Action 69 Update - 12.0/13.0 - Perk Card & Lighting System

Hi all, we have released a new major update today. This is going to be a long post but I hope you enjoy this update to the game!

We've released a lighting system to Super Bandonio Bros! You can now see coins and enemies shimmer in the darker levels.

Future updates are still in the making and are subject to the roadmap, you can see more information in the conclusion.

Game Engine

• The game has been updated to use GameMaker: Studio version 1.4.9999
• There were several features that were missing/needed in order to boost game performance.
• Garbage collection has been significantly improved using new engine functions available.

Changes

• The Trophies Tab is now highlighted red when clicked. This is because Trophies hasn't been implemented yet.
• The Options button now opens the Preferences Menu.
• While the Preferences menu is open, the player cannot use the user interface. The screen is darkened to signify this.

Super Bandonio Bros

New Additions

• Added Level 5 - Rising Waters. This is a brand new level, the water level is rising rapidly and the goal is to get to the top, whilst stomping on enemies! Avoid the acidic water below!
• Added three new types of Torches that can be cycled through using 'B'. Found in Level 2.
  
• Added two new sounds: Torch Pickup Sound and Death Sound.
• Added Encyclopedia, Digital Manual. You can view helpful information here. Options Menu > Encyclopedia, Digital Manual.
• Added the Audio Tab and Gamepad Tab to Options Menu.
• The bird in World 1, Level 1 will now fly away from you if you get too close.
• All colour boxes found within the Options Menu now have an alpha setting.
• New options have been added to Options Menu and some have been renamed.

Notable Changes & Fixes

• Option menu has been redesigned and streamlined.
  
• Within the Options Menu; the Name Tags option now opens a colour box. Choose and input HSV values to get a colour you like.
• Within the Options Menu, the GUI Colour option now opens a colour box. Choose and input HSV values to get a colour you like.
• Fixed an issue within the Options Menu that caused the load trigger to persist between the different option tabs.
  
• Legacy code - For a strange reason I had two different sets of code that applies to how cameras work. The code has been refactored into one script.

Main Menu Parity

• Redesigned the Main Menu system from an earlier version with some updated changes.
• Re-added Arena game-mode option.

Texture Atlas

• Removed several unused/unneeded game assets from project. Should help ram usage.

Ninkyo Dantai: Buruwasu Murder Mystery

New Additions

• Added new map sections to Buruwasu (map expansion).
• Added NPC multiple new states: Idle, Walking, Walk to Vending Machine.
• Added NPC thoughts while standing idle.
• Added NPC thoughts after purchasing a drink from a vending machine.
• Added bloom effect. You can change bloom settings via options menu. Disabled by default.
• Added new 'under-construction' road texture.
• Added new Mall pavement floor texture.
• Added new 3D dumpster model.
• Added new 3D bus shelter model.
• Added interactable vending machine.

Changes and Fixes

• Changed the exterior of the Mall and road layout in the 'Modern Mall' area of Buruwasu.
• Changed the exterior road and area layout of the garage, found east of Buruwasu.
• Fixed an issue where the gui layer was incorrectly scaled, causing some elements to be offset of where they should be displayed.
• Startup splash animation has been lowered from 5 seconds to 3 seconds. (You can also change this setting via the Options Menu).
• Draw mini-map changes.
• Fixed an issue where the Taxi was drawn under the road.
• The player character can no longer walk through Taxis.
• The Taxi Corona has been moved closer to the Parking Lot.
• The Taxi Corona has been moved to the side of the Taxi door.
• Removed motorways.

Debug

New command: Map editor can be accessed by /map editor <bool> (This is intended for developer use only).
Objects code has been refactored to work with map editor (experimental)
New command: /enablePlayerColl <bool>

Conclusion

As we continue our roadmap into the future; here are some more details on the next few updates:

"The Next Big Three" (2021/2022 Updates)

▶ In Action 69 - Update 14.0 - will be a behemoth of an Update, which will add in Levels 6 through to 10 thus, completing the first world for Super Bandonio Bros. This will most likely be an incremental release. (14.1 > 14.9)

▶ In Action 69 - Update 15.0 - We will focus on fixing bugs and adding the first five chapters in Wally's Wacky Adventures and adding new building types to Buruwasu Murder Mystery. As well as improved AI and Pupup Quotes.  We will be adding in rebindable control schemes to Super Bandonio Bros.

▶ In Action 69 - Update 16.0 - Will debut a new game called Mass Warfare, as long as its ready by then. If not, we'll be working on the Buruwasu Storyline. As well as the Eateries and Minigames Update.

You can view the Trello page for this game here to detail the progress of Super Bandonio Bros.

You can view the Trello page for this game here to detail the progress of Buruwasu Murder Mystery.