Hello friends,

ENDLESS BLUE version 2.1 is now available to download! This update brings a few notable changes including a revamped options menu, improved 'modern' (non-tank) controls, and a bunch of other tweaks and fixes. Read on for the full run-down as well as some thoughts on the future of ENDLESS BLUE. Please let me know in the comments if you encounter any bugs or issues while playing!

REVAMPED OPTIONS MENU

The old options menu was a bit of a cluttered mess, as it was cobbled together shortly after the release of the original game jam version (the very first release had no options at all - whoops). The new options menu is more streamlined, and more crucially, now works with controller, keyboard and mouse (as opposed to the old version which only responded to mouse input). While the 'modern' alternative movement controls have been in the game since forever, activating them was a bit cryptic, so I'm hoping this new option will be more obvious to people who don't like tank controls. I've also added a new option to change button prompts from keyboard to Xbox controller buttons.

IMPROVED 'MODERN' MOVEMENT

Speaking of the alternative movement controls, since I rarely ever tested the game using them, turns out there were a few buggy aspects to playing the game that way. Firstly, the game reverted to tank controls on each new level or reloading from death, which is no longer the case. Secondly, the auto-aim didn't seem to work at all with them - also fixed. There's still some weirdness to how the 'modern' controls work overall, but for people who can't deal with tank controls, it's definitely more playable now.

REWORKED HINT SYSTEM

(Spoilers ahead) For those who have played the DISC 2 section of the demo - the 'hand' puzzle in this area has been a bit of a miss on my part, as I think most people end up solving the puzzle without understanding why the solution is what it is. Part of the issue I think is that the 'hint' previously provided is only one piece to the overall puzzle, so people don't realize they are supposed to use environmental clues in the area to deduce the rest. With the new reworked hint system, if you have not found the environmental clue you will see a "You have not found this hint yet" message. For players who have found both hints, I think the solution to the puzzle will seem much more obvious and clear.

BOSS FIGHT CLARITY

(The spoilers continue) Speaking of cryptic game design - it's been very surprising to me how many people don't realize the boss fight is actually a boss fight - I've actually seen people quit out of frustration at this point. Now, while cryptic moments like this were pretty much the norm in the late 90's, I do think providing some more clarity here couldn't hurt. So, for starters, the boss now has a more visible hit reaction to getting shot - I've also slightly increased the volume of the pain grunts it makes when taking damage. And in case someone is still confused, trying to open the doors in this area will give you a message that should make it abundantly clear that yes, this is indeed a boss fight!

OTHER TWEAKS AND IMPROVEMENTS

- Reina (the player character) now has a hit reaction animation on taking damage
- Auto-aim prioritizes the closest enemy
- Running is no longer canceled out by the reload animation ending
- The quick turn animation is now slower (but still quick!)
- Misc. fixes to less notable visual glitches, inventory issues, and probably some other stuff I've forgotten about

THE FUTURE OF ENDLESS BLUE

Once again, a big thanks to everyone who has played the demo, left a comment or rating, streamed or made a video on the game. Every little bit helps to raise awareness, so it is appreciated! What's next for ENDLESS BLUE? Well truthfully, while I am not done with the game (and presuming this update doesn't have any major issues), I will be taking a break from development to focus on some other projects (including another game project...). I hope people don't feel that I've misled them into thinking a 'full release' is imminent or even guaranteed to happen at all - so let me know if the language on the game's description needs to be more clear that this is still a prototype. Just to be clear, I am not canceling or ending development of ENDLESS BLUE, but the next big update, whatever that may entail, may be a ways off. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding.

Once again, please let me know in the comments if you encounter any bugs or issues while playing!