Patch Notes - 1.4.1 

(includes everything from 1.3.2 - 1.4.1)

This is probably the biggest patch the game has gotten to-date, so this is definitely not a comprehensive list of what changed (just whatever I can remember, lol). I've been adding semi-regular patch notes to the Discord, but haven't done a good job of keeping the patch notes on itch updated.

Next up is focusing on fixing any bugs, smoothing the UX for some of the new mechanics and adding final content for the Steam demo release.

New Systems

• Replaced unlock system with Prospector's Catalogue
  • Items are now unlocked by spending gold on them in the catalogue.
  • Some items are gated behind locked progression goals- speaking of which
• Added progression badges menu
  • Task list of optional challenges the player can complete for item and treasure rewards
  • Unlock new items that are otherwise not available
  • Pretty barebones atm, more UX polish coming soo
• Added character selection menu
• 2 new character types unlocked (Apple + Ice variants) that add gameplay quirks 
• These must both be purchased in the catalogue before they become available
• Added a proper pause menu
  • Includes options to adjust music / sfx volumes
• Overhauled UI
  • Game no longer has that strange "square" aspect ratio; fits common desktop resolutions 

New Mechanics

• Added strikers
• Added chasm platforms
• Added wind and fog weather effects
• Added 3 different moving platform speeds used throughout levels
• Added gold fields - new level biome after chasm
• Added bushes
• Added grass platforms
• Added geodes
• Added large treasure variants
• Added a face to the player
  • Now that there are different character variants, I thought it'd look strange without some way to tell that the original sprite is rotating
• Reworked player movement
  • Lots of players reported that movement felt mismatched to the balls visuals, so it's been tuned to be much less precise
  • Air drag has been significantly reduced, making the ball's momentum a lot more felt
  • For movement more similar to the original movement, the apple character type is added

New Items

• Reworked S.O.S
• Now saves you once during a run, and gives you a saving throw
• Added seagull feathers
• Added Can 'o 'dines
• Makes seagulls drop feathers 100% of the time
• Added snow globe
• Added booster pack
• Added crafty gnome
• Added shiny idol (no way of obtaining in-game yet)
• Added the wizard

Other Changes

• Did a complete overhaul pass on all the game's art- the color palette now matches the steam capsule art we'll be using
• Updated the game's background
• Added a new music track (one of klekky's) to the new goldfields biome
• Updated initial shop tutorial to be more intuitive and force more player interaction
• Added badge progression tutorial and character selection tutorial
• Added a ton of other small changes, bug fixes, and qol changes