Hello Community, I want to update you all on the progress of the next big update. With some of you already playtesting the Closed Alpha, Ive been working to implement your feedback, which is taking more time than expected. As things stand, I now expect to release the big update around the end of May 2025. However, this also means that the current release target of June 2025 is unrealistic and I have to push back the full release once again. Rather than setting another specific date that might not hold, Im now shifting to a general release window of 2026. When Im one month away from release and confident everything is ready, Ill announce the final date. That said, in the best case, the release could still happen in 2025. A key indicator will be the big multiplayer performance test event, which I plan to hold a few months before launch. More details on that will come when the time is right. Thank you again for your continued support!

[ 2025-03-16 15:36:44 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hello Community, the public demo for Cursed Dungeon Raider is now available for everyone to play. You can dive into the game and experience the single-player mission set in Transylvania, giving you a taste of the core gameplay while I continue working on the full version. Additionally, after careful consideration, Ive set a new release date for the full game:

19.06.2025

This extra time will allow me to finish the key elements I mentioned in my previous message. As a reminder, Im working on completing the Egypt region, expanding the Historical Museum exhibits, integrating Co-Op multiplayer, creating NPC character models (where you can participate with your 3D models too) and ensuring everything is polished and tied together with exciting contracts. For those of you who have been part of the Closed Alpha playtesting, you can continue testing the game until the full release. Please remember that your save data will be reset at launch, so treat this phase as a chance to help test features rather than focusing on long-term progression. Youll also be able to try the demo alongside the Closed Alpha if youre eager to explore the new content ahead of its final integration. Thank you again for your patience and ongoing support. I cant wait to hear your feedback on the demo and share more updates with you as we approach release!

[ 2024-10-28 15:01:10 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hello Community, Unfortunately, I have to postpone the release of Cursed Dungeon Raider. At this time, I can't provide an exact release date, but I will share an update about the new release date by Halloween at the latest. The reasons for this decision are straightforward. Since I am developing the game as a hobby in my free time, I underestimated how much time it would take to create a complete gaming experience with all the promised content for the Early Access version. Specifically, I need more time to complete the Egypt region, expand the Historical Museum exhibits, integrate Co-Op multiplayer and apply final polish to bring everything together with exciting contracts. However, I will be releasing a public single-player demo around Halloween. This will give you a chance to get hands-on with the game. The demo is set in Transylvania and will showcase the main gameplay during a mission.
For all Closed Alpha playtesters, you can continue playing until the new release date is reached. As mentioned at the bottom of each changelog update, your save data will be reset at release, so please play with testing in mind rather than focusing on progression. That said, youll be able to play the demo alongside the Closed Alpha if youre eager to experience the new content before its fully integrated into the main game. Thank you again for your continued support!

[ 2024-09-25 15:14:49 CET ] [ Original post ]

As always, I want to thank everyone who participated in the closed alpha. Your feedback is always valuable in spotting and fixing numerous bugs. I look forward to your continued support with this latest update. If you haven't yet participated and would like to join the play-testing while providing valuable feedback, please refer to the post linked below for detailed information on how to gain access to the Closed Alpha. Closed Alpha Access

ANIMALS

CHANGES

• Reduced the foxs running speed slightly to make it easier to track before it escapes.

BLACK MARKET

NEW

• Added one-time side missions available via the bulletin board at the black market.
• Added the Innkeeper as an interactable character for submitting side missions.

CHANGES

• Changed that the player can no longer disable lights in the black market.

DUNGEON

NEW

• Added more trap variety for increased gameplay challenges.
• Added trip ropes as a new mechanism for triggering traps.
• Added more details to the dungeon environment.

CHANGES

• Increased the number of collectible items in the dungeon.
• Walls with lower holes can now replace doors to add more variety.

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where the spear trap failed to damage the player despite a direct hit.
• Fixed a bug where two door sections were incorrectly positioned on top of each other or very close to each other.

GAMEPLAY

NEW

• Added an introduction main quest line to guide the player through all the different locations.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

NEW

• Added more interactive elements with the museum guard.
• Added the museum attendant as an interactable character.

CHANGES

• Throwing objects is now classified as a minor act of vandalism and will result in penalties.

HOME

NEW

• Added a chandelier, bulletin board, drawer, and candle holder to the home office.

CHANGES

• Resized the bedside table with two drawers and adjusted its positioning. Objects within should remain unaffected.

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where a display case at home still contained pre-filled artifacts.
• Fixed an issue where the ladder fell through the floor.

ITEMS

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where the electric lantern caused flickering low-quality shadows near objects.

MYTHOLOGICAL MONSTER

NEW

• [spoiler]Added the ability to throw rocks for all Golems.[/spoiler]

PERFORMANCE

NEW

• Added a dynamic shadow system. If the game performance drops below 30 FPS, shadows will be progressively disabled to maintain smooth gameplay, especially in the historical museum.

CHANGES

• Optimized performance for shadow casting lights.
• Reduced performance impacts from smoke effects.

USER INTERFACE

NEW

• Added notifications for changes in money and archaeological reputation.

CHANGES

• Improved readability of the level loading tip text with added shadows for better visibility against bright backgrounds.

Again keep in mind that the save game will be resetted as soon as the game gets released in early access. So please play for testing purposes and not for the progress. Finally, I want to express my gratitude once more for your ongoing support and feedback. Your input is invaluable, and future updates will be guided by your valuable suggestions and preferences. Now, set out on your adventure!

[ 2024-08-14 14:41:05 CET ] [ Original post ]

As always, I want to thank everyone who participated in the closed alpha. Your feedback is always valuable in spotting and fixing numerous bugs. I look forward to your continued support with this latest update. If you haven't yet participated and would like to join the play-testing while providing valuable feedback, please refer to the post linked below for detailed information on how to gain access to the Closed Alpha. Closed Alpha Access

ANIMALS

FIXES

• Fixed foxes getting stuck while trying to escape in a certain direction.
• Fixed a bug where all animals and monsters noticed the player at the start.

BLACK MARKET

CHANGES

• Updated interactions with the black market merchant.

CONTROLS

NEW

• Added a control setting to smooth out camera rotation.
• Added control settings to toggle movement and sprint, enabling auto-run capabilities.

DUNGEON

NEW

• Added new points of interest on the Scandinavian island.
• Added a lit ship on the sea for easier boat location.
• Added more lootable objects in the dungeon.

FIXES

• Fixed placement issues with destructible walls at lower dungeon entrances.
• Fixed misplaced doors in the dungeon and their rotation issues.
• Fixed misplaced destructible walls in the dungeon.
• Fixed main artifact glitching below the coffin.
• Fixed immediate light transition from bright to dark when descending into the dungeon.

GAMEPLAY

NEW

• Added smell gameplay mechanic.
• Added one new objective.

CHANGES

• Changed sprint mechanics: sprint key input is ignored when endurance is depleted, allowing recovery before the player needs to release the sprint key.
• Updated player crouch transition to be smoother.

GRAPHICS

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where ashes began to glitter.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

NEW

• Added interactions with the museum director.
• Added new donate-able collectibles to the museum's display cases.

CHANGES

• Changed museum display cases to only be visible when a collectible is donated.
• Changed other large displayable objects in the museum to only be visible when discovered and objectives are completed.
• Updated interactions with the historical museum storage worker.

FIXES

• Fixed display cases at the historical museum that stopped displaying donated objects after repeated visits.

HOME

NEW

• Added more bookcases at home.
• Added compass, chalk, and flashlight as starter equipment on the office table.

CHANGES

• Removed pre-filled collectibles from display cases at home.
• Removed bed collider interaction.
• Updated map to a more historically accurate version at home and in the menu.

ITEMS

NEW

• Added ceramic plate as a new collectible.
• Added an advanced compass with rangefinder capabilities.
• Added beast repellent as throwable equipment.

CHANGES

• Updated guide flags, ladders, and wooden boards.

FIXES

• Fixed glowing light tube of the electric lantern when it was not lit.
• Fixed wooden boards sticking to surfaces at home when returning.
• Fixed glitching objects when crouching and then standing up over them.
• Fixed collectible weapons on the Scandinavian island disappearing when going back home.

MYTHOLOGICAL MONSTER

NEW

• [spoiler]Added new points of interest to the Wisps guidance possibilities.[/spoiler]
• [spoiler]Added Berserker (Werebear) as a new monster with variations in black, red, and snow fur.[/spoiler]

CHANGES

• Updated monster spawn mechanics: more difficult monsters spawn as the player succeeds.

FIXES

• [spoiler]Fixed Wisps reappearing after exiting the dungeon, even if they were vanished by the player.[/spoiler]

PERFORMANCE

CHANGES

• Optimized GPU memory usage.
• Optimized RAM usage.

SAVE AND LOAD

CHANGES

• Optimized loading process.

USER INTERFACE

FIXES

• Fixed active cursor issue at the start of the game.

Again keep in mind that the save game will be resetted as soon as the game gets released in early access. So please play for testing purposes and not for the progress. Finally, I want to express my gratitude once more for your ongoing support and feedback. Your input is invaluable, and future updates will be guided by your valuable suggestions and preferences. Now, set out on your adventure!

[ 2024-07-22 18:44:06 CET ] [ Original post ]

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who participated in the closed alpha. Your feedback is always valuable in spotting and fixing numerous bugs. I look forward to your continued support with this latest update. If you haven't yet participated and would like to join the play-testing while providing valuable feedback, please refer to the post linked below for detailed information on how to gain access to the Closed Alpha. Closed Alpha Access

BLACK MARKET

CHANGES

• Changed the decoration on the black market round table.

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where non-purchased, stackable items could be stacked onto purchased items and vice versa.
• Fixed a bug where selling silver coins at the black market caused the bouncer to stop you from leaving.

CONTROLS

NEW

• Added control settings to enable horizontal and vertical inversion of camera controls.

DUNGEON

NEW

• Enhanced the dungeon with additional details and collectibles, enriching the exploration and discovery experience.

CHANGES

• Reduced the number of empty rooms in the dungeon.
• Adjusted rock traps so they can no longer destroy demolishable walls with minor contact.

FIXES

• Fixed a lighting issue with broken tables in the dungeon.
• Fixed a bug where interior items were placed directly behind the door in the dungeon.
• Fixed glitching walls in the dungeon.
• Fixed a bug where two doors in a row were spawned in the dungeon.
• Fixed a bug where the lower dungeon entry was blocked by other doors and/or objects.
• Fixed a bug where the dungeon had no entry.

GAMEPLAY

NEW

• Added interactive features to paintings, allowing access for more detailed information.
• Added new sound and visual effects to indicate when the last 5 seconds of stamina are depleting.

GRAPHICS

NEW

• Added support for 16:10 aspect ratio, ensuring a better visual experience for users with different screen formats.

CHANGES

• Introduced a maximum speed parameter for the Aurora Borealis to prevent it from moving too quickly on certain systems.

FIXES

• Fixed a bug in the dynamic calculation of shadow resolutions, resulting in a general performance boost, especially in scenes with many shadow-casting lights.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

CHANGES

• Enhanced museum performance.
• Altered museum lighting to be more yellowish and slightly darker.

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where the museum could still be visited despite being recently banned.

HOME

NEW

• Added display cases at home; these are currently not usable but will be functional in future updates.

CHANGES

• Improved performance for the large chandelier over the round table at home.
• Removed the world map from the round table at home.
• Modified the paintings at home.

ITEMS

CHANGES

• Expanded the range of objects that can be drawn on with chalk.
• Updated coin attention spark to appear only in dungeon worlds.
• Made wood boards stackable.
• Enabled wood boards to be placed on dynamic objects, with the boards falling off when the object moves, making it easier to construct small structures.

FIXES

• Fixed an issue with drawing chalk on wooden pillars in the dungeon.
• Fixed a bug where silver coins could not be placed.

LANGUAGES

FIXES

• Fixed a bug where the Portuguese language was not selectable and also blocked selection of other languages.
• Fixed missing characters for a few languages.

MYTHOLOGICAL MONSTER

CHANGES

• [spoiler]Changed Wisps appearance.[/spoiler]

FIXES

• [spoiler]Fixed a bug where Wisps were visible even during the day.[/spoiler]

SAVE AND LOAD

FIXES

• Fixed a game-breaking bug where the screen could go black if you tried to return home immediately after arriving at another location.

USER INTERFACE

NEW

• Added a background to subtitles to enhance readability.

FIXES

• Fixed the noise level interface remaining visible after restarting the game, even if the interface was turned off.
• Fixed a bug where the inventory info interface remained visible while changing equipment if the mouse was left over an equipment slot when closing the inventory menu.
• Fixed a bug where the archaeological reputation tooltip was still visible even after closing the inventory.

Again keep in mind that the save game will be resetted as soon as the game gets released in early access. So please play for testing purposes and not for the progress. Finally, I want to express my gratitude once more for your ongoing support and feedback. Your input is invaluable, and future updates will be guided by your valuable suggestions and preferences. Now, set out on your adventure!

[ 2024-06-12 18:20:52 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hello Talented Artists

Do you want to set a mark on the world of Cursed Dungeon Raider? There is now an exciting opportunity for 3D artists to showcase their skills and see their creations come alive in Cursed Dungeon Raider, which is set between 1919 and 1939 and goes all around the world from Central America over Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe to Eygpt, Africa and Asia. Contributors whose models are included will be not only visible but additionally credited in the game, showcasing your contribution to players globally.

What Kind of Models?

Most importantly detailed, realistic 3D character models that resonate with the early 20th-century setting. But if you prefer to create mythological monster, then there is your chance too. Whether you are passionate about creating background characters or formidable monsters, I am eager to see your creations.

NPC Character Inspiration

• Butler: The discreet backbone of many aristocratic households. This character should embody professionalism and meticulous care, dressed in a crisp, buttoned-up uniform. His expression might be one of perpetual readiness and unwavering loyalty, with a posture that speaks of decades serving his employers. Attention to detail, like a perfectly tied tie, polished shoes, and a neat hairdo, would be crucial for this character.
• Museum Director: An intellectual beacon with a keen eye for the rare and extraordinary. This character might wear classic 1920s attire, like a tailored suit, exuding authority and knowledge. Their model should reflect a person who spends days curating precious artifacts and educating the public, perhaps with glasses and an ever-present catalog or clipboard in hand.
• Black Market Merchant: A clever and somewhat secretive trader of forbidden wares. This character could have a more rugged, elusive look, perhaps with a heavy coat to conceal their goods and a wide-brimmed hat to shadow their face. Details like hidden pockets, assorted trinkets, and a wary gaze would make this model come alive, hinting at a life of constant vigilance and secret deals.
• Aristocrat Gentleman: The epitome of upper-crust society in the early 20th century. This character would be the picture of elegance and wealth, dressed in a fine suit or a tuxedo, complete with a monocle or a walking cane. His posture and demeanor should exude confidence and privilege, perhaps with a slight air of disdain or aloofness that marks his high social standing.

Mythological Monster Inspiration

• Leshy: The elusive forest spirit from Slavic folklore. This character could be towering and imposing, cloaked in leaves and moss, with eyes that glow with the wisdom of the woods. The Leshy is the guardian of the forest, often portrayed with a beard made from living greenery and limbs that twist like gnarled tree branches. Imagine this spirit blending seamlessly into the forest background, appearing almost camouflaged until noticed by an unsuspecting passerby.
• Huldra: This beguiling creature from Scandinavian lore is known for her stunning beauty that belies her true nature. With the torso of a beautiful woman and the hidden tail of a cow or fox, the Huldra is both enchanting and horrific. She could be depicted luring unwary travelers with her charm, set against the backdrop of misty Scandinavian forests. Her model would feature intricate details that reflect her dual nature, blending human allure with the wild elements of her forest home.

Model Requirements

• The character model must fit into the time setting between 1919 and 1938.
• It must be a realistic PBR style with high definition textures and reasonable amount of vertices.
• Your models should be rigged and if they are not humanoid also come with a bunch of animations.
• Try to adhering to industry standards (like Mixamo) to ensure they integrate seamlessly into the game.

How to Participate

Leave a comment here and tell me what you want to do. Further discussion will then be moved to the Steam Forum or via Steam Chat or Email. I can't wait to see what you guys bring to the round table. This is your chance to leave your creative stamp on Cursed Dungeon Raider that blends rich history with an exploration adventure. Looking forward to your incredible creations!

[ 2024-05-29 18:33:25 CET ] [ Original post ]

First and foremost, I would like to thank all participants of the closed alpha. Your invaluable feedback was essential in identifying and resolving numerous bugs. I eagerly look forward to your continued support with this update. This update also includes compatibility with the Steam Deck. Volunteers for testing on the Steam Deck are welcome! If you haven't yet participated and would like to join the play-testing while providing valuable feedback, please refer to the post linked below for detailed information on how to gain access to the Closed Alpha. Closed Alpha Access

ANIMALS

CHANGES

• Changed the eye color of foxes.

FIXES

• Fixed foxes stuttering movements when they attempt to flee from the player.

AUDIO

NEW

• Added creaking wood floor sounds to the home environment.

CHANGES

• Slightly increased volume for fire-related sound effects, including torches and fireplaces.
• Adjusted the ambient rain sound at home to be more noticeable near windows and outer walls, while quieter deeper inside the building.
• Updated the Scandinavian loading music to a theme that better suits the region.

BLACK MARKET

Added the Black Market as a new visit able location. In this secret location, players can sell their unearthed treasures, purchase new equipment and, in later updates, embark on exciting missions, some of which even go beyond the limits of legality. In future updates you will be able to talk with enigmatic figures, each with their own hidden agendas, and unlock new potential clients. Whether you're looking to enhance your gear or delve into the murky waters of morally ambiguous quests, the Black Market promises a wealth of opportunity and danger alike.

CHARACTERS

NEW

• Added placeholder characters featuring preliminary animations and AI-generated voice lines. Note: The voices will be replaced as soon as a proper voice actor has been found. Moreover, only a select few characters are currently interactable.

CONTROLS

NEW

• Added comprehensive GamePad support. Please note, due to an overhaul of the underlying system, if you have customized controls, you will need to configure them again.
• Controls are now individually adjustable for each device (keyboard/mouse and gamepad).
• Added UI images for specific controls, including mouse buttons and certain keyboard keys.
• Added a setting to adjust mouse sensitivity for gamepad controls.
• Added controls for setting look directions.
• Added controls to rotate inventory items during placement.
• Added controls to toggle the visibility of the inventory, objectives, and pause menu.
• Added a toggle option for sneaking in the control settings.

FIXES

• Fixed camera rotation issues encountered at very low FPS.
• Fixed stuttering of objects while being placed.
• Fixed the scroll wheel functionality in the control menu. Other keys can now be used as well.
• Fixed issues with dragging items in the inventory using buttons other than the left mouse button.

DUNGEON

NEW

• Implemented foundational support for seed-based reproducible dungeons.
• Added new dungeon room variations where ladders can be utilized.
• Added destructible walls, currently only destructible by large monsters.

CHANGES

• Enhanced the exterior of the Scandinavian dungeon with subtle decorations to increase its prominence.
• Adjusted the boundaries of the Scandinavian island to match the water level.

FIXES

• Fixed stuttering issues when entering or exiting the dungeon.
• Fixed an issue where dungeon dust appeared to glow under certain conditions.
• Fixed overlapping issues in dungeon room layouts.

GAMEPLAY

NEW

• Objects that glitch through the floor will now reset to the main round table in the library. If you've lost any items, check there first; if they're not present, you can be sure they haven't glitched through the house floor.
• Added a feature to disable bed colliders, allowing players to retrieve items that may have fallen behind them.
• Added a "Surrender" button to exit missions on demand. Note: Using this feature results in character death and loss of inventory. Use it only if you cannot find your way back.

CHANGES

• Endurance now only depletes in dungeon worlds and regenerates faster when standing still, with an increased rate of regeneration when crouching and stationary.
• Improved the collider for stairs to enhance the walking experience and ensure more accurate object interactions.
• Increased the interaction distance for objects on the floor or above the player.
• Optimized interactions with small objects such as coins and chalk. Pixel perfect clicking is no longer necessary.

FIXES

• Fixed collision issues with the statue stone circle.
• Fixed a glitch that allowed players to pass through dungeon ceilings.
• Fixed an issue where players took fall damage after being stuck in an object for an extended period.
• Fixed an issue with object placement when the player dies.

GRAPHICS

NEW

• Expanded selection of FPS limits.
• Expanded VSync options (Off, Full, Half). Note: Disable VSync if your FPS are not over your monitor's refresh rate to avoid stuttering and sluggish input/movement.
• Added an option to disable shadows for low-end PCs. Note: Disabling shadows is not recommended as it causes lights to shine through walls and other objects. Use this option only if you are experiencing significant performance issues.
• Added settings for soft shadows.
• Added an option to manage shadows for player-equipped light sources only. Disable this setting if activating the electric lantern results in a substantial frame drop.

CHANGES

• Improved FPS counter.
• Updated the home's wooden facade and reduced the shininess of doors for a more realistic appearance.

FIXES

• Fixed the high speed issue of the Aurora Borealis that was seen by certain players.
• Fixed an issue where all lights were missing in the dining hall and office at home.
• Fixed issues with trees clipping through objects.
• Fixed DLSS compatibility checks for unsupported systems.
• Fixed lighting issues on Scandinavian island during evening.
• Fixed lighting issues related to snow, smoke, and fireplaces.
• Fixed lighting anomalies when using chalk.
• Fixed shadow casting from electric lanterns.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Added the Historical Museum as a new visit able location. Step into the Historical Museum, a cornerstone of the game world where history and adventure meet. As a new archaeologist, you can go there to begin your journey with free starter gear provided by the museum. You can enhance your archaeological reputation by donating artifacts and other valuable collectibles, which will be proudly displayed within the museum's halls. In future updates, once you gain enough reputation, you will be able to connect with curators and the Museum director to receive specialized missions that deepen your engagement with the rich history of the real existing artifacts.

ITEMS

NEW

• Added new equipment: ladders and wooden boards.
• Added precious but rare gemstones to find.
• Added collectible bronze chalices.

CHANGES

• Introduced a subtle sparkle effect to coins.
• Expanded the range of surfaces chalk can be used on, including more static surfaces like pillars, round walls, statues and now dynamic surfaces too like doors, chests and drawers.
• Chalk is now stackable, enhancing inventory management.
• Enhanced the compass glow for improved readability in dark environments.
• Removed the pre-existing weapons from the basement weapon rack, allowing you to place your own found weapons there. Note: Placement still requires manual adjustment and can be clumsy.

FIXES

• Fixed colliders of tableware items.
• Fixed collision problems with small coins.
• Fixed an issue while drawing with two chalks simultaneously.
• Fixed the yellow highlight effect on certain objects.

MYTHOLOGICAL MONSTER

NEW

• [spoiler]Added wisps that appear at night on the Scandinavian island.[/spoiler]

PERFORMANCE

CHANGES

• Enhanced performance both at home and on the Scandinavian island.
• Improved debris performance.
• Significantly improved the efficiency of lights and their shadows for substantial performance gains.
• Enhanced the pathfinding algorithms for animals and monsters.
• Optimized the mesh of 3D scanned artifacts. Note: If you have placed artifacts at home, some may have shifted slightly to different positions.

SAVE AND LOAD

CHANGES

• Enhanced the load time for the Scandinavian island.
• Optimized save/load times for saved games.

FIXES

• Fixed a crash issue when loading the Scandinavian island.
• Fixed physics issues when loading items. Before, it looked as if a poltergeist had been raging.
• Fixed the loading of large chests to ensure they appear correctly if left open.

USER INTERFACE

NEW

• Added a new interface to display the player's noise level.
• Added subtitles with customizable settings (toggle on/off, language, size).

CHANGES

• Relocated the settings warning icon to behind the settings name and made it slightly transparent to encourage players to hover their cursor over it for hints.
• Relocated the Scandinavia marker further north on the mission world map.
• Relocated interaction text to the center of the screen, rather than below center.

FIXES

• Fixed the electric lantern's name across all language settings.
• Fixed the inventory view when the player dies.

With this update you can now make progress, but keep in mind that the save game will be resetted as soon as the game gets released in early access. So please play for testing purposes and not for the progress. Last but not least I want to thank you again for your continued support and feedback. Your input is invaluable, and future enhancements will be based on your valuable suggestions and preferences. Now, set out on your adventure!

[ 2024-05-14 19:16:20 CET ] [ Original post ]

Welcome to the exclusive Closed Alpha Access event for "Cursed Dungeon Raider", an exhilarating exploration adventure that blends spine-tingling horror elements and deadly traps with the excitement of historic artifact recovery. The changelog can be found here.

What to Expect

While the full game will take you on a journey across the world to unearth ancient wonders, in this closed alpha, you'll be among the first to venture into the eerie depths of Nordic dungeons and tombs. These chilling locations, where you have to traverse the dark, enigmatic forests of the North, are brimming with traps and mythical creatures from the region's folklore. As you recover in-game artifacts, you'll gain knowledge about their real historic counterparts, as they are based on 3D scans of actual artifacts. Explore their origins, significance, and the locations they were found, adding an educational dimension to your gaming experience.

What are the requirements

Please provide information on how you can contribute for the development of the game. Are you a dedicated tester with a keen eye? Besides a Windows PC, do you have a Mac or Linux system to test these versions too? Can you provide valuable feedback to help improve the game? Can you help spread the game on social media? Share your ideas and help shape the future of "Cursed Dungeon Raider"!

How to Participate

You have three ways to get in touch for a Closed Alpha key: [olist]

Use the contact form on the Homepage and enter the required fields and the subject "CDR Closed Alpha Key". Don't forget to write a message on how you want to contribute.

Write a private message to the Twitch Account.

If you're a content creator, you can use KeyMailer and search for "Cursed Dungeon Raider" to write a private message. [/olist] Thank you for your interest in "Cursed Dungeon Raider". Prepare for a chilling adventure that expand your mind. Discover the mysteries of the North and be part of this unforgettable Closed Alpha journey!

[ 2023-10-19 15:41:34 CET ] [ Original post ]

This changelog is detailing the differences about the Closed Alpha in comparison with the freely available prototype on itch.io. For more information on how to get access to the Closed Alpha, click here.

Controls

• Arms will now avoid colliding with objects. The previously used clipping camera has been removed, which should result in a 10 % performance improvement.
• Added 'Head Bobbing' control option to adjust bobbing intensity.
• Fixed stutter in arm movement when quickly starting/stopping movement.
• Fixed temporary floating in the air while jumping against the ceiling.

Dungeon

• Added an outside area for the Nordic dungeon with different start and weather conditions.
• Added roaming animals in the outside area, enhancing the game's environment with wildlife.
• Dungeons have been expanded, necessitating the use of your orientation equipment to maintain your bearings, as navigating them without it may lead to disorientation.
• Expanded the variety of traps and dungeon room variations.
• Fixed a rare case where the dungeon entry was positioned against a wall, preventing entry into the dungeon.

Encyclopedia

• Reworked the encyclopedia, making it larger to provide ample space for detailed information on each artifact.
• Artifacts will only be visible in the encyclopedia after you discovered them at least once.
• Added new artifacts from distinct historical periods, including an [spoiler]armlet in bronze from the Iron Age[/spoiler] and a [spoiler]Celtic cross of bronzegold from the Viking Age[/spoiler].

Equipment

• Added a guide flag as a tool for providing in-game guidance, which can be strategically placed throughout the world to help you find your way back home or navigate the game world effectively.
• Added a compass as an in-game equipment, providing players with a tool for orienting themselves, to navigating through the game world, and facilitating the process of finding their way back home by helping them establish their cardinal direction.
• Equipments will keep their onoff state if you switch them into the other hand or if you drop them from the player inventory.

Gameplay

• Added fall damage that scales with falling speed (You can still jump from one floor to another without taking damage).
• You can now open and close doors, drawers, and chests while in motion, eliminating the need to wait for them to be fully opened, closed, or unblocked by objects.
• These objects also interact physically correctly with all items; when you put something in the drawer, it moves with the drawer.
• Implemented an inventory system to enable item pickup, improved inventory management, introduced item stacking with the ability to split stacks, and enabled item dropping or precise item placement.

Graphics

• Added FOV adjustment.
• Added FPS limit setting.
• Added debris setting, allowing you to choose whether the debris should disappear, be physically deactivated after some time, or remain always active.
• Added Global Illumination, introducing a subtle effect for all light sources that extends beyond the directly illuminated object to also illuminate its surroundings. Note that this effect has a higher performance impact and is best suited for at least mid-range hardware.
• Added four different quality options for volumetric lighting. Note that 'High' and 'Ultra' settings are very demanding and require high-end PCs to run effectively.
• Added more anti-aliasing options, including FXAA, SMAA, and TAA.
• Added support for DLSS 2.2.11, available exclusively on Windows PCs with Nvidia RTX 20-series or higher.
• Optimized lighting and shadows to improve performance, with the most significant impact observed in your home library/gallery.
• Fixed shadow flickering.

Mythological Monster

• Introducing a new [spoiler]ice[/spoiler] variation for the [spoiler]Golem[/spoiler].
• Introducing a new mythological monster: [spoiler]the Troll[/spoiler] with a [spoiler]cave and ice[/spoiler] variation.

Save and Load

• Implemented an automatic save and load system that exclusively saves the game when the player comes or leaves home, and when the player quits the game. Saving during missions or elsewhere is not permitted.

User Interface

• Added a game over screen.
• Added the ability to customize the display of various interface elements, including the health bar, endurance bar, blood screen, equipment slots, and objectives list, including options to turn it off, set it to adaptive display, or keep it always visible. These options allow users to tailor their interface preferences to their liking.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback. Your input is invaluable, and future enhancements will be based on your valuable suggestions and preferences. Now, set out on your adventure!

[ 2023-10-19 15:38:56 CET ] [ Original post ]

While the game is still in long-term development you have the chance to download and play a free prototype on itch.io right now! Please bare in mind that it is a very early version of the game and that it does not represent the final product. Nevertheless it should give you a hint about the graphical quality and game atmosphere. Have fun!

[ 2022-03-09 14:41:51 CET ] [ Original post ]