▶
HUGE UPDATE! Try it out
A very nasty bug was discovered - one that chocked the graphic card on a lot of computers, making the game run slower that it should have (and caused some other issues as well). A lot of work was done to address the issue, and I'm happy to say the game runs a lot better now. As a quick note, the game engine uses some newer tech that doesn't run too well on older GPUs. The 5th gen. Intel iris for example (launched in 2009 / 14 years ago) can run the game, but not very smoothly. On newer hardware, it works awesome, and a lot more people can now enjoy the game even more!
Originally I imagined the gameplay as being focused on building and managing momentum (inspired by Super Mario Bors, and Sonic) so part of the challenge was the slow building and decreasing of speed, and you had to decide when to accelerate, when to let go of the acceleration, and when to "hit the brakes". Working on the game for a couple of years I was very used to this system, but as it turns out, some players hated it with a passion, and found the game unplayable because of it. So I made a couple of adjustments and now we have a better balance between the original vision and player feedback. The default sword / skin for Vlad - Red Dracula with Ottoman Kilij sword - is more balanced now, not the stiffest movement, and not too much slide, just enough to get the players comfortable with the game. If you choose the hardcore mode you have more mobility options to choose from, each sword offers a different experience. Choose the Hungarian Pallos sword for the most stiffness if that's what you enjoy, or the Persian Saber sword for the most "slide" - which is the closest to the initial vision - slowly building and managing momentum. Or choose any other sword in between, you have 5 swords to choose from, so you can finish the game 5 times and have a different experience every time - if that's what you want. The other playable characters, Dracula's spy (level 2) and the Wallachian Captain Tudor (level 4) handle a little bit different as well, so you will have a fresh experience from level to level!
If you play the Hardcore mode, you know there are 5 short sub-levels where the enemies are introduces and you get to know them, and then there is a 6th sub-level, three times longer and harder, that puts everything you learned to the test, after which you get to fight the boss. Level 5 has been added to the game, and this one is a bit longer, you have 6 short sub-levels, where you play either with Dracula or with one of his knights, and in the 7th sub-level you play with Dracula and his knights - but the difficulty ramps up a notch. That's definitely my favorite level - but if you want to skip the long and more challenging levels you can choose the easier mode (but you're missing out on some awesome fights!). Also I really love the level 5 boss - you will definitely know him! Read the short story in the world map section if you want some interesting details about him, or the in-game "Manual" inspired by Famicom / NES physical games manuals (as kids we used to trade / borrow each other's famicom games, but we had no manuals. This in-game manual is a "love letter" to the old physical manuals and it's included in the game so nobody will lose it).
A lot of small improvements had been made. First, the "extra life" was removed from the easier difficulty because it doesn't work well with the game / level design. In the easier mode you only play short sub-levels so you don't really need an extra life in each sub-level. It would had made a lot more sense in the longer levels that really demand all your focus, but you skip those levels in the easier mode, so it basically just encourages you to play sloppy and that doesn't end up being a very entertaining experience. The whole point of the game was to be a little tactical, to feel threaten, but with a little courage and focus to overcome all obstacles - and the extra life in short sub-levels makes no sense, it just ruins that core experience the game was designed for. Among other improvements, the first sub-level in each level is a bit easier now (less punishing), it gives you a bit more space to get used to the new playable character. You now have a little more control over the jump - after landing the character doesn't automatically jump if you didn't release the jump button in the air (some of you experienced unintentional jumps because of this). Also a second control layout has been added both for the controllers and for the keyboard. Some of you were used to the [A] Controller Button for jump and requested this - so it's here, and I hope you have more fun now! (If you want more gamepad customizations know that steam offers you a lot more flexibility - check the settings button in each game from your steam library - you get support for more controllers and you can customize each controller after your own liking). You will also find a redesigned menu system among other smaller improvements. Also the full price of the game was lowered by $1 or 12.5% (from $8 to $7), and the free demo has also been updated!
As I said, this is my dream project so I do want you to enjoy it as much as possible. I still have a lot to learn (this being my first game) so I'm open to feedback, and I would definitely like to improve the game even more, in the next updates. Feel free to let me know what you think about the game, what you would like to see more of - it helps me make better games (and speaking of that, check the More Games section in Main menu to see the other projects I'm working on - you might like them!).
Thank you for supporting independent game developers like myself, who want to build something beautiful out of passion. I hope you have a great time playing the game! All the best! Tiberius
[ 2023-10-30 17:36:14 CET ] [ Original post ]
First, thank you all for your awesome feedback! As some of you know, this is my dream project for a couple of years now, and also my first released game. So I appreciate all the feedback I can get from you all, to make this game as good as possible. I've heard your feedback, did the work and now I have a lot of new improvements for you all to enjoy! A lot now, and more to come later! So let's get into it - what's new?
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS!
A very nasty bug was discovered - one that chocked the graphic card on a lot of computers, making the game run slower that it should have (and caused some other issues as well). A lot of work was done to address the issue, and I'm happy to say the game runs a lot better now. As a quick note, the game engine uses some newer tech that doesn't run too well on older GPUs. The 5th gen. Intel iris for example (launched in 2009 / 14 years ago) can run the game, but not very smoothly. On newer hardware, it works awesome, and a lot more people can now enjoy the game even more!
CHARACTER MOBILITY
Originally I imagined the gameplay as being focused on building and managing momentum (inspired by Super Mario Bors, and Sonic) so part of the challenge was the slow building and decreasing of speed, and you had to decide when to accelerate, when to let go of the acceleration, and when to "hit the brakes". Working on the game for a couple of years I was very used to this system, but as it turns out, some players hated it with a passion, and found the game unplayable because of it. So I made a couple of adjustments and now we have a better balance between the original vision and player feedback. The default sword / skin for Vlad - Red Dracula with Ottoman Kilij sword - is more balanced now, not the stiffest movement, and not too much slide, just enough to get the players comfortable with the game. If you choose the hardcore mode you have more mobility options to choose from, each sword offers a different experience. Choose the Hungarian Pallos sword for the most stiffness if that's what you enjoy, or the Persian Saber sword for the most "slide" - which is the closest to the initial vision - slowly building and managing momentum. Or choose any other sword in between, you have 5 swords to choose from, so you can finish the game 5 times and have a different experience every time - if that's what you want. The other playable characters, Dracula's spy (level 2) and the Wallachian Captain Tudor (level 4) handle a little bit different as well, so you will have a fresh experience from level to level!
A NEW LEVEL HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE GAME!
If you play the Hardcore mode, you know there are 5 short sub-levels where the enemies are introduces and you get to know them, and then there is a 6th sub-level, three times longer and harder, that puts everything you learned to the test, after which you get to fight the boss. Level 5 has been added to the game, and this one is a bit longer, you have 6 short sub-levels, where you play either with Dracula or with one of his knights, and in the 7th sub-level you play with Dracula and his knights - but the difficulty ramps up a notch. That's definitely my favorite level - but if you want to skip the long and more challenging levels you can choose the easier mode (but you're missing out on some awesome fights!). Also I really love the level 5 boss - you will definitely know him! Read the short story in the world map section if you want some interesting details about him, or the in-game "Manual" inspired by Famicom / NES physical games manuals (as kids we used to trade / borrow each other's famicom games, but we had no manuals. This in-game manual is a "love letter" to the old physical manuals and it's included in the game so nobody will lose it).
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
A lot of small improvements had been made. First, the "extra life" was removed from the easier difficulty because it doesn't work well with the game / level design. In the easier mode you only play short sub-levels so you don't really need an extra life in each sub-level. It would had made a lot more sense in the longer levels that really demand all your focus, but you skip those levels in the easier mode, so it basically just encourages you to play sloppy and that doesn't end up being a very entertaining experience. The whole point of the game was to be a little tactical, to feel threaten, but with a little courage and focus to overcome all obstacles - and the extra life in short sub-levels makes no sense, it just ruins that core experience the game was designed for. Among other improvements, the first sub-level in each level is a bit easier now (less punishing), it gives you a bit more space to get used to the new playable character. You now have a little more control over the jump - after landing the character doesn't automatically jump if you didn't release the jump button in the air (some of you experienced unintentional jumps because of this). Also a second control layout has been added both for the controllers and for the keyboard. Some of you were used to the [A] Controller Button for jump and requested this - so it's here, and I hope you have more fun now! (If you want more gamepad customizations know that steam offers you a lot more flexibility - check the settings button in each game from your steam library - you get support for more controllers and you can customize each controller after your own liking). You will also find a redesigned menu system among other smaller improvements. Also the full price of the game was lowered by $1 or 12.5% (from $8 to $7), and the free demo has also been updated!
FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK!
As I said, this is my dream project so I do want you to enjoy it as much as possible. I still have a lot to learn (this being my first game) so I'm open to feedback, and I would definitely like to improve the game even more, in the next updates. Feel free to let me know what you think about the game, what you would like to see more of - it helps me make better games (and speaking of that, check the More Games section in Main menu to see the other projects I'm working on - you might like them!).
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS GAME!
Thank you for supporting independent game developers like myself, who want to build something beautiful out of passion. I hope you have a great time playing the game! All the best! Tiberius
[ 2023-10-30 17:36:14 CET ] [ Original post ]
Vlad Voievod Dracula. Episode 1 Manhunt
Tiberius
Developer
Tiberius
Publisher
2023-10-02
Release
Game News Posts:
15
🎹🖱️Keyboard + Mouse
🕹️ Partial Controller Support
🎮 Full Controller Support
🕹️ Partial Controller Support
🎮 Full Controller Support
6 user reviews
(6 reviews)
Public Linux Depots:
- [0 B]
Experience the real, medieval Dracula
This game is about the real Dracula, the medieval voievode / warlord of Valahia. It is built around key historical events: Dracula's first ascension to the throne of Valahia. Vlad Tepes is held as a political prisoner / hostage at the Ottoman Court when he learns the Hungarians invade Valahia, killed his family and offer the throne to their own servant. In response, sultan Murad sends Dracula with an Ottoman army to take his rightful throne and stop Valahia from joining another crusade. But not everyone wants Dracula to rule, he has many enemies, even in the Ottoman capital of Edirne.
Different play styles
First of all this is a platformer, so mastering the character's mobility and momentum while crossing the terrain is a challenge in itself, and is part of the core experience. There are six playable characters, and every one of them handles differently. When you change the character, the experience is always fresh, and it comes with new strengths and weaknesses waiting to be mastered.
Vlad Voievod Dracula
Dracula comes in five variants, with five different swords and five different outfits. When you choose a sword, you commit to it the entire game. Each sword handles differently, and affects your mobility and combat tactics in different ways, keeping the experience fresh. (For beginners, it is recommended you start with the first or last sword).
Dracula's Knights
In the first level, you get to know Dracula and you get used to a certain play style. In level three, you will start to experience playing with Dracula and his knights, and you will change characters during play. Again, each one handles differently, so the experience will always be fresh!
The spies
In the second and the forth level, you will play with spies, and the gameplay changes radically. There is less focus on combat and more focus on movement. To clear an area with a spy, you need to gather all three peaces of information scattered around the level, and at the end, get the map.
Share your thoughts
For those who choose to support my work: thank you! If you would like to share your impressions or feedback with me, feel free to do so, I do want to know what you think about the game, what you like and dislike, so I can build better games! You can use the discussions forum in the Steam Community Hub https://steamcommunity.com/app/1794430/discussions/0/3194736442574109320/, you can email me at dev.vvdracula@gmail.com, join the discord https://discord.gg/8puME8D8u5 or DM me on Twitter (X) https://twitter.com/VVDraculaAlso see
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2651830/Vlad_Voievod_Dracula_Dungeons_of_Edirne/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2641040/Vlad_Voievod_Dracula_Episode_2/
A game by Tiberius
MINIMAL SETUP
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04
- Processor: intel i3 or betterMemory: 8 GB RAM
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: intel iris 8th gen or better
- Storage: 450 MB available space
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