Hello world... We are so glad to be able to reveal our Beta build of our Metroidvania action-adventure game PRESS REKORD! You can download it on its game page here!

Below is a list of the changes and added components of PRESS REKORD (Beta build):

• We have implemented a new enemy: a fly enemy that shoots projectiles!
• The Sewers area (the second Combat/Exploration area) has been added (this includes level layout, artwork (tiles & decor), enemies, and new dialogue sequences)
• This time around, we wrote the Dialogue script outside of Unity in more detail and transferred the text in (more planning/focus was considered for the narrative side of our game) 
• We also added new Facial Expressions to the Dialogue Sprites for more character depth
• An Introduction Scene was added that gives context on who Kat, the main character, is, her personality and how she got into this vibrant monster world in the first place (this need for context was desired by numerous playtesters)
• A hit counter/reaction system has been put in place; UI that throws out specific monster emojis in correspondence to how well or poorly Kat is doing in combat!
• We have added a simple map that displays where the player is / what areas have been unlocked or not
• Other artwork competed includes: Kat's heavy attack animation, Hub and Danger Zone (Combat Area one) decor items, Introduction scene artwork & NPC sprites (including a placeholder for the new character, Krom the Dullahan)
• Also, as usual, we have updated the combat/movement and enemy variables (such as hit timing, health points, etc.) in resonance to feedback in order to improve the game feel
• More combat/movement visual feedback has been added as juice also
• And of course, any bugs found up to this point have been spotted and fixed thanks to our programming members...

Phew, that was quite a list!! Our goal was to expand on our already existing foundations and continuing to improve the game feel and create a more immersive and interesting world... Some artwork could not be completed in time for this build. However, we understand that it is important to prioritise other components and that some can come later... We have made a start on our major boss enemy behind the scenes in Unity, however, we decided to prioritise juicing up the new sewers area, dialogue/narrative elements and combat/movement feel for this time around instead of including this boss feature...

Additionally, before the completion of this Beta build, we did a 'Pre' Beta build playtest. There was a general strong liking for the aesthetics of PRESS REKORD and a fondness of the music. Playtesters found the characters intriguing - one even read out the dialogue parts enthusiastically while another discussed how Fynn was their favourite character so far. However, people overall felt the combat felt too slow at moments and perhaps needed more variety (such as the Dash ability having an effect on enemies) and had slight confusion as to where the Sewers area was and had trouble noticing the in-action dialogue and the hit counter/reaction UI. Luckily, now we have added visual components to aid confusion, we have fixed any bugs encountered and have edited the combat variables to suit players needs.

Next week, we hope to discuss the feedback we'll receive on this Beta build and our vision going forward - towards the final builds of PRESS REKORD...

Thank you for your time and we hoped this has given you some insight into our development journey that might help you in any shape or form! Do check out our previous blog if you're interested: Alpha Completion

Until next time folks, 

Megan :)