Project Venus [v0.2.4] [Team Venus]

v0.2.4

Hi everyone, a new Project Venus v0.2.4 build is now out!
This update brings new content, Android version, big stability improvements, map fixes, save/load behavior, and several gameplay usability improvements.
New content
– Story progression
– A new story location to beat
– New weapon with ammo-switching mechanic and a special effect for it’s secondary ammunition.
– A new main outfit for Act 2 which replaces previous two.
– A new boss.
– New zombie type with 11 variations.
– Continuation of David in barn scene.
– Continuation of gloryhole scene – you need to find it during the day, and then you can visit it during the nights. The scene has random chance of triggering two different variations:
a) peek on David with someone
b) meet someone peeking on David
– An optional scene with Fred the trader during the story.
– A start of romance route for one of the characters. It’s just a start. The main action for his route will come in next update as it requires a specific system for it. Well, who knows – knows.
– An optional random scene on second floor for Liam (middle bottom door) which has a chance to trigger after unlocking the Monastery.
– New scene for Greg with 6 animations (the man in forest house of ACT 1). We strongly recommend to see it
– Most old scenes received an animated version. We will cover what’s left in future too.
– An introduction of the Monastery. Nothing to do here yet, but this location will come in use in next update with corresponding mechanics. Yes, it’s about having an heir.
– Now stamina will grow up the more you run around.
– Melee damage will grow over time if use keep using it.
– Now vegetables can be sold to Fred the trader.
– Now you can extract seeds from vegetables to use them again (the recipe is given during the intro of ACT 2).
Technical and Visual Improvements
We made a huge number of technical, visual, and gameplay improvements to the project. Many parts of the game engine were modified, improved, or partially rewritten to support better lighting, smoother gameplay, improved saving/loading, better collision handling, more stable video playback, and better overall performance.
A lot of these changes are not easy to describe in a simple changelog because they affect the way the game works internally rather than adding one specific visible feature. However, the result should be noticeable while playing: the game should feel more polished, more stable, and visually stronger than before.
Besides, most visual additions are optional, so everyone can tune our game to their likings.
This update is a major technical step forward for Project Venus.
Main improvements include:
– Ambient occlusion and improved lighting for new map.
– Dynamic loot system. Zombies materials drop is based on player’s inventory. For example, if you already have a certain amount of black powder, it’s dropping chance will be halved. It’s the same for most materials which drop from zombies.
The only exclusion is a virus sample. It’s chances remain the same no matter how many you have.
– Zombie sound system. Zombies now have different idle and chasing sounds.
– Difficulty system. You can now choose between different difficulties in Options menu. The difficulty also affect drop chances for loot.
– Additional visual effects, including blood splatters. Hitting zombies now cause the blood to splash around. Can be turned off in Options.
– Custom zombie speed settings. A default rpg maker has very limited speed presets for events. We developed our own system to set any movement speed for zombies we need.
– Smooth Slowdown system. This mechanism works dynamically. The more frame rate drops – the slower game runs, but it return it keeps high framerate. Can be turned off in Options. It is also possible to change slowdown strength. We recommend to set it on Medium for good PC’s, and on High for lowkey machines.
– Real sight. A thing what we wanted a long time ago for immersion. Now there is a field of view in the game. What it does? Well, you don’t have eyes on your back anymore. Can be turned off in options.
– Dynamic camera. When turned on, the camera will follow your cursor a bit, allowing you see farer.
– Dialogue font. You can change dialogue font in options menu now.
– Reworked game menu, both visually and technically.
– New title screen.
– Updated game options.
– Added fullscreen mode support.
– Added Smart Sharpness for fullscreen mode, with adjustable settings.
– Many small technical improvements and fixes.
– Significantly improved engine performance.
Android version release.
While it is still experimental, it should be fully playable on you Android device! No Joiplay needed!