Monster Crawl News

Switched over to a new cartoon, cell shaded look which I'm really pleased with, hope you like it!

[h2]Procedural Dungeons[/h2]
I've added a new procedural system for dungeons, so you never quite know what you'll find. Each dungeon type has a different theme or quirk - for example Gardens features a lot of large open areas and poison spitting plants, while in the Courtyard you'll encounter tighter rooms with a lot of switches, often unleashing more monsters.
This system is very extendable, and I can quickly add more rooms, traps and secrets!
[h2]Relics[/h2]
Relics are now found in Relic rooms within dungeons, and you can pick 1 from each room. You can increase the number of Relics you can carry, the amount found, and improve your Relics with the meta progression between runs.
Currently at 43 Relics, with many more planned. Effects range from simple buffs, to activated abilities that you can build around. Choose between defensive effects, or go all out for damage!
[h2]Meta Progression[/h2]
Gold collected in dungeons is now used to unlock new features, options and upgrades between runs. Meta progression increases your power, but as you progress more challenging dungeon crawls become available to keep a fun challenge level.
[h2]Monster Bosses[/h2]
5 Monster bosses are planned, and each one unlocks a new form to alter your hero. As an example: the Rat King is the first boss, unlocking Rat Form. Rat form grants shrink and a speed boost, but also slightly lowers your health - great for speed running and dodging monster attacks!
[h2]Awesome Soundtrack[/h2]
Commissioned a title theme, and music tracks for each dungeon type for the amazingly talented Tommy McKay.
[h2]And So Much More[/h2]
In-dungeon map, new monsters (including giant versions), dungeon traps, localisation for 3 languages, improved controller support..

This update is huge, representing the game we have always envisioned. Two major features have been added, along with hundreds of smaller improvements, fixes and polish.

[h2]Relics[/h2]
Relics add huge variety to every run. Over 25 Relics can now be found, with many more planned.  Some are minor (‘reduce explosive damage’), some are major (‘Drop a bomblet every few metres).

There are Relics that compliment each other, allowing you to build for specific types of play. Others are more situational, or provide utilities making your life a little easier.

You can’t guarantee a specific Relic will appear in your run, but in the full release there will be tools to help with this.

Relic's are now purchased with the gold you find during your run. Relic shops are guaranteed to appear between dungeons, giving you plenty of chances to spend your hard won gold.



[h2]Procedural Dungeon[/h2]
Our handcrafted dungeons now come with added areas that are procedurally generated every run. This means we can still hand build the core maps - often along a theme or mechanic - while also adding constantly changing areas.

These areas are optional (and depending on your current build, not always accessible!) You'll find combat, loot and relic rooms, and because it has been built in a very modular way can be easily expanded to offer a huge amount of variety.

Dungeons also feature variations, so you can repeat a Crawl but choose the +skull versions, featuring upgraded challenges and rewards.


[h2]Full Mouse / Keys Control[/h2]
You can now play without a controller, using the mouse to aim.

[h2]Lobbers[/h2]
New ranged attacking monster type has been added - Lobbers. These irritating little elves throw rocks, and are the first monster that can attack over walls.

[h2]And More![/h2]
Countless fixes and smaller improvements, including:

• Tier 2 monsters added for slimes and eyes
  
• STUN potion and status added
  
• More Ability Mods added
  
• Rebinding of controls added
  
• 'Share gold' option added for multiplayer
  

Here's the highlights from recent updates!

[h2]Chickens[/h2]
We've added chickens to Monster Crawl. Why? Why not?? Find the new 'chicken potion' to turn nearby monsters into chickens, or stumble across them naturally in the dungeons. Chickens are harmless, but have a number of interactions we won't spoil here..



[h2]RELIC - Throwing Axe[/h2]
Launch a large, slow moving axe that bounces around, damaging anything it hits. Ideal for room clearance or bouncing down tight corridors.

[h2]RELIC - Pets Attack[/h2]
Grab this new relic and any pets you may have will mimic your LIGHT attack, using cute, mini weapons. These attacks deal 50% of your damage, so a handy addition!



[h2]RELIC - Fire Elemental Arm[/h2]
Create a wall of flame using this handy arm! But be careful, fire burns Heroes to.

We've unlocked all new Relics for the duration of demo, so give them a try!



[h2]MONSTERS[/h2]
Rats have had a makeover, and we've added the first 'Tier 2' variants for rats and skeletons. These become more common as you descend the depths, and are tougher and more dangerous. All monsters will receive tier 2 variants, followed by tier 3.




Numerous bugs have been fixed and a sprinkling of polish added. Noteworthy additions:

• More Ability Mods have been added
  
• Warrior has a fresh new look
  
• You can now hold down the LIGHT attack button to continuously attack
  
• Generators can now burn
  
• 'Exit' placeholder replaced with animated effect
  

Our new content patch includes a couple of fun additions!

[h2]RELIC - Slime Pet[/h2]
Our new Relic 'Slime Bestie' summons a pet Slime to lovingly follow you around. The Monsters aren't so keen, and will attack the poor defenceless Slime - although that could be useful for our Hero... Don't worry, a slain Slime doesn't stay dead, and returns to your side after a little rest.

We've unlocked this new Relic for the duration of demo, so give it a try!



[h2]ABILITY - Buzzsaws![/h2]
A HEAVY ability for the Warrior, unleash 5 spinning saw blades. Each blade bounces around inflicting damage and adds BLEED to flesh based Monsters. Very dangerous - suggest using outside, although much more deadly in tight spaces!




Numerous bugs have been fixed and a sprinkling of polish added. Noteworthy additions:

• ABILITY Spin Shot has been buffed, arrows now pierce Monsters so can hit multiple targets
  
• Slime Monsters now have a chance to split on critical hit or death, spawning a mini Slime
  
• More Map variations added, and extra goodies added to Beginnings map for those with the means to grab them