Progress Update #3

Hi again! It's been three months since the last progress update, and I'm continuing to make wonderful progress.

Like I mentioned last time, most of the core mechanics are already implemented, so I was able to focus on lengthening the story and adding content. Two major scenes and boss-adjacent combats have been added to the main story. The second one was inspired by my friend Tad I Guess' game, BugDive. Surface Level and BugDive were both conceived during the same game jam, so I wanted to pay homage!

Two shop "NPCs" have been added that allow you to upgrade Atlas' passive. One of these is currently inaccessible for story reasons.

Three more music tracks have also been implemented into the game, titled Moss Market, Insect Descent Deluxe, and Box Lullaby. I'm continuing to update the soundtrack on bandcamp as I finish new tracks.

Outside of new content, I've also been polishing the game up a LOT:

• Added tutorial popups upon introducing new concepts. Some of them are even interactive! Hopefully these feel few and far between.
• Added a control scheme indicator and alternate control schemes for Hayes' ENGAGE!
• More dialog portrait faces! I had to draw Bentley sad…
• A screen wipe transition plays upon entering combat.
• NPCs emit an outline when they're able to be interacted with.
• A bunch more stuff, including tweaks and bug fixes. Haha.

Anyway, that's all from me! I'm pushing this build in a stable state because I want to start watching my friends play the game. The next update will likely continue to lengthen the main story and add more optional content.

See you soon,
Cadence