[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/34a680eacf42ae2f179b413aa338aa1cd6d7cade.png[/img] Hey Zodiac Challengers! We've got some fun updates and news for everyone, plus a bit of what’s brewing behind the scenes since the release of the playtest. [h2][b]What We’re Working On[/b][/h2] We’re super grateful ([i]and honestly, a bit relieved! 😌[/i]) for the positive reception since the playtest launched. It’s been amazing to see so many of you enjoying the fluidity and verticality of the combat! We’re eager to build upon what you love about the game, and we’d love for you to continue being a part of this journey with us. With all the insights you shared, we’ve zeroed in on some key areas to improve—and, luckily, they match up perfectly with our plans. Here are a few things we’re focusing on: [h3][b]Improving Level Design[/b][/h3] We’re restructuring some rooms and making overall improvements to the size, layout and verticality. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/48351b84830ff22aaf8440a371d406498747910e.png[/img] [h3][b]Pacing[/b][/h3] Coins will be rewarded upon the completion of the room rather than being distributed in random vases and pots all over the rooms. These breakable items will still have a chance to contain health drops, though. [h3][b]Attack Variations & Deeper Progression[/b][/h3] We’re working on something new and big, and will reveal the details soon… this deserves its own dedicated devlog. ;) But here's a preview of one of those exciting changes: [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/a0cc54ee977394188fe83a5418cae3e97858dfc8.gif[/img] [h3][b]Telegraphing[/b][/h3] Getting hit from behind? We’re enhancing telegraphing animations and effects to provide clearer cues in the heat of battle. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/5df295f4f274cb44eeab3db4d8a333c3571c892c.png[/img] [h3][b]Graphics Upgrades / Explorations[/b][/h3] Along with adding more details to the environment, we’re experimenting with shaders to give 13Z a more unique look that matches its theme. It’s still a work in progress but we’d love to hear what you think. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/602a3de291b28411862a147af0c025d94d5b5074.gif[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/9aabb0fc92638c4005dd65cb64d7658d27018339.gif[/img] We're also experimenting with water physics to make the environments more immersive. This will compliment Act 1’s various water features like the waterfalls and Gold Croak's level. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/9c90bfec244138f4f8d32ad07aa79a2193914928.gif[/img] [h3][b]Handy QoL Tweaks[/b][/h3] Features like camera lock and smoother targeting are on the way. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/999b223e32c59748d5bb3995aa1a5f26b73777c9.gif[/img] [h3][b]New Key Art Sneak Peek [/b][/h3] We've also heard you asking about more info on the 12 Zodiacs—and we’re on it! We’re working on new key art that gives them a bigger spotlight. It’s super early, and some of the headshots are more playful than serious (our artist was having fun, lol), but we wanted to give the community a better sneak peek into 13Z's universe. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/e3b14754268f9dac0fec3193fb0a4d874309988f.png[/img] [h2][b]About the Next Playtest Update[/b][/h2] We’re fully diving into co-op mode development, along with some new mechanics. We’re targeting Q1 2025 for the big Co-op Playtest. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/4d9e934702c0c2efa179b9513aec06603dca3e2a.gif[/img] [b]But you don’t need to wait that long to play an updated version of the current single-player playtest. [/b]We’ll be releasing another patch soon. However, some of the bigger changes mentioned above won’t make it into this upcoming patch just yet, as the co-op and single-player builds are on different tracks, and transferring all new mechanics would break the game. We don’t have a specific date for this update yet, but we’re targeting to release it before the end of the year. [b]Here’s what you can expect:[/b] [list] [*] Camera/Target Lock – Yep, it’s finally on the way! [*] Enhanced VFX – A little extra flash never hurts. [*] New Visuals for Lyra – We’ve made some tweaks to bring out her character more; we’ll showcase more sneak-peeks on our Discord. [/list] [h2][b]Community Updates[/b][/h2] On Discord, we’ve added some fresh stickers and emojis for you to play with, and we’re cooking up a few more! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/c1c8e0d1406b9041a91953b07c7a81e675f2017a.gif[/img] Also, here’s the very first fanart of Lyra courtesy of the talented Booey! If you've made fanart of 13Z, we’d love to see it—share it on our [url=https://discord.com/invite/A8NZy7U6VQ][b]Discord[/b][/url], and don't forget to tag us on X ([url=https://x.com/13z_game][b]@13Z_game[/b][/url]) so we don’t miss it. ;) [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/6bdc0705bc5ac300da16a5cd77ffe2c34162d62a.jpg[/img] Thanks for being with us and sharing your feedback! We’re excited to be building 13Z together with you! Chat with us on: [b][url=https://discord.gg/A8NZy7U6VQ]Discord[/url] | [url=https://x.com/13z_game]Twitter[/url] | [url=https://www.tiktok.com/@13z.game]Tiktok[/url][/b] [b]Crafted with Love,[/b] Mixed Realms Team