Removed "Exit Game" from the pause menu, so you have to go to the main menu first.
Updated to the latest version of Steamworks extension.
Thank you for playing Squarena, and have a great weekend!
Artwork Upgrade
Squarena now has a new selection of artwork for in-game as well as store page, trailer, and library assets. This has been something I have wanted to complete for a while and I am very pleased with the results. I hope you enjoy!
Update Highlights:
New background art that is randomly selected each round for maps that don't have a unique background.
New background art toggle options in the Video/Audio section of the options menu. This allows you to choose which backgrounds are available when starting a round.
Fixed a very slight gravity inconsistency
New main trailer
New and modified library artwork
Thank you, and I'm looking forward to continue the improvement of Squarena!
Squarena Powerup Update
This update has a few key points to it, with one of the main focuses being powerups:
Added powerup toggle options in the Rules section of the options menu, now you can pick which powerups are available during gameplay
Added a new powerup: Mega Ammo. Makes your next 3 shots mega-sized!
Added a new level: Race Intro. This is an easier Race/Obstacle Course level intended to be an introduction to the game mode, as the other race levels are fairly difficult. This new level also comes unlocked by default.
Added a new QOL feature to make it easier to actively keep track of your energy: the Energy Reticle. Now there is a circular energy bar surrounding your crosshair that displays your energy levels used for shields and teleporting.
Enjoy, and as always thank you for playing Squarena!
Teams Fix
This update I completely rewrote the teams mechanics to resolve an underlying issue if you were to play as teams (same color as another player). This update has less overall fixes/additions, but I wanted to get it released as soon as possible to restore team gameplay.
Newly functional team code (more consistent and optimized)
Resolved a bug where more than one team could win a match
Fixed a bug that would shoe every player as "Player One" in player select
Fixed a wall misalignment in Pyramid and Crosshair maps
Increased the interval at which the background checks for which teams are still alive
Have fun!
QOL patch
This is a small update that includes some QOL changes and some small bug fixes:
Added a text popup if a map is not the standard gamemode in arena select. (Obstacle Courses, Sport Mode, Zero Gravity)
Added some minor clarification to the Stats/Unlocks screen. I am looking into ways to further improve unlock clarification in future updates.
Fixed a bug where players could still change their equipped cosmetic after readied up.
Fixed a bug where player's ready status wouldn't reset after a match.
Some minor tweaks to the new obstacle course map.
Did Someone Say Speedrun?
This update brings an addition to one of the unlockable modes: Obstacle Courses! Previously, there was an obstacle course available to unlock called "The Gauntlet". Now, the obstacle course has been refined as a new game mode, with the addition of the "Race 1" map and new mechanics. One of which is a timer, along with a "best time" feature! Now you and your friends can compete to see who can conquer the obstacle courses the fastest. I plan to add more maps for this game mode in the near future.
Along with this updates comes a good amount of improvements to previous systems and mechanics. Here is an overview of the changes:
Added the "Race 1" map
Refined the obstacle course game mode, adding a "best time" feature along with some other performance metrics.
Reworked the player select system. Now, instead of players automatically joining select based on how many controllers are plugged in, you have to join player select by pressing the right trigger. This allows you to have however many controllers plugged in but only use the amount needed, and pick any controller to use for single-player if desired.
Added more versatility and optimization to the platform and slammer objects.
Created a new effect for the Invincibility powerup.
Fixed a bug with a couple cosmetics that wouldn't resize properly in certain maps.
Tweaks to the player spawn scripts.
Added an idle timer to the main menu that will let you know you can swap your "primary" controller if you want to control menus.
Fixed a small bug in the secret arena.
Fixed a bug on the "Hot Potato" map that would cause the ball to be stuck out of bounds.
Fixed a bug with steam achievements not activating properly.
Fixed a typo in arena select.
Fixed a layering issue with a couple cosmetics.
Remote Play Fix
Small but necessary patch:
Fixed a bug that would crash the game sometimes during player respawn if playing via Steam Remote Play
Squarena Update: Bug fixes and Improvements
Patch Notes:
Added a manual retry button for the obstacle course "Gauntlet" arena
Added a "Y" button display on player select
Added a new small section to the "Gaunlet" arena
Decreased amount of bouncy balls on "Waterfall" and "Bouncy" arenas
Fixed a bug where the pause menu could show up in player select under certain conditions
Improved transition into secret arena (both visually and technically)
Updated secret portal animation and charging effects
Fixed some minor wall misalignments
Fixed a bug in secret arena that made you unable to jump properly
Fixed a bug with shooting bullets that made them not count towards your match count
1st Anniversary Update & Sale!
I can't believe it's already been a year since Squarena released. When I first started developing Squarena, I felt like I was in over my head. Even so, I continued through all of the problems and bugs that I ran into, and learned a great deal through the process. My main goal with Squarena was and is ultimately to create a game that my friends and family could enjoy together. I'm happy and humbled that I am able to share that with others as well. Thank you to everyone who has purchased, or even taken the time to look at the store page. Hopefully you all enjoy it while I continue to do my best to make Squarena the best party gaming experience possible.
To celebrate, Squarena will be 80% off from 2/27-3/6!
On to the patch notes:
Fix for controller vibration continuing if you held down jump/fly button after the powerup had ended.
Fixed a bug that caused the training dummy to change colors occasionally.
Added a system for more fine-tuned cosmetic additions. Now there is the capability for individual pieces of a skin/cosmetic to be animated, still, or non-rotating as a few examples.
Added a couple new skins utilizing the new system which feature some new effects built into them.
Player object code optimizations.
Increased shield deflect strength. Now deflecting bullets should be a bit more exciting.
Added a shield deflect effect in an effort to make it more noticeable when you have successfully deflected an opponent's bullet.
Added a new shield animation as a small part of a series of visual improvements that I will be adding over the course of the next several updates.
Added a visual "flash" to players when taking damage to help make it more noticeable when you are taking damage, especially in the case of environmental hazards (which tend to sneak up on some players).
Updated the Orbs cosmetic. Now the orbs independently follow the player and remain upright, rather than statically clinging to the player.
Added a new skin for the training dummy.
Adjusted the damage/size ratio so that players don't get quite as small as they used to.
Squarena Update / Winter Sale!
Hello! I'm excited to bring to you a small update with some quality and smoothness improvements!
Fixed room-wrapping mechanic for moving platforms (there used to be a noticeable imperfection with these objects)
Fine-tuned the room-wrapping mechanic for all objects and players. This should improve the general feel and fluidity of gameplay, as well as accuracy of bullets passing through boundaries.
Fixed a potential crash with the save file manager system.
About a week before Halloween, I noticed the program I use for artwork has an issue with exporting files that has been reducing the quality of images by a fair amount. This is more noticeable in certain skins/cosmetics. I had a batch of cosmetics ready to release for Halloween, but the export quality was not acceptable so I have been looking into new programs and setup for artwork. I'm pleased to say I found a couple options and plan to have some new cosmetics released in the near future!
Squarena is currently 50% off for the Steam Winter Sale! Happy Holidays!
