Greetings Defenders!

As we continue to evolve Dead Zone Defenders, I'm excited to share some upcoming updates that will enhance your gameplay experience.

Enhanced AI with A*

One of our current challenges involves refining enemy AI behavior. To address this, we're integrating the A* algorithm for pathfinding. This upgrade ensures that enemies always have a clear path to the player, even if it means dynamically altering the environment by destroying obstacles like walls. This adaptive approach aims to make enemy movements more strategic and responsive.

This is a demonstration of what the ai is doing wrong and what i am trying to fix

Introducing the Turret: A New Defensive Option

Our next building addition is the turret. This defensive structure will bring a new layer of strategy, featuring animations for shooting or a visual crosshair interface to indicate target selection. To maintain balance, each turret will have a limited ammo capacity—firing at the nearest enemy each turn—and will self-destruct after expending its shots. Players may have the option to purchase additional ammo, depending on gameplay costs and strategies.

Here  a mock up better assets will be made 

Visual Overhaul: Bringing Depth to the Game Board

Visually, we're exploring ways to enrich the game board's appearance beyond its current paper-like aesthetic. A key addition in progress is a table element, though integrating it seamlessly within Unity presents unique challenges. We're actively exploring alternative solutions to ensure a cohesive visual experience without compromising gameplay mechanics.

A small video of an example what I am looking into playing around with ideas 

Elevating Immersion: Improved Intro Animations and Sound

In our quest to enhance immersion, we're focusing on refining introductory animations with self-made intros. Imagine stepping into the game through the eyes of a player, approaching the table, and settling in for a strategic session. Additionally, we're investing in high-quality sound effects. I'm personally dedicated to recording these effects to ensure they resonate with the game's atmosphere and your gaming experience.

Stay tuned for these exciting updates as we continue to shape Dead Zone Defenders into a game that's as engaging visually as it is strategically.