Torch of Shadows – Major Rework Update

This update is not an iteration, but a full rewrite.

Over the past months, Torch of Shadows has been rebuilt from the ground up. Core systems, progression flow, visuals, and gameplay structure have all been re-designed with clarity, depth, and long-term sustainability in mind.

Below is a summary of what changed.

World & Map Design

• Tile conversion system has been completely removed

• The game no longer relies on territory repainting mechanics. This allowed for cleaner readability, stronger pacing, and more meaningful area control.

• All maps have been restructured

• Playable spaces were redesigned to better support enemy pressure, positioning, and moment-to-moment decision making.

• A full Tutorial Area has been added

• The tutorial is now the Main Altar Hub

• This hub serves as the narrative and mechanical foundation of the game

• Broken pylons from other maps are physically located here, tying progression directly into the world

Pylons, Events & Map Identity

• Map-specific pylons added

• Each map has unique pylons

• Each pylon comes with its own mechanics, events, and identity

• Pylon Events introduced

• Activating pylons can trigger combat events, challenges, or world changes

• Buff & Debuff systems tied to pylons and soul system

• Every area now actively influences how you play

• Positive and negative effects force adaptation rather than passive scaling

Souls & Minigames

• Map-embedded Souls added

• Souls are no longer abstract rewards

• They exist physically inside the world

• Soul Minigames implemented

• Interacting with souls triggers short, focused gameplay challenges

• Success and failure meaningfully impact the run

Visual Overhaul

• All tilesets have been completely redrawn

• No reused or legacy tiles

• Visual language is now consistent across the entire game

• Lighting system added

• Dynamic lighting enhances atmosphere and spatial awareness

• Fog system added

• Maps now feel layered, hostile, and alive

• Visibility is part of the challenge

UI / UX

• Main UI has been fully redesigned

• New layout

• Clearer hierarchy

• Stronger visual feedback during combat and progression

Save System

• Save system split into two separate tracks

• Demo Save

• Main Game Save

• This prevents progression conflicts and allows cleaner long-term development

Progression & Upgrades

• Upgrade system redesigned

• Structure, balance, and presentation were reworked

• All in-game (run-based) upgrades changed

• No legacy upgrade logic remains

• Each upgrade now has a clearer purpose and synergy space

Enemy & Spawn System

• Spawn system fully replaced

• Old random/flat spawning removed

• Wave-based pressure system implemented

• Enemies spawn in intentional waves

• Designed to surround, corner, and pressure the player

• Positioning and movement matter far more than before

Philosophy Behind the Update

This project is developed by one person. It is also my first game. This update represents:

• A learning process

• A technical reset

• And a commitment to doing things right, even if that means starting over

I’m incredibly excited and honestly a bit nervous to finally put this version in players’ hands.

Feedback & Community

This game will only grow as far as its feedback allows. If you’re curious:

• Play it

• Break it

• Tell me what works and what doesn’t

Every comment, bug report, or design critique genuinely matters.

Thank you for being part of this journey.