[v. 0.8.1.01] First (Big) Early Access Update!

Hello wizards!

Update v. 0.8.1.01 is live!

Our main focus for this update was improving and refining existing systems so we have a stronger foundation for future content. Some systems have been reworked, a few new mechanics appeared and a lot of smaller changes.

Reworks

Plus items

Plus items definitely needed some love. Our goal was for them to feel like something special and something to look for. Instead, they could show up in normal chests and upgrading basic items was a bit too difficult.

So what's changing?

• Upgrading will be easier. You'll now need 2 scrolls instead of 3.

• You'll start the run with more inventory space.

• Normal chests will no longer spawn Plus items. (But maybe other chests will… who knows? 👀)

• When using Hand of Greed, a basic item will now swap only into another basic item and can no longer turn into a Plus item.

• Plus items can't be swapped for now.

Loot

So far we've given you a lot of loot on every level so you could start experimenting with weapon crafting very quickly. And you’ve created some amazing builds that let you clear levels fast.

We still want you to have that feeling!

However, the current system makes it harder for us to add new levels and expand the game. So, to give you more meaningful choices and prepare for future content:

• During level selection, you'll see how many scrolls can be found on that level. What will be better? A new passive and 1 scroll, or money and 3 scrolls?

• We've also tried to reduce RNG a bit and improve how item types are offered. For example, you should have better chances to e.g. get a projectile if your build needs one.

Parasite Trigger

The previous version was unusable, confusing and even buggy (it spawned only on enemy death). We want to give you a tool you can actually rely on.

• It will spawn the next projectile after some time OR when an enemy dies.

• It now RETARGETS to other enemies every time.

• It deals some damage on release.

• Enemies can have multiple parasites, so you'll trigger more projectiles.

• We also added visual feedback so you can always see when parasites are active.

• And bosses can have parasites now! 🐛

New mechanics

• You can now upgrade player and weapon stats during a run after defeating bosses or on special levels (max mana, mana regeneration, chain length and reload time).

• Mana is partially returned if projectiles fail to trigger.

• Improved item information panel with clearer visuals, larger font, visible mana costs, upgrade indicators and modifier slot information.

• Added an extra anti-freeze safety system for situations where extremely large numbers of projectiles are spawned.

• Added new chest.

More feedback?

Thank you for all the suggestions and bug reports so far! They help us improve the game with every update.

If you'd like to share more feedback, feel free to post here on the Steam Community Hub or join our Discord:

discord.starrowcastles.com

CHANGELOG

v. 0.8.1.01

Changes:

• Removed changing reload time with modifiers. It was an old design and didn't work well now (modifier changed weapon instead of projectile).

• Berserk modifier is now a Berserk passive.

• Better description for Whistle modifier.

• Reload time change is now shown in seconds instead of percent.

• Better level selection (more choices, less repetition).

• Heal Room will now spawn after every boss (after unlocking).

• Better performance for many projectiles and enemies.

• Reduced Cloud projectile transparency.

• Decreased Scatter projectile spread.

• Increased Fire and Virus damage rate.

• Decreased bonus reload time by Sweetener.

• Improved first minutes of gameplay (no spiky or paid chests, easier level layouts and enemies).

• Made Inkrab harder, better, faster, stronger (our work is never over).

• Timer triggers will now trigger 2 times instead of 1.

• Proximity triggers can now trigger multiple times.

• Limited number of triggered projectiles per trigger (we know what you did with Cloud projectile).

• Improved Piercing modifier (more piercing, less damage loss).

• Added more modifiers slots for some projectiles.

• Balanced economy (money loot, cost of items).

• Enemies will have more hp in next biomes.

Fixes:

• Don't swap item in Hand of Greed to the same item.

• Don't shoot enemies outside rooms with knockback.

• Hide interaction prompts on death.

• Don't open pause menu when exiting minimap with Back button.

• Fixed Eyes in the Back+ description and mana cost.

• Fixed Prototype A didn't work with OnHit modifiers (e.g. FirstContact).

• Fixed spawning Hand of Greed on walls.

• Fixed Boomerang was actually working with Laser+ (although it shouldn't).

• Fixed unlocking Survivor Start Setup.

• Fixed uncontrollable projectiles behaviour when changing scrolls while projectiles are active.

• Fixed pausing the game when opening Steam Overlay.

• Fixed placing passages walls in each other or inside other passages.

~ Adrian | Starrow Castles