In the [url=https://steamcommunity.com/gid/103582791465114302/announcements/detail/1716370267876413382]previous update[/url], we talked about the context of SYF’s story tours. Now let’s have a look at why we are making a story mode for Sacrifice Your Friends. [i]All gameplay screenshots displayed in this update are from an early test version of the story mode. Everything you see here is likely to change before release.[/i] [b]Learning[/b] The story tours of SYF are good at introducing the lovecraftian universe at the core of the game. However, it is also meant to reveal the gameplay secrets that make SYF such a fun game to play. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/4fad217c2b88427a555574a3111cbb880b53f226.jpg[/img] While we designed Sacrifice Your Friends’ controls to be simple and intuitive, there is still much newcomers have to learn. Noticeably, we have noticed players often struggle with key elements of gameplay, such as madness, transformation, item charging, and item throwing. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/2dea3ab294e0847e08756678ba585632fe74e9bb.jpg[/img] The story mode is the perfect opportunity to familiarize players with more arduous mechanics. This is not to say the entire campaign is one giant tutorial. Rather, we aim to provide enjoyable solo / coop gameplay challenges centered around a variety of already existing mechanics. [b]Unlockables[/b] Mastery is good and all… but what about rewards? At the end of each mission, a rank is awarded to players based on their performance: [list] [*] Bronze, which is fairly easy but is needed to move on to the next mission. [*] Silver, which generally requires a bit of smart play to achieve. [*] Gold, which often requires a well coordinated team and a good amount of skills. [/list] There is even rumors of a mysterious fourth rank that can only be achieved through a truly hardcore level of efficiency. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/70ad13561deb159130041df5b9bdf343513c875f.jpg[/img] Players earn unlockable elements upon receiving mission ranks. Note that we do not wish to lock gameplay related elements behind overly long or difficult challenges. As such, arenas, items, and cults can all be received by completing bronze level requirements. Players can discover all arenas and acquire basic skills before quickly jumping into competitive multiplayer. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/8a059ff6736834b71feba4a27fa628218d53df37.jpg[/img] For those pushing to the next steps, there are also plenty of customisation items to be earned by achieving silver and gold ranks. These include exclusive characters and accessories to show off your completionism. Unlike experience rewards from playing arena mode, story rewards are shared across all profiles. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/41b11a9f672e08bd84f0ceda9afe512b08d68560.jpg[/img] In the end, SYF remains a competitive brawler at heart. While we don’t plan on creating a massive storyline for the game, we do plan on it being fun. The story tours should bring interesting context and challenges to the mix. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/35592894/fb2eb22034e21fdcea07f99d25f272241f073f51.jpg[/img] Don’t forget to add the game on your [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1050160/Sacrifice_Your_Friends/]Steam wishlist[/url], and follow us on [url=https://www.facebook.com/SacrificeYourFriends/]Facebook[/url]! Comments or questions? Join us on Sacrifice Your Friends’ public Discord server! Next update, I will discuss the game's main hub: the train station. There are a lot of cool little details going into it, so stay tuned! By Non-Euclidian Overlord [i]Game Designer, Astrolabe Interactive[/i]