Alien Hominid Invasion News

On Monday, we released the Juicy Variety Update, introducing a handful of new hazards, areas, enemies, and modifiers to Alien Hominid Invasion! What better way to celebrate the update than with some friendly community competitions?

We have three competitions for you this time around: a 2-player co-op fresh profile high score challenge (with Normal and INSANE mode categories), a Show Off mutation short-form video challenge, and a solo speed run Orbiter INSANE challenge!

Before we get into the nitty gritty intel for each competition, here are some general guidelines for each entry:

1. To keep things fair and share the love of ALIEN PRIZES with as many players as possible, no participants can earn first place in more than one category.
   
2. Only one submission is allowed per category for each participant.
   
3. Participants must be over 18 years old or have their parent’s permission to enter.
   
4. All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, May 15th at 4:00 PM PDT.
   

Now for the fun part – details on how to enter for each category!

[h2]Co-op Fresh Profile High Score Challenge[/h2]



For this challenge, you’ll have to grab an alien pal, start on fresh profiles, and clear the first mission’s HQ with as high of a score as possible! You can enter in the Normal or INSANE mode categories – just be sure that both players choose the same difficulty.

Rules:

1. Two players only.
   
2. Both players must have the same difficulty level chosen – Normal or INSANE.
   
3. Both players must at least make it to the HQ boss alive.
   
4. Players must post a VOD of their run on YouTube and send the link to [email protected]. Videos must include the score screen at the end of the first mission.
   

Prizes:

Both players in the winning Normal difficulty team will receive an Alien Hominid Invasion embroidered hat and bandana! The INSANE difficulty winners will earn an Alien Hominid Invasion embroidered hat, throw blanket, and SIGNED YOUTOOZ figure!

[h2]Show Off Short-form Video Contest[/h2]



Want to Show Off your skills? Make a short-form video to upload to Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube of your alien using the Show Off mutation while playing AHI!

Rules:

1. Video must be in portrait format and uploaded as a Reel, TikTok, or Short on any of the platforms listed above.
   
2. Video must not be over 30 seconds in length.
   
3. Video uploads must include the hashtag #AHIShowOff. Please tag us if tagging is enabled on the platform of your choice!
   
4. Players must use the Show Off mutation at least once in the video.
   
5. The most impressive Show Off wins!
   
6. Bonus points go to clips with new content added in the Juicy Variety update (info here).
   

Prizes:

One winner will receive an Alien Hominid Invasion embroidered hat and bandana!

[h2]Solo INSANE Speedrun Orbiter Mutation Challenge[/h2]



Itching for MORE? Because our update includes a brand-new mutation, we wanted to make a specific category just to celebrate! The Orbiter mutation spawns a projectile that circles you, knocking enemies out of your path as you become a close-range DESTROYER! Using it a second time will create a temporary platform at its current location.

In this challenge, you will choose INSANE mode, equip the Orbiter mutation, start a mission at any level, and speedrun through that mission as quickly as possible. This category is a bit different—and maybe a little less fair—since invaders of all levels can participate as long as they meet the criteria! Who will come out on top? The level 298 invader, or a fresh invader who equips the Orbiter mutation as soon as possible?

Rules:

1. Solo player only.
   
2. The Orbiter mutation must be unlocked before your run, and equipped for the entire run.
   
3. INSANE difficulty must be chosen.
   
4. Players must complete an entire mission from the starting city block to clearing the mission’s HQ boss.
   
5. Players must post a VOD of their run on YouTube and send the link to [email protected]. Videos must include the score screen at the end of the first mission.
   

Prizes:

The speediest alien will win an Alien Hominid Invasion embroidered hat, throw blanket, and SIGNED YOUTOOZ figure!

We hope you’ve all been enjoying the update so far, and we can’t wait to see your skills over the next two weeks! Good luck, and be sure to submit your entries by Wednesday, May 15th at 4:00 PM PDT.

Questions? Please email [email protected]!

[h2]Message from the Mothership[/h2]

Alien Hominid Invasion’s Update Part 2: JUICY VARIETY EDITION has arrived to Steam! Today we welcome a handful of fresh hazards, enemies, areas, and modifiers to the game, in addition to the brand-new Orbiter mutation and more balance tweaks. The game is also 25% off all week here on Steam!

Read up on all the juicy intel below, and as always, let us know what you think! What are you waiting for? Become an alien pinball and get flung back into the invasion today! Tell the MECHA F.R.O.G. we said hi, thanks!

[h2]New Content (JUICY VARIETY!)[/h2]

[h3]1. Ricochet Pads[/h3]
Ricochet pads bounce your shots off in different directions, which sometimes helps and sometimes doesn’t. If you hit their underside, they will explode!

[h3]2. Shutters[/h3]
Shooting one affects all the others, so plan accordingly!

[h3]3. Pinball Bumper[/h3]
Pinball bumpers can be used to your advantage, or maybe not – it really depends on how much chaos is on the screen at any given time.

[h3]4. Mine Layers[/h3]
Every single enemy drops explosive mines when they die.

[h3]5. Grind Lines[/h3]
Grind lines have appeared around city blocks for you to zip around on new slippery angles and slopes. Invade radically!




[h3]1. Orbiter[/h3]
With every use, the Orbiter mutation spawns a projectile that circles you, making you a close-range killer! Using it a second time will make a temporary platform.




[h3]1. MECHA F.R.O.G.[/h3]
Invaders can now encounter the Mecha F.R.O.G. as a mini-boss at the end of city blocks! If you defeat the Mecha F.R.O.G, some say you can use it as a vehicle… MECH RAMPAGE?!




With most of these additions come new combinations of builds you can discover using previously existing modifiers!

[h3]1. Roll/dive Bomb[/h3]
Chance to leave a bomb upon any roll or dive. Higher quality loot for higher chances!

[h3]2. Double Jump Reflect[/h3]
Create a small deflection blast around you after a double jump.

[h3]3. Chargeshot Juice Regen[/h3]
Hold down your chargeshot to generate Mutation Juice for your alien friends! Higher quality loot for more juice per second!

[h3]4. Metal Detector[/h3]
Find lunch money while digging in the ground! Higher quality loot for more lunch money!


[h3]1. Highway Underpass and Overpass[/h3]

[h3]2. Rubble of What Once Was[/h3]

[h3]3. A Lot of Parking Lot[/h3]

[h3]4. New Background Art Updates[/h3]
Art for Meow Motors, Gas Pass, Cinema, Bookstore, and the ad for Horseass Grillery has been updated! Sidewalks are more destroyed, yay for destruction!

[h2]Adjustments[/h2]
[h3]1. Keybot and Chomper Wall Level Adjustments[/h3]
The Keybot now spawns earlier in Chomper Wall levels! Chase it down and shoot it while running from the spike wall.

[h3]2. Hazard Change: Bounder[/h3]
The Bounder is now larger and in charger. He shall not be ignored!

[h3]3. Mutation Change: Dispatch[/h3]
Helper invader aliens will shoot more often and scale with player damage (both Dispatcher mutation aliens and those found in the wild).

[h3]4. Objective Change: WOOSTER Arrives[/h3]
The generic “Kill-Purple-Enemies” objective has been replaced with WOOSTER, the ultra-wide robot.

[h3]5. Objective Change: Ice Cream[/h3]
Agents now carry around ice cream they’ve stolen from the sewer children. You must defeat the agent and return the ice cream to the child!



[h3]6. More Level Updates![/h3]
There are now many more vehicles to jump around on and explode! Suburban areas have also been retooled with a sprinkle of new things to discover.

[h2]Balance[/h2]
[h3]1. Danger Level[/h3]
Danger Level now caps out at 15 minutes instead of 7.5, but the max values (damage, projectile speed, etc.) are now twice as high.

[h3]2. Fax Machine and Intel[/h3]
Fax Machines will now spawn closer, meaning the Mothership has less reason to get mad at you, right? Less intel is required per objective, too!

[h3]3. Eradicators[/h3]
Eradicators now have less health and hog less of the area.

[h3]4. Spark Bot[/h3]
The bot that breathes flames won’t be knocking you away anymore, so remember to stop, drop, n’ roll!

[h3]5. Juiceman[/h3]
Juiceman’s health has been raised, and his dig attack is now buffed.

[h3]6. Grunt Agents[/h3]
Grunt agents spawned in swarm levels are no longer weaker than normal grunts.

[h3]7. Lightning Gun[/h3]
Lightning Gun’s charge shot has been buffed and is now better at triggering the chain lightning effect, but the regular shot is slightly worse at applying the status.

[h3]8. Alien Blaster[/h3]
Alien Blaster now deals slightly more damage, is twice as accurate, and has slightly more range. For those who love the classics – we see you!

[h3]9. Medic Mutation[/h3]
The Medic mutation can be used more often, but now heals slightly less. Apologies if you haven’t gotten that achievement yet.

[h3]10. Newborn Hominid Stats[/h3]
Newborn hominids run and dig slightly slower, but jump slightly faster. Jumping around and dodging bullets should now be a bit easier, but riding enemies, movement modifiers, and the Speed Demon mutation are more key than ever when cross-country invading!

[h2]Quality of Alien Lifeform Updates[/h2]
[h3]1. Turret Hazard[/h3]
Turret hazards that shoot weighted orbs can now be destroyed because they are annoying when you can’t!

[h3]2. Flinch Recovery[/h3]
Aliens now recover from flinching more quickly! You’ll find yourself recovering faster, so you can survive a little more.

[h3]3. Bigger Boost Numbers[/h3]
Numbers found on your boost slots are universally stronger than before! BIGGER NUMBERS, BIGGER POWER!

[h3]4. Agent Blaster Projectile[/h3]
The agent blaster projectile’s flinch and stun effect has been shortened.

[h3]5. Indicator on Riding Enemies[/h3]
Don't lose sight of yourself when riding on enemies with this new handy dandy graphic!

[h3]6. Mothership Memory UI[/h3]
The Mothership’s memory UI has been updated to be organized a bit better.

[h2]Bug Fixes[/h2]

• Settings - Fixed a resolution bug when switching to borderless windowed mode
  
• Gameplay - Fixed a bug where advanced objectives were not available in railroad levels
  
• Gameplay - Fixed a bug with Armored Flametroopers moving slowly in C.H.O.M.P.E.R. lockdown zones
  
• Gameplay - Fixed a bug where location indicator icons displayed the pigment of the AI alien rather than the players’
  
• Gameplay - players are now able to ride Cybernids
• Online - Fixed a bug with online camera movement when players are in arena wall objectives
  
• Online - Fixed a bug where visual indicators for crits were not visible to all players
  
• Online - Fixed various bugs with joining an online game that is at the Juiceman final in-game cutscene
  
• Level - Fixed a bug where there would be an inaccurate amount of agents in the observation room prior to a boss level
  
• Level - Fixed a bug where the General would appear crying again after a sequence had ended. Poor General :(
  
• Localization - adjusted some translations based on feedback
  
• General - Various Local and Online QOL bug fixes
  

Us chicken aliens (chickaliens?) have been hard at work flapping our wings and finishing up Alien Hominid Invasion’s Update Part 2 (JUICY VARIETY edition!), and today we’re excited to announce that this FREE update is arriving next week!

Yep, you heard that right – the JUICY VARIETY Update lands Monday, April 29th, around 10:00 AM PDT on Steam, with consoles to follow at a later date. To celebrate, let’s touch upon some of the chaotic new features soon landing on planet Earth!

WARNING: This post contains intel about new content soon being added to Invasion! If you’d like to experience all the new stuff on your own, please ignore this post for now.

[h2]A Chaotic Juicy Variety Stream Recap[/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
The stream recap above shows a firsthand look at our team sharing the update for the first time! Please note that the content was still a WIP at the time, so things may look a little different on release.

New changes shown in the video include:

• Modifiers: Roll Bomb, Double Jump Reflect
  
• Hazards: Pinball Bumpers, Grind Lines, Mine Layers
  
• MECHA F.R.O.G. mini-boss and vehicle
  
• "A Lot of Parking Lot" area
  
• Updates to Chomper Wall/Keybot levels
  
• More balance and quality of life tweaks
  
• ICE CREAM!!!!!!!
  

[h2]Owley’s Art Journey[/h2]

Oh, and about that new area, "A Lot of Parking Lot" – we have some updated art to share with you today! Check out how the art of Invasion is first conceptualized in the game and updated to completion below:

The Behemoth chickalien visits Squawky’s Cameras for the first time.

The chickalien is back, happy to be in a world of colorful destruction once more. Wait, didn’t Squawky own this place?

THE CHICKALIEN REJOICES, AS OWLEY’S REACHES ITS FINAL FORM! Wait, does this place belong to that one owl we know from that one game? How curious…

On top of three new areas, some of the game’s older art is getting a facelift! Be sure to keep an eye out for the updated buildings, especially the new Meow Motors. Meeeow!

[h2]The ORBITER[/h2]

Something we didn’t get a chance to show off in the prior stream is our new Orbiter mutation, so here’s a sneak peek in GIF form:



With every use, the Orbiter mutation spawns a projectile that circles you, knocking enemies out of your path and making you a close-range DESTROYER! Using it a second time will create a temporary platform at its current location, making the mutation a good choice for swarm and bonus levels.

[h2]The MECHA F.R.O.G. Arrives![/h2]

The last thing we wanted to touch on today is the new MECHA F.R.O.G., SPINDOCTOR OF FATE!



Invaders can soon encounter the MECHA F.R.O.G. as a mini-boss while traversing through city blocks! If you defeat the MECHA F.R.O.G., sources say you can use it as a vehicle… Will you be going on a MECH RAMPAGE?

That’s all for now! We’ll be live on YouTube and Twitch this Thursday, April 25th at 3:00 PM PDT for one last Invasion stream before the update goes live!

Which part of the JUICY VARIETY Update are you most excited for?

We're heading back to London for WASD Live!

April 25-27, we'll be at the Truman Brewery in London with Alien Hominid Invasion, Alien Hominid HD, and BattleBlock Theater for all of your chaotic indie game needs. Come check them out, along with over 200 other games at the event.

Be there or be Hatty!

Bees are the best part of Spring! Bees are the best part about a lot of things, and in Alien Hominid Invasion, you can SHOOT BEES at your ENEM-EEZ with the Bee-Bee Gun and stand back and bask in the glory of the almighty Bee…bzzzZZZZZZzz…maybe that’s…maybe that’s a wasp-oh it is DEFINITELY the W.A.S.P. BOSS!

[h2]Alien Hominid Invasion - 20% Off[/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/843200/Alien_Hominid_Invasion

All of our games are on sale during Steam’s Spring Sale! You get a bee, you get a bee, everybody gets a bee! Ugh, not releasing the bees? Here, release the discounts instead. Somebody else handle this, I’m going.

[h3]Alien Hominid HD - 20% Off [/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1285360/Alien_Hominid_HD/

In addition to our two newest releases being on sale, the rest of The Behemoth’s Glorious Catalog is also discounted for spring cleaning! From now until March 21st, enjoy these savings during the Steam Spring Sale:

[h3]Castle Crashers - 70% Off [/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/204360/Castle_Crashers/

[h3]BattleBlock Theater - 70% Off[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/238460/BattleBlock_Theater/

[h3]Pit People - 60% Off[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/291860/Pit_People/

The bees are waiting for you. But now that Spring has officially sprung on Steam, this little chicken is heading to PAX East soon, more details here! See you there?