Cyclopean News

The latest version (0.7.3) of the demo is up for Next Fest!

This is what I am calling an "Early Access" Demo, in that it is not quite a finished game yet.

There are some known issues with the gameplay, one of which would be good to get feedback on from players.

1. Dungeon Reset
The dungeons should be persistent when playing the game over multiple sessions. However, I have noticed that they can occasionally get "reset" causing the dungeon to lose any saved data. I have a working theory of why this is happening and I believe it has to do with loading a saved game after loading the autosave (slot 1).

If anyone is able to successfully reproduce this issue, please let me know about it. That can help in tracking down the root cause.

2. Treasure maps
There is a problem with treasure maps spawning with the same coordinates. I am working on a fix right now, that should solve the problem in the next update. But know that you might get a redundant treasure map from time to time.

The demo limits how many dungeons you can enter, and how many levels you can gain, but otherwise allows you to play and explore freely. Have fun!

The latest version of the demo is up.

This version *should* be play any previously saved games with no issues. It introduces several new gameplay features.

[h3]Map[/h3]
When in a dungeon, you can access a map of the location. It will reveal some information, and help to keep track of where you are. Pressing "M" or clicking the "Map" button will toggle the map. You can also see a smaller, mini map in the lower left corner when not viewing the full map (only in dungeons).

There will be more map controls added to the menu, but for now, know that you can do the following:

• Zoom in and out of the map with the middle mouse scroll wheel.
  
• Move around the map by using the regular movement keys (WASD by default - this will not move the character)
  
• Change floors using the Turn keys (E & Q by default)
  
• Toggling out of the map will recenter the map view on your character (planning to add a button for this too)
  

[h3]Treasure Maps[/h3]
Three new related items have been added to the game. Treasure maps will appear in your "Books" inventory area and point to a buried or sunken treasure in the game's 2D overworld. Use the new longitude and latitude variables to find them. You will also need either a Shovel, or if you are in a boat, a Dredging Hook, to get to the treasure chests.

Treasure chests, like other things in the overworld, are not permanent features. They will disappear when you leave them.

I will be playing the free, Early Access Demo for Cyclopean today at around 2:00 PM (Central Time US).



Watch me play, ask questions, have fun!

I've uploaded a playable, but incomplete version of the game for testing purposes.

If you have the beta key, you may choose to try it out. If you are interested in trying it, but don't have the key, visit my Discord server and ask about it there... https://discord.gg/EV7gZHhd


In this version (0.4.1) you can explore the game's overworld and 5 dungeons. The dungeons are all roughly the same procedurally generated setup, just like we saw in the Game Jam version. However, each dungeon should be saved between visits and should have a different kind or assortment of monsters within.

Most of the game mechanics are things you can learn and experiment with in-game. You will use WASD movement and the mouse to select from menus. The only thing not obvious will be using F5 to open the save game menu. You need to hit Enter to save once you've selected a slot.

Each encounter will give you a variety of options, combat, stealth and dialogue. Learning how and when and where to use each will change depending on your alliances and gameplay strategy. Each move will (usually) require a "roll" against your character's appropriate stat. i.e. attacking checks against your character's "skill" and the damage will be modified by their "strength."

[h3]Combat[/h3] follows pretty standard CRPG gameplay. However you have the option of finding allies and incorporating them into your party.

Allies can be used to fight against enemies by using the Marshal command in the combat menu. Allies can gain experience and level up just like your character, but in a limited capacity. The number of allies you can have is dependent on your character's "mind" stat.

Attack and flee are pretty self explanatory.

Yield is when you've tried everything and are willing to give up some items, allies and/or captives to escape with your life. Use it only as a last resort.

[h3]Stealth[/h3] allows you to ambush, pilfer your enemies inventory, sneak around and capture your enemy. Although captives don't actually do anything special just yet. Sneaking will depend on your "skill" stat.

[h3]Dialogue[/h3] is where you will be able to align with new party members, trade, inquire and, when finished, pass by an allied creature.

In order to gain an alliance you will need to find and successfully read a book about that type of creature. When rolling your character's stats, you may also start off with an alliance in place, though not always. Reading books is dependent on your "mind" stat.

[h3]Doors[/h3] can be locked or unlocked. If you have the right kind of key, you can simply unlock them. Or if you have a lockpick and sufficient "skill" and "mind" you can try to pick the lock. Alternatively, for a stronger character, you may choose to bash it, but failing may cause you some damage.

[h3]Feedback[/h3] is very much welcome at this stage. I am not sure how all these game mechanics will be used by players, or if they are remotely balanced right now.

[h3]Features[/h3] I am planning to add next include:
1. More monsters
2. Levels for treasure chests (right now they are totally random)
3. Camping to gain health and set your fleeing location outside
4. Choosing which attributes to increase on level gain
5. Saving the state of the overworld
6. Different kinds of dungeons for each area

Cyclopean is getting a new look! Now you can choose from a range of possible (monochrome) palettes to play with.

https://youtu.be/LbNmCdemkpQ

Cyclopean was originally made in 3 days for the 2024 Dungeon Crawler Jam on itch. It was just green back then...



Now the options menu will allow you to select a whole range of colors...



It was also just a 1st person game, but now it is getting its very own 2D overworld, similar to some of my favorite RPGs of the past, like Ultima, Questron and Legacy of the Ancients among others.