion % can be viewed on the file screen
ITEMS
Aside from transformations and level gimmicks there are now two main powerups. The Green Heart and the Fairy. These are found in normal levels. Usually in secret areas.
The Green Heart allows you to take an extra hit and refills your heart meter.
The Fairy will now save you whenever you would have lost a life. Such as falling down a pit or crashing your mine cart. It will also revive you if you run out of hearts and allow you to continue playing without having to restart the level.
The armour item was replaced by pink hearts that refill your heart meter. The main reason for this change was to make it easier to add in new player skins. Basically I won't have to draw armoured and unarmoured versions of everything.
At this point the only skins available are different coloured versions of the normal player sprite but more will be added later. Probably as an update after release.
At the item shop you no longer buy powerups. Instead you can buy new player skins and a few permanent upgrades such as increasing your heart meter.
The game will still have optional mini games where you can earn extra lives.
More to come this month.