First of all, we changed our name!

-The game has been rebranded to Dive, in order to reflect a bit more what the game is about.

-Name shift was also done to take a first new step and move it forward in the direction we are planning for it.

-Another reason being so that it could be differentiated from the Blackthornprod 2023 GameJam version.

Now, for the good stuff..

Added a Main Menu

-An animated menu to serve as the central hub of the game.

-It has an Options page, with Music/Game volume sliders that are saved in between game sessions.

-It has an Achievements page, to add more reasons to play and more goals to the game than just "completing it".

-It has a Credits page, which contains all of the previous developers' names and the days they worked on during the Blackthornprod 2023 GameJam

Added Achievements

-As mentioned above, achievements!

-These were created with the goal stated above in mind, to give us players a reason to play, and a way to capture our victories in-game.

-Created a list of 4 achievements to pursue during your adventures! (more to come!)

-Achievements will remain unlocked even after closing the game.

Added a new gadget: The Sonar

-This new equipment will be found hidden in the ocean, in a similar fashion to the oxygen tank upgrades.

-When picking it up, you will gain the ability to clear up the entire minimap for a short period of time, perfect to plan your routes through the dark aquatic maze.

-Using the sonar will also mark the monster on the minimap while active.

The sonar has a 30-second cooldown, so use it wisely!

Added Diver Notes

-A collection of notes from missing divers who also had the same ambitions as you but failed to escape the ocean's wrath.

-These notes will also be found lying on the ocean, similarly to the sonar and oxygen tanks.

-The notes will provide context about previous divers' journeys, and perhaps contain valuable information to aid your quest to the gold. So be sure to look out for them!

Added a whole new Tutorial Level

-This small dynamic level was made to guide new players into the core mechanics of Dive.

-If it's the first time playing, the tutorial level will start upon clicking the play button.

-If played before, the tutorial will become optional when launching the game.

Added a Pause Menu

-So you don't die while heading out for a quick errand!

-It also includes the same Options tab as the Main Menu, allowing you to modify music/game volume in-game.

Added Game Tips

-A collection of helpful game tips shown every time you die.

-Pay attention to them, as these may motivate and guide your through your next diver life.

Changes to the Monster

-Modified the monster's AI algorithm for it to be more diver-friendly!

-Applied 3D audio panning effects to the monster's sound cue so you know in which direction it's coming for you.

Other small changes

-Added safer conditions at the ending so you don't die tragically at the end.

-Added custom cursor that's more visually appealing.

-Polished player movement behavior for easier control.

-Added oxygen bar visual and sound effects for when it is about to run out, so you plan ahead your dives.

-Moved introductory story texts to the Main Menu, which are only showed once so they can't get repetitive or tiring.

-Added an audio notice at startup, to remark the importance of sound in the game.

Some may think it's a lot, some may think it's small. Nonetheless, this update was crafted with love for the game, a passion project of mine that I know you will enjoy playing as much as I do working on it.

Lastly, if you, loyal patch-notes-reader who made it to the end, like the game and want to support it's future development, I would definitely appreciate if you give it a rating, gave some feedback(of the game or the update), and shared this game with you friends and loved ones.

That's it for today, enjoy your weekend, and enjoy the game!

Until next time!

robotazul4 - Dive Developer