Hey folks!

It’s Max from Weird Stuff Studio back again with a fresh devlog and a brand-new patch for the Slimevania demo!

We’re still hard at work improving the gameplay experience and expanding the content. Today, we're focusing on updates to controls and UI, all based on your requests!

P.S. It’s our studio’s birthday today! Give us a shoutout with a like and leave your feedback on the new demo build updates!

What's new?

1. Improved keyboard and mouse controls:

Many of you asked for better controls, and we couldn’t ignore that. We've added a time-slowing aim for all abilities that involve shooting, making it easier to aim during jumps. You can now cancel shots with the interact button (default: B on gamepad, F on keyboard). This should improve ability accuracy and give players more new options for gameplay.

We’ve also completely revamped keyboard controls:

• Added a special form-selection menu for keyboard users.

• Updated the control layout and improved the form selection menu for the mouse.

• Fixed minor issues with the direction selector and form selection menu.

• Now, the bouncy form ability is mapped to the jump button.

2. Changes in locations:

Three new scenes have been added to the familiar areas of the demo version:

• Canyon

• Water Road

• Final Scene of the demo

These scenes come with updated decorations, root-platforms, and reworked geometry to fit them. Plus, you’ll find new backgrounds for the meadow location and a dark forest with updated sprites.

3. Physics and environment improvements:

• Updated "loose" surface sprites and their physics.

• Polished decor and geometry.

4. New gameplay mechanics and fixes:

• The water shot mechanic has been reworked: the projectile now travels in a straight line, doesn’t deal damage, but stuns enemies and knocks them back a short distance.

• Added stun reactions for all enemies.

• The beetle mechanics have been reworked, now with vulnerability windows under certain conditions.

• Adjusted the aiming mechanic—shot trajectory now activates with the ability button.

• Added a new stage in the "Knight's Spirit" quest involving a room search and a narrator’s monologue.

• Updated the bind for object pulling and detaching to LMB and RMB, respectively.

5. Audio and visual improvements:

• Added a sound settings menu in the pause menu.

• New sprites in the main menu, plus a stun effect for pixies and mages.

6. Narrative:

We’ve added notes (yes, actual notes!) that tell a few small stories and offer subtle hints about game mechanics. These notes are scattered across various locations.

What's next?

In the next update, we’ll be focusing on enemies and the combat system, plus adding the first boss fight! Of course, we won’t forget about polishing the core mechanics to ensure the game feels even more balanced and exciting.

Remember, nothing motivates and helps us improve Slimevania more than your feedback. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions—it’s thanks to you that we’re making the game more fun and engaging! Slime on, everyone!