Introducing Campaign Mode!

This major update brings a three act campaign that features new characters, deeper narrative about the world of Whisker Squadron, new enemies, and new and improved mechanics! [previewyoutube=dxGs-J8RDjE;full][/previewyoutube] Check out the full patch notes below!

NEW FEATURES/CONTENT:

• Campaign mode! We have redesigned the overall experience of the game to include a campaign that includes a map with a choice of paths. Rather than choosing your level at the start, a campaign has a map that includes a random selection of worlds along your journey. Every campaign will include a variety of environments, and increasingly difficult combat encounters culminating in a boss fight at the end of each of the 3 acts. This redesign includes major new features including:
  • 2 shops with new characters you can visit for upgrades.
  • The beginnings of a new and deeper narrative.
  • Three acts, with a miniboss fight at the end of each.
• New enemies: Plasma Pursuer, Pulse Wave Caster, Missile Tank, Phaser, Bombardier, Gatling Defender, Laser Pinwheel, Dart, Disco Ball, Spikehead Stunner.
• New "Wave based" spawning system for enemies. Makes speed runs possible and reduces "dead zones" in combat.
• There is now a default "spin block" on the A/D (or shoulder buttons). This replaces the old tilt function.
• Spinning while turning will give you a little boost in your turn direction. As a treat.
• Added support for 3 save slots.
• Ross and Max are now unlocked as part of the story.
• There's now a countdown meter underneath the combo indicator.
• Shortened intro animation for every Action Zone except the first in each act.
• New intro cutscene.

CHANGES/IMPROVEMENTS:

• Gatling gun energy per shot reduced a bit.
• Combos now unlock on run 3 with a standalone tutorial.
• Redesigned UI for hangar.
• Camera is a bit higher relative to ship so it's easier to see targets in front of ship.
• Laser Cannon, Multi-Missile launcher, and Crater Bomb upgrades have increased damage.
• Lots of enemy/combat tuning and improvements:
  • Enemies have new artwork and give more VP in later acts.
  • Enemy homing missiles now have a chance to drop a missile pickup when destroyed.
  • Improved enemy outlines and enhanced enemy visibility.
  • Enemies and enemy attacks are more visible and are a bit more difficult.
  • "Enhanced" enemies will appear with a special material, with more health.
• Pierced Shot Healing will only appear if you have a weapon with piercing.
• Combo Shooter now increases firing rate for 10 seconds at level 1 and activates at combo level 20.
• Mods, Challenges, Perks, and Combos unlock after meeting certain conditions.
• Removed Combo tutorial from first run.
• Sky Crawler shoots homing missiles.
• Increased turn rate on ship a bit.
• Ross's trait is now "Scrap is worth 15% more".
• A.R.E.S. Testing Facility (Formerly Neonfall) is wider/taller.
• Larva Bombs will now stun the player when they explode.
• Redesigned main menu.
• Black holes, fog, and meteors are now environmental effects that appear on specific nodes on the map.
• Redesigned some Cursed Choices.
• Reduced Burst Blaster initial damage from 3 to 2 per pellet.
• Adjusted achievements to be unlockable with new campaign mode.
• Lasers and head on collisions cause more damage.
• Game will warn you if you attempt to exit mid-run.
• Swarm homing missiles are no longer considered enemies.

BUG FIXES:

• Fixed issues with music during boss fights.
• Ghost Gambit now doesn't hide projectiles.
• Volume sliders have more correct values now.
• Tight Boost Energy now completely refills energy meter.

KNOWN ISSUES:

• Re-rolls are currently disabled. They'll come back in a future update!

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to all of our wonderful playtesters and Beta testers on Discord! We'd like to give special acknowledgement to Javier, Isabelle, Russell, Logan, Kayla, Austin, and Kyle; Josh Simons, ERmilburn02 (Eliza M), and Zcienxe, Maple, Aurakid, NalathniDragon, Lone, Wolf Of OwO Street, Whitney, and Master of the Lagness; as well as John Tearpock, LmjFTW, pvbw, TesseractE, Meridius_IX/Lucas, stradius, Alex, SaltedHoney, Acey, Syncros, Teigue, Zcienxe, Andrea S., and Edda. We have a great community, and we thank you for providing valuable feedback and support during the development of this build!