Cheers 😁 The full game has a harder gauntlet mode with 3 min stages split into randomly chosen 30s chunks from all the alternative stages. I’ve actually just finished the release version and now need to remake the trailer and finish the steam art, then I will release it on itch and Steam simultaneously for free - stay tuned 😎
Okay, finally got a chance to play through the new gauntlet mode - a blast! Here are my thoughts:
I love your aesthetic, and I feel like you added a lot to the enemies, bosses, and stage BGs.
The rechargable weapon mechanic is great - not sure if that was in when I first played. I also like that there is a focus/spread fire and autofire (this already existed fo sure, but want to praise it)!
Some good difficulty increases, some bosses are appropriately danmaku now :) Also new and interesting patterns (and enemy types, those ghosts that shoot triples are great!) in the levels!
Two things I'd like to see:
1. one more level of harder difficulty: I made it through gauntlet in one try - two bosses almost killed me, and I was definitely sweating some part, but I'd like that 'aspirational' difficulty level that makes me feel like I have to level up to make it through.
2. level/boss select - a common feature and great for practicing (especially if you put in another diff. level)
Great work! I would def recommend this, especially to new shmupper!
Big thanks for giving it another go and the awesome feedback :-)
I’m working on a harder “Nightmare” mode that randomly picks 10-20 sec waves from a pool that gets more difficult. It’s going to be 3 mins of hell for the ultimate challenge. My plan is to have it as a single stage but you choose the background and boss you’d like to face.
The gauntlet mode has long chunks picked at random from a pool so I can't really do a level select with it. However, I'll make a big note for the next game to have a level select from the start :-) I love that idea.
I also have some unused tracks I’d like to add with new backgrounds. 1.1 will be the vertical mode with horizontal following in 1.2.
Thanks again, you're a star!
ETZ