Update 0.8.5 released

Here's another small release that keeps paving the way for 0.9.

Some love for archers was due, and the new arrows also make the Crafting skill more useful. I am now working on adding dual-wielding and player-usable poisons.

I've begun experimenting with controller support in this update as well. For now, all you can do with a controller is to move and look around in exploration mode (using both sticks), and select objects with the "down" button (A in Xbox, X in PS). There is still no controller settings. But more will come in the next weeks, making the game fully playable with controller very soon.

There were still a couple lingering issues that needed fixing after the last content update. Find below the complete changelog.

Features & Improvements

• Arrows implemented. You can still fire unlimited 'normal arrows' that don't show on inventory, but a new slot has been added to equip special arrows with bonuses that have been added to weapon vendors and also as loot.

• Added 6 new crafting recipes for arrows.

• When you 'browse all talents' from the Character Window, you can now see if the character meets the requirements, just like at level-up. In addition, the search function will also work on talent descriptions, not just titles.

• Controller Support implementation has begun; for now it is very limited, allowing the player to move in exploration mode, and select objects (A in Xbox). I'll keep adding functionality and options on each update.

Adjustments & Balance

• Talent *Gifted Pupil* now requires the character to be a spellcaster.

• Mycora in Urendale are now slightly stronger.

• All enemies will slightly increase their resistances per level; stronger creatures such as Helliants or 'named' beasts might get significantly more resistant.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a game 'freeze' that might happen after using Conduits, and in other dialogues that allowed the player to travel.

• Fixed a rare crash that could freeze the loading screen when opening certain areas.

• Fixed a rare crash that might happen when spells are cast from exploration.

• Fixed a chest popup that could appear in Phadabar's basement.

• Fixed many minor issues in Harlin Plains and Phadabar.

• Certain group of Wild Geldryn in Galeb Peninsula had their detection disabled. Fixed.

There will be at least two more 0.8.x updates before we move into the 0.9.x development arc. They'll arrive relatively quickly since the two large outdoor areas (Urendale and Harlin Plains) are already out. I'll be posting about it soon.