Astral Gunners
Ver 0.8.43 --- Power-Ups!!!
We're adding power-ups to Astral Gunners. These are a series of effects that can be equipped that change how the game is played. From summoning a miniboss to slowing every bullet on screen, each power-up has a unique effect. In total there are 18 power-ups to unlock, and a total of 5 categories of power-ups. An important thing to note for arcade purists: you do not need to play the game with power-ups, and we are still designing the game to be beatable at every difficulty with no power-ups. We have added an online leaderboard filter that allows you to view with power-ups on or off. Some players have been finding progression in this game to be much more difficult than we intended, so we're adding this feature as a fun extra to mess around with while also being a system that prevents players from feeling locked out of making any progress. We're big fans of many action roguelites that use a similar progression system, and are hoping this brings a bit of that feeling to our game.
So how do power-ups work? You can go to the equip powerups menu in the mode select screen. Once there you'll be presented with a screen that lets you equip one power-up in each of the five categories. The categories include:
SP Medals: Any power-up in this category will grant you a bonus effect when you pick up an SP Medal, turning them into something that functions more like traditional shmup powerups.
Overload: Power-ups in this category give you an effect when entering system overload, for now these all summon a mini-boss to help you.
Options: These power-ups will bring an option along with you to help fight. We felt sort of bad taking away one of the things that made Green Gunner unique, so when you play as Green Gunner with a green option you can control both of them with your shot 2 button.
Bullet Slow: These power-ups might be a bit overpowered, but we wanted to at least test them out during early access. As the name implies these all slow down enemy bullets (or the entire game).
Special: Each of these power-ups modifies something about your special ability.
How can power-ups be unlocked? If you look at the achievements menu you will now notice that a few of the achievements have a note that says "(Unlocks new power-up)." Complete these achievements to see which power-up you'll receive!
Full patch notes: https://steamcommunity.com/app/893900/discussions/3/2994296361624652730/
Ver 0.8.42 --- Single Level Mode and Weekly Leaderboard
Full patch notes: https://steamcommunity.com/app/893900/discussions/3/2986413884514566459/
Astral Gunners OST is now available on Steam!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1439810/Astral_Gunners_Soundtrack/
Ver 0.8.41.01
Ver 0.8.41 --- New Achievements, Violet buff, QOL updates, bugfixing
Not a whole lot changes with this update, as we're still working on extra modes and a new level that aren't ready quite yet. Focusing on game clarity and easing the early learning curve for players with this update.
Highlights:
- Two new achievements: FREE QUARTER and MEDAL JUGGLER
- Violet gets a buff, now able to produce extra gems by defeating enemies with their sword
- Pause menu now has options and move list submenus
Full patch notes: https://steamcommunity.com/app/893900/discussions/3/2963895252172866182/
Ver 0.8.40.00 Available Now! Training Mode, Character Balance, and More.
This patch includes a Training Mode, which will allow you to set up specific scenarios to practice. Whether you just need some stress free time to figure out a boss pattern, or want to play a certain moment on loop to maximize scoring potential, we hope this is a useful feature for players looking to improve.
Additionally, we've made some changes to the characters. Light Gunner received some significant buffs, and Violet Gunner is a bit easier to use now. Movement speeds for the characters have been adjusted, and Shot 1 damage for everyone is increased.
Thank you to everyone who has been playing Astral Gunners and sharing their feedback. We'll have more updates soon!
Full patch notes: https://steamcommunity.com/app/893900/discussions/3/2963893984908809425/
Astral Gunners Early Access Available Now!
The game will be on sale for 15% off during the first week.
Read development plan here!
Share your ideas and feedback here!
Astral Gunners Early Access Release Oct 2nd
We are finally at the point of bringing Astral Gunners to players. In these final months of development, we are looking to work with shmup enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts to make the best game we possibly can. Check out the new trailer on the store page!
As of early access the game will include:
- 5 Playable Characters
- 5 levels, four being full feature levels and one being a scoring challenge
- 4 hidden boss battles
- 4 difficulty options
- A deep and rewarding scoring system (seriously we're excited to see players break this)
- A level select system that allows you to choose your route and change which levels NPCs can show up in
- A progression system based around unlocking credits by completing achievements, ensuring no run feels like wasted time when starting out
- Local co-op