Devlog Update — Latest Stable Build

Hey all, another update over the weekend. 

The latest stable build includes a mix of polishing, optimisation, UI improvements, and setting up for some big content additions soon.

Gameplay & Feedback Improvements

• Fixed the critical-hit log message so emojis now render correctly.
• Added proper damage feedback: the player tile now flashes red on hit, and damage numbers pop up as an animation.
• Smoothed out performance issues during rapid attacks with a round of targeted optimisations.
• Resolved a minimap bug.

Controls & Input

• Removed unsupported WASD movement and added full 8-way keyboard support, including classic vi keys. (Yes, the game is leaning further into its traditionalist roots). 
• Updated the help screen to match the current control scheme.
  

UI & Display

• The interface now recenters dynamically, adding letterboxing on high-resolution monitors to avoid UI drift.
• Testing a fixed internal resolution to improve UI scaling reliability across platforms.

Content Additions

• Whilst not in the build yet, I've collated 20 iconic images from human history into a collection. These will be the maps for the levels of the CAMPAIGN MODE!!!! Campaign mode will replace the current game mode, and will consist of a 20 level dungeon crawl, with new enemies every few levels, harder fights, environmental features, and a final boss level. The current game mode will be still available as a sandbox mode, where players can play whichever image they'd like to choose. The future roadmap is to allow players to upload their maps and others can play them and rate them, as well as a global leaderboard. Obviously, as one Redditor kindly pointed out to me, these will have to be moderated by me due to the obvious potential for unsavoury (and illegal) images getting into the game. The last thing we want is more hate or bad stuff in the world, let alone this humble little game. 

Release Notes

• This marks the new latest stable build.