Party Animals News

Ladies and gentlemen, cats and dogs, please allow me to introduce you to: **Nemo Kart (Beta)**



Nemo Kart is a brand new attempt by our development team, where players can choose their own animal and uniquely styled vehicles to compete on the track. Currently, the kart mode features a meticulously designed track. This track incorporates various challenges aimed at testing players' driving skills and strategic use.

Players can choose from different styles of karts, each with unique performance and design. Some karts have better cornering abilities, some earn higher acceleration bonuses from gear boosts, and others have stronger off-road capabilities...



By participating in Nemo Kart mode races, players can earn a game currency called "gears". These gears can be used to unlock new karts and special paint jobs. Each kart has several different paint options that not only change the vehicle's appearance but also reflect different racing personalities, such as being more aggressive or conservative.

Players can join Nemo Kart mode through quick match or custom games, currently accommodating up to 8 players or AI.

**Beta Phase Notes**: **Since the Nemo Kart mode is currently in the Beta testing phase, we are actively collecting player feedback to optimize vehicle balance and performance on specific hardware. We encourage players to report any issues or suggestions they encounter during their experience.**

[h3]Content Update[/h3]

The summer heat brings the animals to the beach. From July 20 to August 24, all players can receive a free Summer Pass. By completing challenges, players can level up the Summer Pass and unlock summer-themed outfits and more!



[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. Optimized the matchmaking algorithm
   
2. Improved the AFK player detection to reduce the impact of passive behavior on the game experience
   
3. Adjusted the difficulty of the Cast Away mission
   
4. Improved the wall-climbing experience
   

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue in SMASH where using FACE/OFF and Camouflage skills simultaneously under certain circumstances caused the character to remain invisible
   
2. Fixed an issue in SMASH where bombs thrown in the Ichiban map after using the Magnified Boom did not have explosion effects
   
3. Fixed an issue in Quick Match Classic mode where the spectator view couldn't be switched in ball games
   
4. Fixed an issue in Quick Match Classic mode where if a real player left during the voting phase, it caused an imbalance in team sizes
   

[h3]Adjustments on Combo Moves[/h3]

1. Restored the use of some combo skills but significantly increased the stamina required for their use
   
2. Further restricted certain combo buttons
   

[h2]🎉 Big News! Big News! 🎉[/h2]

Dear players, are you ready to welcome a very special guest? We are thrilled to announce that Pensky, a popular character from the distant town of Sandrock, is officially joining Party Animals!



[h2]🌟 About Pensky 🌟[/h2]

Pensky, the handsome, tuxedo-wearing, slip-slider of the dunes, is not just good-looking but every move he makes is filled with unique charm. Now, he will bring his charming smile to our game!



[h2]🎮 How to Get Pensky 🎮[/h2]

Want to have Pensky join your party? It’s very simple! Just enter the main menu of My Time at Sandrock and click on the "Party Animals Crossover" button to get your exclusive Pensky redemption code. Act fast to let this new friend join your party for some good old fun!



Let's give a warm welcome to Pensky! We look forward to the surprises and joy he will bring to the game! 🎈

[h2]Version 1.6.12.0 (2024.7.12)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug FIxes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where Bomb No.2 will block the view of eliminated players
   
2. Fixed an issue where in certain situations, accepting Quick Match invites will cause an incorrect error prompt
   
3. Fixed an issue where in certain situations, team sizes are wrong in Quick Match
   

[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. Removed Freezing Gun from Ice Breaker map
   
2. Banned certain moves that were made with macro commands
   
3. Increased stamina consumption for heavy punches
   
4. Increased the volume for the water and the warning before big waves in Gator Valley
   

------------------------------------------------------------------------


[h2]Version 1.6.11.0 (2024.7.4)
[/h2]

[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. In Conveyor, increased the speed of the two black conveyor belts on the sides of the map in the first 2 minutes
   
2. In Winter Is Coming, increased the safe area size around the fire. Increased fire damage. Reduced the pushing force from the wind.
   
3. In Gator Valley, the floating bridge area size is increased
   
4. In SMASH, the FACE/OFF pawer is changed: the player will return to their original form after KO, and will resume the camouflage after waking up. However after 3 KOs, the camouflage will no longer return.
   

[h3]Bug FIxes[/h3]

1. Fixed the issue where in SMASH custom game, AI players will disappear if previously they have started and quitted a Black Sail custom game with AI teammate
   
2. Fixed the issue where certain characters will have the Berserker effect on in the end podium
   
3. FIxed the issue where in certain maps, players are not able to recover stamina in the water
   

[h2]Version 1.6.10.0 (2024.6.27)
[/h2]

[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. Extended the validity period for player invitations
   
2. Added the ability to send emojis and text chat during replays in ball games
   
3. Optimized the final circle mechanism in the Ichiban map
   
4. Improved the issue of passive gameplay in front of the submarine in the Typhoon map
   

[h3]Bug FIxes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where throwable items were inaccurate after elimination under certain circumstances
   
2. Fixed an issue in SMASH Mode where picking up a two-handed weapon after selecting the "Gatling Gun" Pawer would cause it to swing automatically
   
3. Fixed an issue in SMASH Mode where the "Bomb Defuser" talent would not activate under certain conditions
   
4. Fixed a crash issue on the Xbox platform when the Valentine's Day themed skin effects were activated
   

[h2]Version 1.6.9.0 (2024.6.21)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where in Winter Cabin - PAWS, the client will incorrectly display a blackscreen in certain situations
   

[h2]Version 1.6.8.0 (2024.6.19)
[/h2]

[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. Added refresh function to the friend list
   
2. Players can know check to see all relevant achievements to the map they are playing (system menu - buttom bar - Achievement)
   

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where after completing Black Sails Beast difficulty in duo mode, the achievement cannot be unlocked
   

[h2]Version 1.6.7.0 (2024.6.14)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where in SMASH, the 1000T balloon hammer cannot knock away players
   
2. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match - SMASH, achievements 'I Have a Friend' and 'Give Me Five' cannot be achieved.
   
3. Fixed an issue where after a game in Quick Match - SMASH, when players create a team in the Classic mode, the third and fourth team member cannot be seen
   
4. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match - SMASH, players quit midgame can still receive XP and challenge completion
   
5. Fixed an issue where in SMASH, certain accessories will look wrong after the 'Face/Off' Pawer is deactivated
   
6. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match - SMASH will cause crashes on XBOX in certain situations
   
7. Fixed an issue where in SMASH, some Pawers will be shown with incorrect descriptions
   
8. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match - SMASH, the wrong amount of players are in a game
   
9. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match - SMASH, after quitting midgame, players will receive the penalty mulitple times
   
10. Fixed an issue where after completing a Dragon Boat Challenge, the progress will not be updated until the game is restarted in certian situations
    
11. Fixed an issue where the Dragon Boat Challenges will not be displayed after switching servers
    
12. Fixed an issue where Valentine Macchiato and Valentine Max will not light up when holding hands
    
13. Fixed an issue where the pop up menus can be blocked by the bottom menu bar
    

[h2]Version 1.6.6.0 (2024.6.6)
[/h2]

[h3]Content Update[/h3]

1. SMASH is now in Quick Match
   
   
2. Dragon Boat Pass: From June 6th to June 20th, players will have access to a free Dragon Boat pass. Complete related challenges to unlock Dragon Boat themed outfits!
   
   
3. Candy Eggs: From June 6th to July 6th, draw time exclusive Candy Eggs to unlock baby themed outfits! For more details check out the info page in Item Store
   
   
4. New in game item: Speed Potion
   
   
5. SMASH updates:
   
   1. New Pawers：
      
      
      1. FACE/OFF: Make the enemy think that you are one of them
         
      2. Ranged Master: At the start of each round, you are equipped with a ranged weapon
         
      3. Gatling Gun: Hold to continuously shoot with ranged weapons
   2. Existing Pawers Adjustment
      
      1. Super Coupon: Further reduces cost for bombs. Increases maximum throw-item point (Prior to change: )
         
      2. Over Eating: Edible items have increased effect duration. Effect timer stacks (Prior to change: Edible items have increased effect duration)
         
      3. Keep it straight: Receive a boomerang every 10 seconds (Prior to change: Boomerangs fly straight forward)
         
      4. Berserker: Go berserk for one minute. Gets eliminated when status ends. Knockout increases duration (Prior to change: Go berzerk for one minute. Gets eliminated when status ends)
         
      5. Bananaman: Immune to banana peels (Prior to change: Stepping on a banana peel temporarily boosts max Stamina)
         
      6. Rock n Roll: Roll continuously. Knock others back while rolling (Prior to change: Knock others back while rolling)
         
      7. Super Reactive Armor: Reflect attacks from behind while moving too (Prior to change: When standing still, strongly reflect attacks from behind)
         
      8. Bomb Defuser: Increase resistance to bombs (Prior to change: Immune to bomb effects)
         
      9. AFK: Standing still for a while increases your max Stamina (Prior to change: Standing still at round start increases your max Stamina)
         
   3. Existing Pawers Balance Change
      
      1. Reduced the amount of knockout resistance from Wide Awake
         
      2. Reduced the amount of knock back resistance from Steady Stance
         
      3. Reduced the probability of spawning the same weapons repeatedly from Single Hand Master and Double Hand Master
         
      4. Shortened the period of knockout immunity from Insomia
         
      5. Reduced the range of effect from Crash Landing
         
      6. Reduced the attack power buff from IT TAKES TWO
         
      7. Reduced the attack power buff from Team Cucco
         
      8. Reduced the amount of knockout resistance from Soul Link
         
      9. Double jumping from Rocket Leap will consume stamina
         

[h3]
Feature Update[/h3]

1. Players now have full access to their friend list functionalities through the menu while in a match
   
2. Players can now favorite characters in the Locker. Favorited characters will be moved to the left-most position in the character list
   
3. Steam Cloud Save will now save control settings and favorites in the Locker
   

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where in Winter is Coming, frozen characters might defrost near dead bonfires in certain situations
   

[h2]Version 1.6.5.0 (2024.5.31)
[/h2]

[h3]Optimizations
[/h3]

1. Display of player names can now be adjusted in the photo album
   
2. Optimized the sorting of online platform friends in the friends list
   
3. Added control prompts in some stages of the Cast Away mission
   

[h3]Bug Fixes
[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where the microphone settings were incorrect after restarting the game
   
2. Fixed the incorrect display of Pawer names and descriptions
   
3. Fixed the incorrect display of friends' statuses in the friends list while they are in missions
   
4. Fixed incorrect attack behavior of enemy AI in specific situations in the Black Sails Duo mode
   
5. Fixed a camera issue after restarting the game in Black Sails Duo mode
   
6. Fixed an issue in Cast Away where characters' hands could get stuck in the planks on the bridge under certain circumstances
   
7. Fixed the disappearance of certain models in Cast Away
   

[h2]Version 1.6.4.0 (2024.5.23)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes
[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where PCs of certain specs would experience frequent frame loss in Conveyor and Ice Breaker maps
   
2. Fixed an issue where in Quick Match Fluffy Redemption, AI that replaces a player during a match will not move in certain situations
   
3. Fixed the server stutters in certain situations
   
4. Fixed an issue in Black Sails where the sound effects when eliminating AI enemies by throwing them off the ship are played in the wrong order
   
5. Fixed an issue where the player status is displayed wrongly when the player is in a Duo Mode Black Sails game
   
6. Fixed an issue where AI enemies in Duo Mode Black Sails almost never use heavy punches
   
7. FIxed an issue where in Black Sails, sound effects of certain terrains are wrong
   
8. Fixed an issue in Cast Away Boss fight where bombs might not land in the arena due to different reasons
   
9. Fixed an issue in Cast Away where resetting position at the beginning of the challenge will cause incorrect camera movement
   
10. Fixed an issue where in Cast Away, the indoor iron gates might not open in certain situations
    
11. Fixed an issue where in Cast Away, the next room might not load correctly in certain situations
    
12. Fixed an issue where in Cast Away, the animation before the BOSS fight might stutter in certain situations
    
13. FIxed an issue in SMASH where certain special effects are invisible to other players
    
14. Fixed an issue in SMASH where certain special effects will carry over to the endgame podium
    
15. Fixed an issue in PAWS where the arrow card has incorrect playing requirement
    
16. Fixed an issue in PAWS where the game process will be stuck after restarting a game
    

[h3]Optimizations
[/h3]

1. Xbox version now supports using external keyboard for text input
   
2. Your temporary spectator camera immediately after your own elimination in Team Score will now be moved to the closest character
   
3. Changed the UI for duo split screen (After adding only 1 extra local player). Removed the black screen at the top and bottom part of the screen
   
4. Changed the elimination zone at the rear end of the submarine in Typhoon in order to get rid of the situation where a player holding on to the top of the submarine might get eliminated faster than players pushed away by the water
   
5. Changed requirements for fish throwing related task from knockout to hit
   
6. Added a quick disable button for all Streamer Mode related functionalities
   
7. Improved the recoil feel for the canon in Black Sails
   
8. You can now solo the Black Sails challenge in custom game without AI teammate
   
9. Removed invincible zones for players in the Black Sails challenge map
   
10. AI enemies from the second stage of the Cast Away BOSS fight will now also take damage from the rings of fire in the third stage of the fight
    

[h2]Version 1.6.3.0 (2024.5.11)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes
[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue in SMASH where a tie in the final round could lead to incorrect game outcome determination.
   
2. Fixed an issue in Black Sails where enemy AIs would immediately release the player upon grabbing them during climbing.
   
3. Fixed an exploit in Cast Away Boss battles where players could avoid combat in certain locations.
   
4. Fixed the damage calculation for boulders in Cast Away.
   
5. Fixed an issue in Trebuchet where characters could not be controlled upon respawn under specific circumstances.
   
6. Fixed the damage calculation for characters falling into the rocket launch shaft in Typhoon
   
7. Fixed an issue where AIs could not grab the arcade machines in game maps.
   
8. Fixed issues where emojis, text messages, and the ESC menu cannot be used under specific circumstances.
   
9. Fixed an issue where the in-game scoreboard displayed incorrect data in certain situations.
   
10. Fixed the timing of bomb effect animations under specific circumstances.
    
11. Fixed an issue in ball maps where the ball would stop immediately after scoring.
    

[h3]Optimizations
[/h3]

1. Specific achievements that unlock avatars, avatar frames, and emojis are now displayed when highlighted.
   
2. Progress in challenge levels is now saved in player account data, so changing machines does not reset progress.
   
3. Optimized the appearance effect of the stamina bar UI in Black Sails.
   
4. Changed the victory popup duration to 20 seconds in Black Sails (Custom Game).
   
5. Adjusted the difficulty of AIs in both Hard and SMASH levels in Black Sails (Custom Game).
   
6. In Cast Away Boss battles, reduced the impact of fire rings on player balance and adjusted the falling interval.
   
7. In Cast Away Boss battles, reduced the stun and balance disruption effects of bombs on players.
   
8. Adjusted the stun duration of the Control Room AI in Cast Away.
   
9. Adjusted the damage values of nunchucks.
   

[h2]Version 1.6.2.0 (2024.4.30)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes
[/h3]

1. Fixed issues where some players could not join games, create custom rooms, or experienced in-game lag.
   
2. Fixed an issue in SMASH where a tie in the last round caused abnormal game settlement.
   
3. Fixed abnormal weapon firing sound effects in SMASH.
   
4. Fixed an issue in Paws where players who joined mid-game could not see the hands of card-playing players.
   
5. Fixed a camera issue in Black Sails (Custom Game) upon reconnecting after a disconnection.
   
6. Optimized the issue in Black Sails (Custom Game) where players would fall off the ship immediately after the starting cage broke.
   
7. Optimized the issue in Cast Away where players could not get up after being continuously hit by huge rocks.
   
8. Fixed an issue where mid-game join messages in SMASH rooms were displayed only in Chinese.
   
9. Fixed an issue in Master Pass where unlocking new characters/outfits caused the character on the main menu sofa to disappear under certain conditions.
   
10. Fixed a display issue with AI player names in custom rooms on the XBOX platform when more than 3 AI players were added.
    

[h3]Other Changes
[/h3]

1. Adjusted the player requirements for SMASH-related tasks in the daily Master Pass challenges. It is now required that there be at least 4 players in the game at the end, 3 of whom can be AI players.
   
2. Adjusted the requirements for knockout-type tasks in the daily Master Pass challenges.
   
3. Postponed the end time of the Master Pass to May 24 at noon.
   
4. Added a player survey in the game with a chance to participate in a raffle (starting May 1).
   

[h2]Version 1.6.1.0 (2024.4.26)
[/h2]

[h3]Bug Fixes
[/h3]

1. Fixed server lag encountered in the SMASH game.
   
2. Fixed an issue in Black Sails (Custom Games) where, at the end of the first phase, enemy ships would not move away and fire under specific conditions.
   
3. Fixed an issue in Black Sails (Custom Games) where incorrect UI could appear on the character selection screen after restarting multiple times.
   
4. Fixed an issue in Black Sails (Custom Games) where restarting a level under specific circumstances could result in infinite loading.
   
5. Fixed an issue in Cast Away boss battle where the boss would not attack after the end of the first phase.
   
6. Fixed an issue in Cast Away boss battle where the pre-fight animation could cause the boss's glass screen to disappear.
   
7. Fixed an issue in Cast Away boss battle where rockfall shadows would not disappear under specific conditions in the second phase.
   
8. Fixed an issue in Cast Away boss battle where both the player and the boss were eliminated simultaneously and then resurrected, which prevented progression to the next phase.
   
9. Fixed an issue in Cast Away Boss battle where the screen remained gray after resurrection.
   
10. Fixed an issue where players at Animal Level 100 received abnormal experience points for the Master Pass.
    

[h3]Content Update[/h3]

1. New Mission - Black Sails: Nemo, who failed to escape from the lab, was captured and taken aboard a ship bound for a mysterious destination. Along with him is a husky named Max, whom Nemo seems to have seen somewhere before. En route, they encounter an attack by a group of pirates.
   
   
2. New Mission - Cast Away: After escaping the pirates' pursuit, the transport ship still unfortunately sank. The waves brought Nemo to a small island. This seemingly desolate small island appears to be holding a big secret.
   
   
3. New Game Mode for The Lab - SMASH: In this brand-new round based game mode, players will use 50 "Pawers" to strengthen themselves. These Pawers include: double jump, enhanced stamina, increased resilience, and more.
   
   
4. New Game Mode for The Lab - Black Sails (Duo Mode): You're back on that ship, but this time, you've brought a friend.
   
   
5. Free "Master Pass": Starting at 8 PM (PST) on April 25th, for 21 days, open to all players for free. Players can level up the Master Pass by playing and completing daily Master challenges, unlocking new characters like the Panda, Red Panda, and Kung Fu Hero-themed skins. During the event, XP gained from hero tasks on weekends will be doubled!
   
   

[h3]Feature Update[/h3]

1. Quick Match now supports local players to play together (just like Custom Games, up to three additional local players can be added, for a total of four players on one device)
   
   

[h3]Optimizations[/h3]

1. Optimized the issue where some players and AI could move ahead of time at the start of the game
   
2. Added an option switch in the game settings to control whether the game continues to play sound when running in the background, which is on by default
   
3. Adjusted the impact of the number of round wins in Last Stand and the number of points earned in Teams Score on the final XP gained
   

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

1. Fixed an issue where stepping on a banana peel in mid-air would cause stamina to drop to zero
   

Party Animals has been out for half a year, and we're delighted to have welcomed millions of players, infusing the game with endless vitality and enthusiasm. You come from around the world, representing different cultures and backgrounds, and have found common fun in the game. We're proud to witness the growth of this game community, where countless players have made new friends in Party Animals.

In this half-year journey, the development team has worked hard to improve the gaming experience. We've released multiple updates, adding new features, challenges, and fun to the game. New maps like Castleween, Luggage Chaos, and Conveyor have provided richer experiences for players. The PAWS gameplay in Winter Cabin has brought warmth and joy to the cold season.



In the upcoming update, we will introduce two new solo challenge maps—Black Sails & Cast Away. Players can also team up with a friend to tackle different difficulty levels of the Black Sails map, testing their teamwork and synergy.



We're also introducing local multiplayer to Quick Match, allowing players to join quick match games with multiple local controllers, just like in Custom Lobbies.

Besides the new Black Sails & Cast Away solo challenges, we are launching a new multiplayer game mode, which we believe will bring a fresh experience to the party animals who love to fight.

Ladies and gentlemen, cats and dogs, let me introduce to you: SMASH



Each game of SMASH consists of 6 rounds, each round randomly selecting a map from all Last Stand maps. The winner of each round earns points, and as rounds progress, the amount of points winners receive will increase, making the final round's victory more crucial.

Before each round, players choose a "Perk" to enhance their animal character, and the chosen "Perk" will carry over to the next rounds. At launch, SMASH will feature 50 different "Perks." These abilities have various effects, providing animals with different powers and traits. "Perks" can also stack or upgrade, enhancing their effects and creating different combat styles and strategies.



The 50 "Perks" in SMASH can enhance skills like kicks, punches, and headbutts, or improve speed, jumping, and even allow a second mid-air jump. Some "Perks" give animals new abilities, like a roll that can knock other players away or a slam that creates a shockwave. By trying different "Perk" combinations, players can discover new effects and choose the best combination for their style and game situation.

The video below shows how these "Perks" work in the game:
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
This mode will be added to the game in the next update and can be found in The Lab under Custom Game. The development team will continue to refine and update this mode in the coming months.

Please note that there are some limitations to this mode at first. Players cannot join an ongoing SMASH map, and the mode does not currently support local multiplayer. We are working to improve these limitations and will gradually improve them in future updates.

Furthermore, our development team has not yet decided on an official name for "Perk" in the game, as words like "skill" or "talent" seem a bit too cliche. Therefore, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for this name, and any 'perks' that you want to see in game in the comments section. Your input is crucial for us to create a more exciting world of Party Animals.

Thank you again for your support and understanding of the development team. We look forward to seeing players showcase their skills and teamwork in the new update!

Party Animals
April 20, 2024