Underworld Ascendant - May Update

In this update Otherside Entertainment write about the reaction to the Pre-Alpha gameplay demo of Underworld Ascendant.

It's been great seeing the reactions to this latest prototype build - especially comments from folks who weren't so sure about the game's new "Authored Look," but are on-board now that they've seen it up-close and in action.

It's always nerve-wracking having your work go out to the public. As developers, we're so close to the project that sometimes we can't be completely objective. That's one of the reasons we've decided to be so open with the development progress. Your feedback has greatly helped us to refine the game as we roll forward. Many thanks!

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A few questions/comments from the forums:

"The constant head bob is annoying." - nodezsh

Yep. Tim's already fixed the headbobbing. (Technically, it's still there... just slowed down by a factor of 1000.) It's worth noting that movement in general will be a work-in-progress for some time. Since it's the spine of any first-person game, it takes a lot of tinkering to get just right.

"It still feels like I would prefer some way to target my spells." - Jenuall

Non-targeted spells are in there on-purpose right now. We plan on having another rune modifier for spells, one of which would be targeting. The idea is that a novice is tapping into the great power of spellcasting and doesn't yet have the skill to correctly harness the power. They can cast the spell, but it is still a bit 'wild.'

Later on, if the player puts skill into casting, they become more and more refined and controllable. It's like learning how to do anything... At first, you might be able to throw a ball. With practice, you can hit a target with it.

"I was disappointed that hurling a pile of crates at the strong skeleton using the move air spell didn't knock it off the ledge... or even slow it down at all. Also that throwing swords did nothing." -Vanyelxp5

This is one of the features that didn't make it in. Yes, thrown objects will do damage. Thrown swords might become a skill. (Think "Long Distance Sword Impale of Awesome.")

Some more general responses to common observations...

"Collision/getting hung up on objects"

That will be fixed soon. Stealth also wasn't supported. (Though 'crouch makes you invisible' might be in the build.)