This is one of my largest apocalypse updates to date, with over 300 changes across the board, and major improvements to every scene in the title. It's been 3 months in development and our private testers have been impressed so far, this update as a whole is focused on making apocalypse's gameplay more consistant and improve our image as an early access title. With more campaign gameplay, 4 new completely re-designed maps, a new main menu, survival re-created from the ground up, sandbox replaced with another wave-based mode, improved loading screens, more visuals, cleaned and fixed menus, and much more. Available on every platform as an update.
Available Platforms
Here's the current platforms the update is available on:
Windows 32 & 64 Bit (Available Now)
Windows OSVR (Very Soon)
Linux 32 & 64 Bit (Available Now)
Mac 32 & 64 Bit (Available Now)
Changelog - Story
Added an intro animation for the camera
Added a small intro animation to the player model
Added a new looting system, which will be used later
Added several looting areas to all the current rooms
Added several new image effects to the camera
Added several new shaders, eg, windows, ceiling, carpet
Added different room prop layouts, making it easier to move
Added a new section on the HUD for a looting indicator
Added a intro transition for the HUD's opacity
Added new improved (and consistant) lights to all rooms
Added more optimised models, scripts, UI and lights
Added and removed different 3D indicators, improving the visuals
Added 6 new rooms, all linked with different sections of lore
Added blood effects to most rooms, some with written lore
Added a new 'reading' system for the notes at the start of the story
Added a elevator, used as a transition between two different levels
Added a new animation, after exploring the manstion's top two floors
Replaced the loadings screens with several seamless transitions
Replaced the 3D text with a new section on the HUD
Fixed the players camera 'jumping' when looking at a certain angle
Fixed the game failing to load the story, and freezing on the loading screen
Fixed the player camera rendering a dark screen until the player quits back
Fixed the interface showing the wrong location
and much more...
Changelog - Sandbox & Survival
Added a completely new selection scene, with a new layout
Added a new interface for the selection scene
Added a new loading system for the selection scene
Added several new and improved light sources to the selection scene
Added a new character selection/viewing scene, with a new layout
Added a new interface to the character selection/viewing scene
Added an improved zombie system (improved awareness, optimisation, more varients, etc)
Added an improved zombie spawning system (consistant, wave based, more difficult, etc)
Added an improved weapon and pickup system (cleaner, flows better, less clunky, etc)
Added an improived death and health system (less camera shake, faster transition, etc)
Replaced the entire sandbox mode with pursuit, a wave based mode
Replaced the entire survival mode with outcast, a wave based mode
Replaced all the levels with improved versions (models, lighting, etc)
and much more...
Changelog - General
Added several new models and shaders to the main menu
Added a new version indicator to the top right of the main menu
Improved the main menu's camera effects (vignette, bloom, AA, shadows, etc)
Improved the main menu's transitions, and improved the overall flow
Improved all the text indicators for different levels
Improved steam's launching settings for linux users
and much more...
The Next Update
The next update (0.1.1.6.b) is going to take much less time, because there'll be fewer critical changes, I'll be focusing on fixing the reported issues, and adding more story gameplay.
As usual, I'll be active on the community all the time, so If there's anything else you want me to add or fix, let me know in the comments, on twitter, the website, or email!
Harley Game Studios
Demo Available
Post Overview
I've been quiet with what I've been working on for some time, but it's definetly worth it in the long term! Apocalypse's private testers are impressed with the hundreds of changes so far. Furthermore, there's been several game changing decisions that have been made to improve our players gameplay experience, all the decisions are based from the recent reviews and feedback we'be recieved.
Over the next month, I'll be going through everything in the update in detail. First though, I'll be releasing a free steam demo for all our platforms to try out, with a full survival map included, all details below!
Apocalypse's Demo
Starting today, there'll be an apocalypse demo ready to download, it'll be available to everyone free of charge, and will include the main menu, and one large exterior outcast map.
This is taken from the upcoming 0.1.1.6.a steam update. This was a very big choice and I'm looking forward to the communitys response, there's been tens of thousands of views on our steam page, but some still seem unconvinced, so this change will hopefully give them a bigger picture on what apocalypse will actually be after purchasing in early access.
Edit - It doesn't seem that steam allows you to play the demo alongside the actual game if it's already purchased in your library. My apologies for mentioning to download it as a preview for the next update.
Many Thanks,
Harley Game Studios
Campaign Screenshots!
Overview
Since the last update, I've been dedicating all of my time towards the anticipated campaign mode, and as a result, I've now finished the prologue completely. I'm now working on chapter 1, and working on a overhaul for the sandbox mode. I'm hoping to release this update commercially soon, for reference on how big this update is compared to the last few, so far I've made just over 60 changes and additions!
Voice Actors
I'm also looking for two voice actors, one male and one female, both young adults preferably. If you've played the current update you'll know the character names from the selection screen, the female character is Jade, and the male character is Able. There's little lines for each, so if your interested get in touch (Steam, Website, Comments, etc), I'm not too bothered about you having experience, just recording equipment, you'll get a place on both the store page and intro (18+).
Story - Lore / Intro
Story - Intro Corridor
Story - Intro Lab
Story - Lab Room 1
Story - Lab Room 2
Story - Lab Room 3
Story - Morgue Elevator
Story - Morgue Room
Story - Final Cut Scene
Apocalypse 0.1.1.5.c
Overview
This months update will be featuring several smaller critical features that our players have been requesting, instead of a huge amount of minor features. Including a brand new pause menu, with a complete options menu, a clearer options layout system, and additions to the prologue. To be released within the next few weeks on all available platforms. Along with this, we'll be applying a discount for all of this week for the update release, with improved images on the steam page.
Available Platforms
Here's the current platforms the update is available on, and the platforms that aren't ready yet:
Windows 32 & 64 Bit (Available)
Linux 32 & 64 Bit (Available)
Mac 32 & 64 Bit (Available)
Windows OSVR (Available)
Changelog - General
Added a pause menu (replacing 'quit on esc' behavior)
Added an indicator in the options menu for the naming system
Added a new, more simple and easier selection screen system
Added a headtorch to each level selection screen
Added a new graphics setting for laptops, with the engine at it's lowest possible settings
Fixed an issue, forcing the player to press on the screen after starting any mode
Fixed the options menu labels being 'default' upon startup
Fixed the options menu text being slightly incorrectly placed
Fixed incorrect levels loading in the selection screen(s)
Fixed continue button in the selection screen(s)
Fixed the level selection screen being instable within certain situations
Added cleaner transitions when returning to the main menu
Changelog - Story
Added several grass materials
Added several grass models
Added several grass props
Added clutter to the last empty room
Added subtitles, ready for the vocals addition later
Added a new door message for the currently unavailable content
Fixed the lore text in some areas
Optimized the level's collision further
Optimized the level's occlusion further
Changelog - Sandbox
Fixed the default material being straw, instead of rock
Fixed no sounds playing while placing items
Interviews / Podcasts / Q&A's
As many of you saw on our social media, I'm now using professional recording equipment, so everyone I've previously declined about attending a podcast, interview or a Q&A for apocalypse, can now contact me again and I'll be happy to discuss development details.
Harley Game Studios
Update Incoming
Overview
This months update will be featuring several smaller critical features that our players have been requesting, instead of a huge amount of minor features. Including a brand new pause menu, with a complete options menu, a clearer options layout system, and additions to the prologue. To be released within the next few weeks on all available platforms. I've also posted the new pause menu working, and a few screenshots in the artwork section, so check that out if you're interested.
To give our fans and community a glimpse of what they'll see in the upcoming update, here's what's been done so far, contact me if there's anything else you want me to include or fix:
Changelog - General
Added a pause menu (replacing 'quit on esc' behavior)
Added an indicator in the options menu for the naming system
Added a new, more simple and easier selection screen system
Added a headtorch to each level selection screen
Added a new graphics setting for laptops, with the engine at it's lowest possible settings
Fixed an issue, forcing the player to press on the screen after starting any mode
Fixed the options menu labels being 'default' upon startup
Fixed the options menu text being slightly incorrectly placed
Fixed incorrect levels loading in the selection screen(s)
Fixed continue button in the selection screen(s)
Fixed the level selection screen being instable within certain situations
Removed transitions when returning to the main menu (Temporary)
Changelog - Story
Added several grass materials
Added several grass models
Added several grass props
Added clutter to the last empty room
Added subtitles, ready for the vocals addition later
Added a new door message for the currently unavailable content
Fixed the lore text in some areas
Optimized the level's collision further
Optimized the level's occlusion further
Changelog - Sandbox
Fixed the default material being straw, instead of rock
Fixed no sounds playing while placing items
Interviews / Podcasts / Q&A's
As many of you saw on our social media, I'm now using professional recording equipment, so everyone I've previously declined about attending a podcast, interview or a Q&A for apocalypse, can now contact me again and I'll be happy to discuss development details.
Harley Game Studios
Apocalypse 0.1.1.5.b
Update Overview
It's great to finally release the 0.1.1.5.b update, with the completely new main menu, the new brightness system, new music settings, more lighting fixes and optimization, with much more! Feel free to download the update and let me know what you think. I've also started the subtitles for the story, so stay tuned for the chance to be involved in a voice acting opportunity very soon.
Available Platforms
Here's the current platforms the update is available on, and the platforms that aren't ready yet:
Windows 64 Bit (Available Now)
Windows 32 Bit (Available Now)
Windows OSVR (Very Soon)
Mac 32 Bit (Available Now )
Mac 64 Bit (Available Now)
Linux 64 Bit (Available Now)
Linux 32 Bit (Available Now)
Changelog - Sandbox
Added a new high-resolution texture for each item
Added a slightly improved model for each item
Added a character selection preview to sandbox
Added an improved lighting system to static objects
Added a new camera system, with slightly improved fx
Fixed the door being too small / having an incorrect ratio
Fixed the incorrect player model's animator
Changelog - Survival
Added a new character selection preview room
Added a new basic weapon tutorial for getting used to the controls
Fixed weapon bullets not hitting certain parts of zombies
Fixed weapon bullets falling through the zombie models
Fixed weapon bullets not causing the blood effect when required
Fixed the incorrect player model's animator
Changelog - General
Added a completely new main menu
Added a completely new options menu
Added a completely new brightness system
Added a completely new resolution systsem
Added a system to scale the main menu's ui
Added controller support to the new main menu
Added a new controller preset to steam (Credit to Sckiz1)
Fixed the resolution text being a different size
Fixed the logo transition being incorrect upon launch
Fixed the game not saving your chosen settings as the default
Fixed the incorrect player model's animator
Changelog - Story
Added a few more text indicators
Added a new body animation system
Added subtitles for future voiced actors
Added a new optimized set of colliders
Added a new body model for the Jade character
Added more lore and story across the first few rooms
Fixed the camera flickering in certain circumstances
Fixed the light not working in certain circumstances
Fixed the incorrect player model's animator
Known Issues
The update number shown in the character screen is incorrect
The settings you choose are then re-named to "default", which can be confusing
The Next Update
The next update (0.1.1.5.c) is going to focus on the community's fixes, and the community's feedback. Along with safe zones for survival to help with new players, a sandbox tutorial room, more story content as usual, and an improved in-game pause menu.
I'll be active on the community all the time, so If there's anything else you want me to add or fix, let me know in the comments, on twitter, the website, or email! If you didn't see the post earlier, there's now a discord server which I'd recommend you join, here's a link: https://discord.gg/Vk43Fzu.
Many Thanks,
Harley Game Studios
Update Incoming
Overview
After a few long weeks, I've completely re-designed the main menu, I've added in a completely new options menu with a much easier way of managing your settings. Along with this, all the UI in the game now scales with your monitor size, and there's a real brightness slider, so everyone will now be able to play. I also added in a few smaller features, such as a tutorial room, a character selection screen preview, and much more! The update will be released later this week after all the bugfixing.
To give our fans and community a glimpse of what they'll see in the upcoming update, here's what's been done so far, contact me if there's anything else you want me to include or fix:
Changelog - Sandbox
Added a new high-resolution texture for each item
Added a slightly improved model for each item
Added a character selection preview to sandbox
Added an improved lighting system to static objects
Added a new camera system, with slightly improved fx
Fixed the door being too small / having an incorrect ratio
Changelog - Survival
Added a new character selection preview room
Added a new basic weapon tutorial for getting used to the controls
Fixed weapon bullets not hitting certain parts of zombies
Fixed weapon bullets falling through the zombie models
Fixed weapon bullets not causing the blood effect when required
Changelog - General
Added a completely new main menu
Added a completely new options menu
Added a completely new brightness system
Added a completely new resolution systsem
Added a system to scale the main menu's ui
Added controller support to the new main menu
Added a new controller preset to steam (Credit to Sckiz1)
Fixed the resolution text being a different size
Fixed the logo transition being incorrect upon launch
Fixed the game not saving your chosen settings as the default
Changelog - Story
Added a few more text indicators
Added a few more rooms to the story
Added a new body animation system
Added subtitles for future voiced actors
Added a new optimized set of colliders
Added a new body model for the Jade character
Fixed the camera flickering in certain circumstances
Fixed the light not working in certain circumstances
Harley Game Studios
Apocalypse 0.1.1.5.a
Update Overview
Since the last update I've gone through everything apocalypse is missing, or anything that doesn't look professional enough, and re-made it. This includes all the loading screens, which are now generated from the community's screenshots, the options menu, plus I've added another 4 tracks for the soundtrack, and added general improvements across the board! Also, thanks to the new options menu, you'll be able to optimize your game even more by changing the new settings. Furthermore, we've added official vulken support to Linux 32 and 64 Platforms.
Available Platforms
Here's the current platforms the update is available on, and the platforms that aren't ready yet:
Windows 64 Bit (Available Now)
Windows 32 Bit (Available Now)
Windows OSVR (Available Now)
Linux 32 & 64 Bit (Available Now)
Mac 32 & 64 Bit (Available Now)
Overall Changelog
Added more blood effects to the basement area (Story).
Added more text indicators to the basement area (Story).
Added more optimization methods to the whole prologue (Story).
Added a mutant model to the basement area (Story).
Added a new story-themed loading screen (Story).
Added more sound effects to all areas (Story).
Changed the basement layout slightly (Story).
Changed the lighting slightly (Story).
Added a new sandbox-themed loading screen (Sandbox).
Added a slightly new optimization method (Sandbox).
Fixed various issues with building (Sandbox).
Fixed various graphic issues (Sandbox).
Fixed various shadow issues (Sandbox).
Fixed modding issues (Sandbox).
Added a new survival-themed loading screen (Survival).
Added a slightly new optimization method (Survival).
Fixed various issues with building (Survival).
Fixed various graphic issues (Survival).
Fixed various shadow issues (Survival).
Fixed modding issues (Survival).
Fixed the 30/60 frame-rate limit sometimes present (Misc).
Added vulken support to all Linux platforms (Misc).
Added a new graphics menu to the main menu* (Misc).
Added a new lighting system to the main menu (Misc).
Added a new story-themed loading screen to the main menu (Misc).
Added 4 more tracks to the soundtrack (Misc).
Added a news feed on the main menu (Misc).
Added a new .exe icon file (Misc).
Added two new logos (Misc).
The Next Update
The next update (0.1.1.5.b) is going to add more story content, more interactive areas in the prologue, and more prologue levels. Along with general fixes across the board, with main menu improvements, character selection screens, more tutorials, safe zones for survival, and more.
I'll be active on the community all the time, so If there's anything else you want me to add or fix, let me know in the comments, on twitter, the website, or email! If you didn't see the post earlier, there's now a discord server which i'd recommend you join, here's a link: https://discord.gg/Vk43Fzu.
Many Thanks,
Harley Game Studios
Discord Server!
Post Overview
A large amount of our community members were interested in having a discord server to talk, so I've finally created an official apocalypse server and set everything up. I'll be active most of the time, and I'll constantly be posting updates, screenshots, and pre-release content. Everyone's free to join!
Discord Server
To join the server use the following link: https://discord.gg/Vk43Fzu. We don't mind if you've got feedback, want to talk about a feature, want to talk about gaming, or if you're simply interested in the development. This is the best way to talk to me or other members in the community. The server is new so share around the invite link above where you can.
Harley Game Studios
A Huge Thanks...
Post Overview
It's been a few weeks since I last made a steam post, so I just wanted to update everyone on apocalypse's development, and I wanted to say a few personal words too, check it out below.
Latest Progress
The upcoming 0.1.1.5.a update has been finished, has passed testing, and will be released over the weekend. I was going to be focusing on the story mode primarily for this update, however after reading the most recent messages, reviews and comments, I decided to go through everything and make sure the rest of the game is ready first. Therefore, you'll be happy to know the update will be adding much needed loading screens, a full graphics menu, animated intro logos, more optimization, additional vulken support, a brightness slider, a music slider, an in-game news feed, and more!
A Huge Thanks
I also wanted to say a huge thanks to the gaming community. The support I'm getting from everyone is incredible and I wouldn't of got this far if it wasn't for the apocalypse's fans. It's very unusual for a solo project like this one to reach this scale, it's a big achievement to reach 3 thousand players, and to continue growing. I appreciate every message and post made, the development for apocalypse has been a long journey, but I'm getting closer and closer towards a final release every day.
To say thanks to everyone, I'm giving away 100 apocalypse keys completely free to random community members, just send over a message, comment, or tweet to my official account. It'll be first come, first served, so if you're one of the first 100, I'll send you a free steam key to redeem!
