Hi everyone! Dieuwt here. Progress on Nothing Beyond This Point (NBTP from now on) is going steady. I'm working on finishing the playable demo, which will release in Steam Next Fest in February 2025. In the meantime, I figured it'd be cool to give a preview of what to expect in the game. [h1]The Empty World[/h1] NBPT takes place in the one and true Void. Unlike a bunch of other Voids out there, this place is quite... empty. It's slightly confusing to navigate (but don't worry! You can find maps somewhere), mostly completely dark, and things that roam in it, aren't your friend. Occasionally you'll run into something worth investigating, though, so keep your eyes open! Some runes, some Vaults, maybe a strange machine... You can (usually) run away from combat, but then you won't get to see what they do! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284742/bad85ff0a18d2f9ab3e1d20224883ee372a672c0.png[/img] And if they do something helpful, you better stick around to reap those benefits. [h1]The Image of Raimor[/h1] Recognize this gal? Sure you do. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284742/7fbb15a67e4a045b6668c4ce02956fa8b15754aa.png[/img] You're made out of fire! This has advantages: fire immunity, tough to destroy, and infinite regeneration! Unfortunately, Voidfire still hurts you, and enemies don't seem to understand the consequences of their actions, so you'll be fighting all the time. Additionally, the hostile environment may not even let you heal at all! The combat is very fast-paced and dynamic! Some enemies require you to get up close and personal, while others are too fast to be taken out by melee attacks. Throw endless explosive rods at them instead! ...wait, can we rewind to that please? [h1]Dynamic Combat[/h1] I've spent some extra time polishing the combat mechanics this time around. Your "rods", floating sticks made from pure fire or something, are your main resource. You're constantly balancing them, so no combat feels the same Shoot an extra fireball and dodge the next two hits? Refuel now then dash into slashes? Charge an explosion as enemies will be approaching soon? It's up to you. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284742/abb46db516a0784e7eca38b51fd0811fb31e1025.png[/img] Many different items spread across the dark world can boost your strategic options: lower cooldowns, stronger rods, or just a good ol' mega-explosion. However, you can only carry one, so pick carefully and [i]remember where you put them, please![/i] [h1]The Power of the Void[/h1] As strong as you are, there's always more to learn. Trace Runes to gain access to powerful items and upgrades. Read Proscribed Books to permanently gain strength. Talk to the divine Raimor to gain new abilities. And much, much more! There's loads of customization options in there, so take your pick and roll with the punches. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284742/92d5ba741f076cf4662ac3c7e39de21d73bf879d.png[/img] In other words, plenty to look around for. Of the 16 planned areas, three will be available in the demo for around 1-2 hours of gameplay! I don't know how to lock down the Void at will, so please don't try to escape, okay? Thanks. [b]I'm also looking for a publisher[/b] this time around! If you know a good one that might be interested, notify me or them so I can hopefully get some more coverage. So! Wishlist now, tell your friends, and mail your favorite Youtubers that a new Metroidvania (sort of but not really) is coming! Or just wait until February to see for yourself. Cheeri-o! [h1]DONT TRUST THE OBELISK ITS NOT YOUR FRIhhmmwhhmmmmmm[/h1] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284742/3a04b02d2104fbb746f1d0838592daa84d33c072.png[/img]