Squirrelmageddon! News

Have added a few lore and image updates and fixed a few issues. Some tweaking of gameplay rules / scoring. Maps are starting to get more attention / squirrel love. I will be replacing the large open world maps with arena style smaller maps over time.

[h2]v1.07.627 - Update Log[/h2]

• FIX: squirrel hats and mask inventory item images
  
• FIX: KAWAII toggle button (old input mapping conflict)
  
• FIX: main menu ESC key stuck squirrel screen
  
• FIX: shotgun reload sounds
  
• FIX: weapons dropped by Ultra now count toward objectives on pickup
  
• FIX: barrier rubble (reduce size)
  
• MAP: Summer Squirrel - de-forestation (improve FPS)
  
• GAMEPLAY: squirrel score ranges
  
• GAMEPLAY: squirrel speed increases with level
  
• UI: scoreboard re-located
  
• TUTORIAL: free look and KAWAII 4000 controls added
  
• LORE: intro sequence updated with KAWAII 4000 lore
  

I will be pushing 1 more patch next week before I leave on a long overdue holiday! Steam should be quiet for about 6 weeks while I'm running around top-side in Cali.



Stay Squirrely!

Twitter: @SBGamesHive42

- toggle KAWAI chipset with default key [k]
- game option to enable KAWAI 4000 skin / hats / masks
- updated Training Gauntlet with new features
- reworked training level

Ceiling mounted turrets that fire live squirrel ammunition have been added to the Training Gauntlet maps. (pushes the pacing and keeps players on their toes)



Dance rookie, dance!

To the BLUE DANUBE!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/BngKAIWAptI


[h2]Patch Notes[/h2]

• SQUIRREL TURRETS: added to Training Gauntlet
  
• DIFFICULTY SELECT: added difficulty explanation text
  
• ULTRA BLUE: less horny (fewer horns)
  
• MULTIPLAYER FIX: window destruction replication
  
• GLIDING FIX: added checks so no more ADS glitches
  
• TUTORIAL: new spawn and longer tutorial path (environment work ASAP!)
  
• HATS & MASKS: default inventory item icon [just hat for now]
  
• HATS & MASKS: cyber cop and steampunk utility hat positioning adjustments
  

[h2]LORE IN PROGRESS: KAWAI 4000 AR CHIPS[/h2]

Those that were lucky enough to survive, returned not with wounds of the flesh, but with wounds of the mind. The sheer horror of the enemy quickly drove most soldiers clinically insane moments after entering combat.

“Woe and madness upon those who would gaze upon the true nature of Ratatosk…” – New Brethren Testament

With a few modifications to soldier HUD displays and tapping into AI driven augmented reality overlays, extreme levels of insanity could be averted.


[h2]LORE IN PROGRESS: Ancient Ratatosk[/h2]

Meanwhile, the ancient council convenes...

"Humans have destroyed the paradise given to them, and used their science to corrupt the bodies and minds of our now earth bound cousins. It is time we took action! Perform the rituals!"



[h2]OTHER NEWS[/h2]
I have been updating the https://squirrelmageddongame.com/ site with posts and info about the game, lore, general madness, videos and more!

GLHF, stay squirrely and I'll see ya top-side!

I've overhauled the in-game messaging system and have been working on fixing multi-player issues.

[h3]HUD Messaging System Overhaul[/h3]
- pick up items now show details bottom left
- tutorial messages appear top center
- weapon pickup messaging updated



[h3]Other UI / Gameplay Updates[/h3]
- pickup and interact objects now sparkle (more arcade-like)
- fixed loading screen glitches
- completing a mission now unlocks squirrel hats!
- character select has new UI background on first start
- weapon level up grid / screen improvements
- character level up skill upgrade button added to overlay

[h3]Moveable Object System Updates[/h3]
- gravity checks applied to stacked objects (drop to ground)
- fixed: destructible barricade rubble gravity

[h3]MAP UPDATE: Training Gauntlet[/h3]
- EXPERIMENTAL: active video screens with linked cameras at level start viewing area
- arena tweaks / improved squirrel navigation



[h3]Other Fixes & Game Updates:[/h3]
- fixed: grenade spawn 3rd person camera when extreme view angles
- squirrel item drops now interactive pickups instead of auto pickup (easier to save for later)
- squirrel hat / mask systems added (can disable in options)

Augmented reality overlays additional cuteness upon the enemy. Woe to those who should gaze upon the the true horror of the hordes...

- added squirrel hats and masks as mission completed unlocks
- item spawned pickup radius to avoid some spawned item stacking
- orb spawn effect and sound added
- MAP: Summer Squirrels disabled volumetric fog (FPS Improved)
- MAP: Valley of the Squirrels added mushrooms and berries + fixed landscape glitches
- Multiplayer: mission complete messaging replication fixed
- Multiplayer: client replication tweaks (LAN still best way to play Squirrelmageddon! MP)
- Ultra big blue squirrel now has some horns on it's back...
- FIX: end game squirrel DNA item pickup messaging
- FIX: multiplayer destructible window replication
- FIX: multiplayer window 'squeeze' control loss fixed (squeeze disabled on MP)

"I didn't choose the dev life, the dev life chose me..."

Stay squirrely, have fun and I'll see you top-side!

NEW WEBSITE:
https://squirrelmageddongame.com/

- FIX: Squirrel Turbine map correctly mapped to SPECIAL EVENTS mission zone
- FIX: squirrel drop multiplayer spawn location de-sync: squirrel meats always spawn at kill point.
- FIX: terror squirrel multiplayer explosion location sync: explode instantly when shot
(bonus result: more tactical gameplay)
- TWEAK: enemy health bar height increased 50%
- TWEAK: randomize squirrel jump heights
- UI: game over scoreboard improved
- MAPS: more squirrel spawners!
- MAPS: orbs of delight cleanup

Still working on mission rewards / hats system - coming soon!

All the best for 2023 ! Stay squirrely!