Game
Down Ward - (jam beta)
8 years ago

New maps & Herons Update


I just released a new update that adds two new levels and a new kind of specter. Herons.

5d0b3818cab0c.png

Levels: The new levels are situated after all the original basic levels.
I finally got to incorporate some of the things that have been added into the engine or refined in this and the previous update. For instance you can now get squished between moving blocks. Watch your tail feathers.

Herons: I’ll hold off on details, as I think it’s more fun to encounter them blind, but … they’re in there. :]

Victory venue: There’s a new completion level for the basic levels. I’ve been meaning to rework it for quite some time now. I’ll be updating the second completion level soon as well.

Tutorial level: Perhaps the most frequently updated and refined map in the game gets another update. The level is now larger owing to the addition of a segment highlighting the crouched-sprinting mechanic. Also, there’s now no way to get out of the area that explains Spring Jump without using Spring Jump.

Attack visuals: When Gable is carrying feathers, her attack will have a much stronger visual component when it connects with a Skellie. This is to be visual feedback for some upcoming mechanics that will be dependent on whether Gable is carrying feathers.

Defeat visuals: Gable’s defeat effect is now more prominent than just the little crescent poof. There’s a radiating pixel distortion ray-burst. Now if you face-plant into razor vine while looking elsewhere on the screen, you’ll see the effect, instead of just hearing it. I just wanted it to be a little more tactile.
Also being squished has an additional particle effect that manifests as a vertical or horizontal flash, depending on the axis of your squish-en-ing.

Switch block icons: The switch block icons now have an inset carved bevel shading, instead of being flat white.

Screen shake: A screen shake system has been added, though is only used for a few things. You can try it out by entering the following in the console:
Format
ff_cCD.shake(tp’scl’ang’tm), rand, <pixelScale>, 0, <timeSecs>
Example
ff_cCD.shake(tp’scl’ang’tm), rand, 10, 0, 1
(Note: You must click inside the console text area before pressing Enter.)

Fixed some bugs

  • Fixed an especially weird one that prevented zooming out when all secrets were active.

  • Squish detection now works correctly.

  • Heart blocks can no longer be pushed super slowly by sitting on them or pushing into them before their first switch-based-movement.

  • Heart blocks no longer jump on end of movement in some places. (This bug was introduced in one of the recent prior updates that switched the entire heart block movement system from direct position animation, over to a physics model.)

All feedback is welcome. :)

Speaking of which, the changes in the tutorial level regarding the spring jump, and the crouched sprinting were motivated by feedback from @Fledered and @ElectroPunk respectively. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Likewise thanks to everyone who has commented or left any kind of feedback. I always appreciate it, and I always try to respond. :)



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Down Ward is on Kickstarter now! :D

Kickstarter: https://t.co/bKv1yitLTv?amp=1

Website: https://t.co/T0DELsjQQL?amp=1

(◠,◠) #pixelart #owl

A backer from my prior Kickstarter suggested a pre-launch countdown + link, & they made this gif for me, because they're super nice. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fisholith/down-ward-game-ow…

They made 3 of them actually. :)

Down Ward funded all 4 original stretch goals, and is still going. :)

24 hours left!

I've added one last stretch goal. Thanks to all who have supported in any way, by pledge or word of mouth!

💟 Kickstarter: https://t.co/n368bEIFT3?amp=1

Down Ward has been funded! 🌕 🦉 ❤️ Thank you all so much. :)

💟 Thank you message: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fisholith/down-ward-game-ow…

Adorned in her appropriately cubey attire, Gable brandishes a legendary blade.

I finally get to post this for April Fools! :D

Full size: https://t.co/Lx6lzq8Z5L?amp=1 (5120 x 2880)

I was going to put up the Ascii art April Fools banner, and then realized I needed to make a Kickstarter version of it. Happy April Fools, all. :) Kickstarter: http://bit.ly/DownWard-Kickstarter

Down Ward's Kickstarter has passed its funding goal! :D

It's still going, with over half the campaign time left. Thanks to all joining in, & to all helping to spread the word!

Kickstarter: https://t.co/bKv1yitLTv?amp=1 Thank you: https://t.co/gMPlz1pojF?amp=1

Down Ward is on Kickstarter now! :D

Kickstarter: https://t.co/bKv1yitLTv?amp=1

Website: https://t.co/T0DELsjQQL?amp=1

(◠,◠) #pixelart #owl

I just finished a written Q&A with UK-based ScouseGamer88 :)

Interview: https://t.co/auWt2KlSAr?amp=1

Kickstarter: https://t.co/bKv1yitLTv?amp=1

With the help of some hearts Gable flaps her way up a steep ascent :)

Hi all, Down Ward is over 200% funded, and it's still going! I just wanted to thank everyone who has offered their support in any way. Thank you all.