Dev Notes - Optimization, Balance & Level Design Pass

Changelog – The Last of RAM

This update focuses on performance improvements, gameplay balance, level readability, movement refinements, and overall visual quality.

Improvements

• Applied an optimization pass across the build, reducing performance overhead in several key areas.

• Rebalanced enemy behavior, including aggression, health values, and encounter pacing.

• Improved Level 2 readability with updated layout elements and clearer visual guidance.

• Reworked staircase and corridor navigation to eliminate problematic movement areas.

• Updated lighting across all locations to better match the game's visual direction.

• Expanded environmental dressing with additional props and scene details.

• Improved the Katana Ultimate ability — the ranged slash can now penetrate multiple enemies and is capable of killing them in a single strike.

• Running platforms now automatically propel the player forward, making it no longer necessary to continuously hold the W key while traversing them. Please note that this feature may still require additional polishing.

New Content

• Added new decorative elements throughout existing locations to improve atmosphere and world density.

• Added several hidden easter eggs for players to discover.

Fixes

• Fixed issues that could cause the player to become stuck on stairs and in narrow passages.

• Fixed navigation problems that could lead to disorientation on Level 2.

• Fixed a hook interaction on the first level that could occasionally fail to attach the player to the target beam.

• Fixed an issue where, after death or a restart, the player would not return to automatic sprint mode and would move at walking speed instead. The player now resumes running immediately without losing momentum.

Thank you for your feedback and bug reports. More updates and improvements are currently in development.