Update 5.1
Here’s the link to play it: https://triganov.itch.io/thunder-force-heaven
And here it is — Thunder Force VII: Corrupted Thunder version 5.1 is finally out!
This new update builds on the big leap I made with version 5.0. Back then, the biggest improvement was in level design. Up until that point, I was creating levels straight from my head. To improve the difficulty curve and make the game more fun, I started designing and sketching enemy and obstacle sequences before coding them. Total game changer!
I also extended the level length: instead of short stages capped at 1 minute and 30 seconds, levels now run 2 to 3 minutes.
The entire game now runs at 640x480 resolution (no more 640x400 or even 300x200 leftovers). This gives the game a cleaner and much more appealing retro look, straight out of the Sega Genesis era.
Controls were reworked too. I realized how convenient it is to use the W, X, and C keys to switch speed, shoot, and change weapons — and of course, gamepad support is still there. On top of that, the collision system has been adjusted: it used to be merciless with the player… not anymore.
However, version 5.0 had its share of issues:
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Several gamepads were not compatible.
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The two levels lacked enemies.
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And most importantly… it was missing something crucial: SOME PURE CARNAGE! 🎶
That’s why version 5.1 is here. At first glance, it might not look like a big change, but it’s actually a major improvement.
Of course, I fixed the gamepad compatibility and the missing enemies. But the real highlight is a brand-new gameplay feature:
BURSTING THE CLAWS.
Bursting the claws is enhancing the fun!
Here’s how it works: when the player obtains a Claw bonus, they can either keep it to moderately upgrade their firepower, or burst the claws to accelerate their orbital speed and maximize damage output. The catch? This acceleration only lasts 15 seconds.
But here’s the trick: if the player grabs another Claw bonus while bursting, they can chain the acceleration indefinitely, overwhelming enemies with nonstop firepower.
So… can you handle the Thunder Claws? Or will you lose trying? 😈
Looking ahead, the multi-directional scrolling level is still planned — just not yet. And for version 5.5, I plan to bring back two revamped levels from version 4… Or maybe add a top down level like in Thunder Force II? Time will tell :).