Firstly, I just want to apologise for the delay on the v0.2 update. We definitely tried to cram too much into this update but having said that, its all good stuff and we're now happy to say that we're in the last stages of getting this update out to you guys.
We should be able to upload the new build sometime this week or next! There are a few features that we've had to miss out for this release in order to get it to you all sooner, but the main features are all there (Singleplayer, Spectator mode, Defense mode, New enemy, Improved networking and massive Optimisations) and plenty of additions (new items etc.).
We'll then follow up in the usual way of smaller updates to add in all the extras. We are not long from also being able to release our new Objective level. Bigger and less linear than our first map. So look forward to being able to send that out to you all. In the meantime, we'd love to know more about your experiences on our first map and whether or not you have completed it.
Stay connected and I'll keep you all updated about the new update!
4 Pack and v0.2 News
Hello Congo-ers!
If you haven't seen already, we are now (finally..) offering a 4-pack for sale! It has taken us slightly longer than expected due to the way these things are processed through Steam, but everything is good, ready and we're happy and hopefully so are you! Please go ahead and indulge yourselves!
In other news, we are nearing the release of v0.2! Which has also been a while coming, but we have lots of new content, features and tweaks to unleash upon you all in the near future. We have mentioned that it will be available end of January, which is still hopefully the case, but it may be slightly later in the event that something doesn't go 100% right.
On a side note, updates after v0.2 will be smaller but more regular.
Since my last post on what to expect from v0.2, we have added a number of other features. One of the biggest has been the re-vamping of our jungles.. Which as you can imagine, is quite a big task. Jungles shouldn't be much different to how they were before from a player perspective but from a technical point they are now optimised a lot better and are much (much, much, much) easier to place which basically means we can make bigger jungles - quicker.
For anyone interested, we have switched from our own system to UE4's foliage tool which uses much more complex systems for dealing with large jungles.
"Why didn't you do that in the first place!?" - I hear virtually nobody ask, but the simple answer is that we suffered some compatibility issues between our game and the tool, which has since been fixed by upgrading to a later version of UE4. It has also meant a re-shuffling of our collision logic which is reasonably time-consuming, but now done.
So how's the rest of v0.2? We have increased the resolution of our lightmaps, so the shadows from everything should be a little more defined. Quite a small change but makes a surprising amount of difference...
This, plus the addition of atmospheric fog (in later levels..) has meant the world is definitely more immersive. Although now demons run at you from dark, foggy shadows instead of just shadows.. Which I think is rather nice for the nerves.
We have also finished integrating a system to allow us different game modes. The first game mode to be released (in v0.2) will be titled 'Defense' and the current game mode is now titled 'Objective'. We have streamlined the Objective gamemode / map which should now make it more obvious what to do.
We have basically stripped out all the fixable radio stations and replaced them with crates. We later intend to tie those areas into Steam Achievements to award the explorers among you.
We felt that a lot of people were getting confused at what those radio stations did and thought they were vital to the main objective, but actually they were just there to give you bonuses such as more items, spotting and giving you waypoint markers.
All those 'bonuses' have now been put within items instead. So for example, when you fix the transformer box by the radio mast - waypoints show up on screen. This no longer happens, but waypoints are now a feature tied into the new item - GPS Tracker which can be found dotted in areas that appear more inhabited by humans.
The Defense game mode is slightly more simple. You and your team mates must defend one of these radio station points against an ever increasing onslaught of demons. It's a simple horde-style game mode but items, weapons and supplies must still be scavenged from the depths of the jungle. You and your team have to balance supply-gathering with maintaining the radio.
Another very big addition to v0.2 is the introduction of our new demon type.. Loosely named a Scamp. These demons are smaller and quicker but cannot physically kill you, instead they will swarm you, knock you to the ground and allow their bigger cousins to come in and finish the job while you are most vulnerable.
I was going to show you all a screen grab, but I thought I'd not show it and leave it so that your first introduction is when it starts running at you (with its friends...).
I hope you're all looking forward to v0.2 and if you have enjoyed Congo so far, then please leave us a review as we love to hear what you think!
We apologise for the lack of players online currently. This is due to not having a particularly large player-base currently but it is constantly increasing and with our new updates, continued development and the gradual transition to Full Release, this issue should hopefully be resolved. Thank you for your patience! :)
See you in the jungle!
Christmas in the Congo
Greetings all players, old and new! We wish you all a Happy Christmas over the next few days and hope you indulge yourselves in all manner of things (maybe even gifting Congo to a few friends............ :D )
In terms of the development on Congo, we working hard on v0.2 which will feature a tonnnnnn of changes, and new content including a new game mode - Defense and 4 maps to go with it.
They're for definite.. Depending on how things go, we may also be able to release with it a second objective level and even more defense levels! What we really want to know - has anyone completed the first objective level??
Update v0.1d Released
Update v0.1d has been released today! Just a short update with a few things we wanted to get in and sorted before the more significant update to v0.2.
v0.1d Changelog:
Machete is now always available rather than being replaced.
Added in-game button to Invite friends.
Improved cancel button when joining matches
Added screen resolutions
Fixed objective icon placement
Fixed progress bar icon placement
Fixed an issue where gun sounds and animations were sometimes not being played on Client.
Network Optimizations & bug fixes
Hopefully the last update until v0.2 which features a number of updates and new features! For the full list, please check our old post - Plans for v0.2
Plans for v0.2
Congo has been out now for over a week. It's been a great experience for us and hopefully you, the players, have had an equal great experience.
We also recently published our v0.1c update, which featured some of the changes which had been relayed back to us through our forums, through Twitter and some of the playthroughs people have been doing . It had fixed some of the main, pressing issues of the foliage blocking the camera, progress bars and a few more hints to what to do, but we want to push it further and let you all into what we are planning to do in the future. We have finalised our v0.2 change list which I will post down below and we are also working on releasing our v0.1d in the mean time, hopefully soon after this weekend.
v0.2 Plans:
New Game Mode - Defense
Defense mode will be more of a traditional horde-style game mode where all 4 players must defend an objective for as long as possible, travelling out into the jungle where possible to collect supplies and equipment.
4 New Defense Levels
Four new levels for Defense game mode.
Singleplayer Mode
Currently, singleplayer mode plays like ultra-hardcore difficulty. We are working on several changes to make a solo-play experience more forgiving by adjusting spawn levels and item drops. We will also be introducing a new item to help survival
Hunting Knife
When equipped with a hunting knife, you have the ability to kill a demon once they have jumped you. This is a one-use item and can be found dropped around the jungle. In singleplayer mode you will start equipped with at least one.
New Demon Type
Making more of presence in the jungle now are a new type of demon. Smaller, faster, more agile but less dangerous than their bigger brothers, they dart out of the vegetation and knock you to the ground, leaving you vulnerable to further attack.
Spectator Mode
We will be adding a spectator mode for dead players. Currently, once you have been incapacitated you are left to watch your body.. Not that fun, so in v0.2, if you are killed you can follow your teammates.
Voice Chat In-Game
In-Game Control Options
Ability to view the controls without having to look at the manual.
More Screen Resolution Options
Update to Unreal Engine
Updating to the later versions of UE4 will bring a number of improvements and optimisations.
Bug fixes and Optimisations
Look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on the plans for v0.2, for v0.1d we will be adding in more a few more navigation tools, buttons for the menus, fixed issues with the Cancel buttons and fixed an issue where guns weren't animating / sounding off on the Client.
See you in the jungle!
Update v0.1c
Greetings! We have just released our v0.1c update, a few immediate fixes for some of the feedback we've been getting over the last few days. Here's our changelog:
v0.1c Change Log:
**Added transparency to leaves - foliage will go transparent if it blocks the camera**
Added more informative loading messages
Added progress bars for objectives
Added more hint messages
Fixed a bug where you couldn't access Inventory after being knocked down
Fixed some level holes
Various bug fixes and optimisations
Hopefully you'll enjoy the changes and makes the experience just that much better. There's also a few keys that may be of interest to you and seem a little hidden......
T - Takes ammunition from selected weapon and puts it in your stash
(that means you can strip weapons that you want the ammo from)
F - Drops currently selected weapon / item
G or I - Opens Inventory
Good luck in the jungle! More updates soon.. Including a new game mode - Defense, and 4 included maps!
Released on Early Access today!
Thank you for everybodys support and thank you for the players and reviews that gave Congo a spin pre-release.
We are now fully available on Steam for purchase, and hope you have a great time playing it. If you have any thoughts or suggestions please don't hesitate to tell us! Either on here or on our forums which can be found at here:
We are now currently on v0.1b, Release build that was published last night. For those of you who have been playing pre-release there are some of the fixes / changes:
Changelog v0.1b
Fixed some spawner locations
Fixed item descriptions not showing in Inventory
Fixed a bug where actors were being 'bounced' after getting attacked
Fixed some level holes
Tweaked helicopter rescue difficulty
Tweaked how long a fuel can lasts in a generator
If you're not sure about Congo yet but are interested in seeing it then here's a few examples:
Thank you and hopefully see you guys in the jungle! ;)
Pre-Release Update to v0.1a
For those limited few who have access to the pre-release version of Congo, we'd like to announce our update to v0.1a, which features a few particularly useful additions. Most notably is the option to create an invite-only match, allowing private games with just your friends and a fix to an issue where Steam voice chat was disabled in-game.
Please remember that if you experience any issues, or just want to tell us your thoughts then head over to our forum which can be found at www.CongotheGame.com
v0.1a Changelog:
Added Invite-only lobby
Added control hints
Added Intro video
Fixed some level holes
Fixed a bug where you could have infinite Revive Needles
Fixed issue with Steam Voice Chat not working
Fixed weapon icon showing when holstered
Adjusted pop-up message boundaries
Thanks for your continued support and hope you have fun in the Congo!
Congo Coming 27th November
We're all super excited to see our Coming Soon page up on Steam. Can't imagine a more awesome event and we're excited to get the game out to you and to hear what you think!
If you haven't already, please follow us on Twitter @CongotheGame or head to our forums and tell us some of your thoughts about Congo and it's impending release!
