(check out Backgrounds' 'making of' timelapse video for the level Join)

Hi all! I hope everyone has been enjoying The Ghost Update . If you're joining us after a bit of a hiatus, welcome back! Obviously the update was a long time coming (and a bit overly ambitious), but seeing the positive reaction to all of the new stuff has been exciting.

After shipping the update, getting the word out, and putting out a couple tiny fires I had to take a couple days to catch my breath. My next project has been to wrap up (and trim down) the stupidly long devlog/newsletter I've been writing. It discusses our thoughts on Distance's release timeline, Adventure mode experimentation, PS4 development, and more. It'll be out as soon as it's ready, but I'm trying to get it out ASAP.

Newsletter sign-up: http://survivethedistance.com/

[u]DISTANCE ADVENT CALENDAR - WEEK 3[/u]

Of course the update is not the only fun thing happening this month. Distance Advent Calendar (DAC) is entering its final few days! Thanks to Krispy , Skirmisher , and Ashamael for writing the last three DAC posts. Now it's my turn to give some thoughts on the latest DAC releases.

Don't know what Distance Advent Calendar is? Check out the announcement post!

#15: Join - Backgrounds'

Another classic Backgrounds level, employing an incredibly imaginative use of in-game assets to create a hostile, alien environment. A bit brutal gameplay-wise which forces you to slow down quite a bit, but as a side effect it's easier to take in the detailed visuals. I'll be excited to examine of the various sculptures up close in the editor at some point.

#16: White Land GX - Phimeek

A really cool concept and great execution from Phimeek. Instead of remaking a level from F-Zero GX, this level is an attempt to create a snowy environment as the GX designers might have created. Great high-speed gameplay with an intense sense of speed, solid consistent visuals, and the snowy feel is icing on the cake.

#17: STABLE UPDATE GLORY

To focus on the Ghost Update launch, no level was released on day #17. Quite a magical day for me seeing 7 months of work finally released an official package. Thanks again to everyone that has been cheering us along all year as we took on the ridiculously most ambitious projects in this project yet. It was great to finally celebrate a proper release with everyone.

#18: Challenge Pack #2!

• Impossibility by Jay2a -
• Super Super by Backgrounds' -
  

Impossibility was an escalating nail-biter. Far from the hardest Challenge level I've played, but I did start to sweat as the difficulty continually ratcheted up. Quite a bit more tame in Sprint mode, but once you've got it down optimizing a ~1 min run in Challenge is quite fun.

Super Super overall contained an intriguing idea: fusing high speed flying with a key/unlock puzzle level. The downside of course is that our level editor by doesn't really support puzzle logic, so Backgrounds was forced to be creative. Admittedly I struggled to solve the puzzle myself, but thanks to the reply system I could find a solution. In any case the visuals were mysterious and impressive once again.

#19: Frostbyte - Arch Fluctuation

Tons of great experimentation to be found here. I loved how the visuals kept changing, keeping you on your toes throughout. I struggled a bit with the narrow/sideless road sections, as well as a few tight, obstacle areas, but the ending made up for any struggle I endured.

#20: Euphoria - JTrevail, Arch Fluctuation, Phimeek, MCrekna1, Siddey10

Minimalist yet really fast and intense. Great level to race ghosts over and over again to get the perfect time. Hard to beat the sunset feel in a level that constantly flips you around. Gives a great sense of up and down perspective.

#21: Suburbs - Krisha

I was really caught off guard by the great dynamic city feel in this level. Simple yet extremely effective environmental effects. Also loved the "casual drive" gameplay. Plenty of speed, yet it feels like a Sunday drive at the end of the day. Another great one for a player like me to play again and again versus ghosts.

Keep up with the latest DAC releases on the Workshop ! At least one new level daily!

I can't wait to see what few levels get released this week. I challenge you to take on my ghost for each of these levels and see how bad you can crush my times. See you (hopefully) soon with this month's devlog!

- Jordan (@torcht for more frequent dev updates)

[ 2016-12-21 22:36:53 CET ] [Original Post]