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Some inTRINKET knowledge from behind the stage curtain

Happy 2024 to all you metal-heads out there! Welcome to another installment of "What's up with Metavoidal?", where we try to make sense of our own weird design choices by explaining it to you as best we can!



We've been a bit secretive about what kind of powers are lurking under the hood of Metavoidal; partially because we were waiting for the right time, and partially because we didn't have a clear idea of what they looked like when we first started playing around with the idea.

But with the development moving forward at the pace of a Dragonforce song, we decided to show you some of the things we've come up with. The list will be expanded as we go, but here's what we can share so far!

[h3]TRINKETS[/h3]


In short, they're kind of what it says on the tin; Trinkets are knick-knacks, if you will, that you can discover during a run. From a nudge of extra health and defense, to tapping into that new corrupted musical bone in your body, they're your good luck charm for the fight ahead. The trinkets we have planned so far are:

  • BingBong's Leg: Killing enemies replenishes dodge charges
  • Blue Book: Gives you extra health & drumstick slots, and dodge charges
  • Golden Guitar Pick: Increases your movement & attack speed for a time after collecting picks
  • Moon Gel: Instead of dying you become invulnerable for a time, and gain back half your health
  • Glass Drum: Your attacks deal double, but you also take double damage from enemies
  • Golden Egg: Increases the amount of picks you find between every couch cushion

There are more planned, but we love involving players into the development of the game. So if you have any ideas for more trinkets, and what they can do, please throw them at us like a drummer would throw their sticks at a crowd; with fervent disregard for the person on the receiving end...

[h3]MECHANICS[/h3]


This one isn't too complicated, but there are some caveats to getting trinkets in-game. Namely, they have a possibility of spawning from guitar cases you find in a level BUT you will have a greater chance of getting a drop when completing Challenge Rooms.

We'll discuss what those are at a later stage, but they, too, are pretty much what it says on the tin. Rooms that spawn in a level that are there to challenge you. Risk & reward rooms, basically.

We'll (hopefully) be doing more updates like this as we get closer to launch to show you what we've got going on in the background, so keep an eye out for future posts!

And as always, this is a living project. There might be some adjustments made on the game's features before release that we've found would be better for the overall game. So if you're reading this, and it isn't so in MV anymore, just know it was a call made for a reason.

Thanks so much for reading, and see you in the next one!

(And don't forget to wishlist the game if you liked what we're working on!)

Drumming for Beginners!

If you came here expecting a breakdown on 'how to get into drumming', then I must unfortunately disappoint you. Instead, we'll be taking a closer look at our new combat system!

At Gamescom, and at events as far back as BitSummit, there were a few comments made about the 'lack of variety' in attacks in Metavoidal. These remarks were more than fair, since there's more to a drummer than simply banging sticks against things, right?

While we were initially planning on adding some spice to the move sets, we decided that a mere dash wouldn't suffice. That's why we've added new attacks & items altogether to put a bit more beat meat on the bones of each run.

[h2]ATTACKS: [/h2]

A drummer has more up their hoodie's sleeve than just hitting things with sticks. That's exactly why, instead of delaying it in-lieu of doing something less important (like music) we've gone and actually added the new moves & fighting mechanics.

So apart from the old reliable down stroke and fling a stick, we've added 7 new drumming techniques to your repertoire:
  • Hi-Hat Tap
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Stick Trick
  • Drum Kick
  • Flam (a double whammy)
  • Blast Beat (jump attack)
  • Up Stroke

Not forgetting about the Double Time spin attack that has been in the game since August. So there's about 7 already in, or in the process of being added.

[h2]MECHANICS: [/h2]
OK great, new things are coming. Whoo.
But does it play well with the systems already in-place? Well, about that...


In the pursuit of giving variety, we've opted for a more customisable option! You start out with the basics, but as you explore and defeat challenge rooms, you will unlock new techniques.
You can then chop & change your configuration at the end of each level with the new moves you've nabbed, or try out a new playstyle with what you have by changing the sequence of attacks.

[h3]How it works[/h3]
Your drummer has 4 open attack slots, like this o > o > o > o.
Initially, 3 of them are filled with the basic* left-right-double attack move combo, with a pause at the end, to get you started. Like this Left > Right > Double > Pause.

*You're a fresh drummer, you gotta work your way up to the cool moves, you know?


As you progress through the levels, you'll unlock new moves that you'll be able to access through the drum set at the end of each level. Riiiight before you head into the next area.

Customise your sequence, try out what flows more with your style, or just select a new move as you please and get back to it!

It takes a second to get use to the new rhythm, but once you have it you'll be beating down baddies in no time!

[h2]Outro[/h2]
This new combat system, coupled with the Trinkets (more on those SOON) you can unlock during a run, is sure to put the "Fun" in 'Funeral for a Friend'. But we'd love to hear what you think about this change!

If you have any questions, pop them in the comments, or find us on Discord to have a chat about it.
https://discord.gg/XhK7fNpH8N

A tale of Revenge! - Halloween Scream Fest Stream

Gather 'round, listeners, both mortal and spectral, as we unveil a tale intertwined with the cosmic and the drum's rhythmical πŸ₯

In the mystical world of Metavoidal, where rogues and rhythms entwine, our Halloween special stream takes the stage, an event quite divine ✨

Within the echoing beats of the astral snare, you'll find a story to unfold, where the mystical and the eerie collide, in a symphony of the untold.

Join us now on our Steam Page's cursed domain, for a fusion of rhythm and the arcane. As the Scream Fest of Revenge sets the tone, in Metavoidal's realm, the unknown shall be known πŸ’­

Prepare to venture, where beats and wraiths convene, an eldritch spectacle, the likes you've never seen. With powers of music and rhythms so tight, this Hallows Eve journey shall haunt the night! πŸ‘»

- From the stage of Metavoidal, where Halloween and roguelike unite.

___________________________________________________________________

[h3]OK NOW THAT THAT'S OUT OF THE WAY! πŸŽƒ[/h3]

This special Halloween stream will show you somethings we've been working on the last while, which includes:
- New enemies
- Updated Levels
- Challenge Rooms
- New Combat Mechanics (WIP! Feedback would be appreciated!)
- And a look at the newly renovated Sewers!

We'd love to hear what you think of the direction Metavoidal is going. So bother us on any and every platform about your thoughts! Your call is important to us.

The stream will be running from now, until the end of the end of the Scream Fest, so be sure to check it out!


Metavoidal is now taking part in Steam China Showcase 2023!


Dear Players,

We're excited to participate in the Steam China Showcase hosted by Steam China!

We will be taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity to show case our upcoming game, Metavoidal.

We are progressing well into the development. Though at this moment we don’t have a demo available, we are confident that we should have something for our followers in the near future! Please stay tuned!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2221780/Metavoidal/

Don't forget to add Metavoidal to your wishlist if you're interested. It's a huge boost and support for us!

Make sure to check out the featured Steam Page for the Steam China Showcase as well!

The Development Team
September 22, 2023

Link to the featured page of Steam China Showcase:
https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamchinashowcase2023

See You Soon, Gamescom!



GERMANY, WE ARE ON OUR WAY (maybe, depending on when you read this update)

We're happy to announce that the Yellow Lab Team will be adding not only Gamescom but Devcom to our World Tour this year. If you're planning on going to either (or both) events, please please please come say hi!

It's the whole team's first time experiencing these events, and for some the first time they leave South Africa, so the more people from the community we can meet the better!



There will be an event exclusive build available to play at our booths, so come and swing by if you can to try it out and give your feedback on the goods.

PS. WE KNOW YOU WANT A DEMO. We've heard you, and we're working on it. I promise! The plan, as of right now (it might change*), is to have one live for the next Steam Next Fest. But we will keep you updated on that as best as we can. Currently trusting the process, and we'll see where we end up :P

To follow our team on their travels, check out our social channels. Hopefully you get to know us a bit better in the coming weeks :) > https://msha.ke/yellowlabgames

Alright, cheers! See you soon