Friday, August 16, 2013

Shift in direction

After much consideration and discussion with both the Dread team, various other developers, and my friends / family, I've decided to shelve the isometric version of Dread in favor of finishing the Top-Down. At least, until I can get funds together to be able to put in the time and effort Dread Iso needs. This is not a decision made lightly, and I apologize to all the fans who have been looking forward to an isometric version.

So what have we been doing for the last 2+ months? Rebuilding Dread from the ground up. What does that mean?

  • New engine that is more powerful, efficient, and portable to other operating systems (Mac, Ubuntu, and possibly even mobile platforms).
  • Multi-player (co-op and vs) modes that take full advantage of the engine and level editor. Create your ideal DeathMatch arena, wade through hundreds of enemies with your friends, or play a deadly version of hide and go seek.
  • New graphics that make the old ones look like the slapped together in MSPaint hackjobs that... well... they were.
  • New enemies and NPCs with powerful, customizable AI. Dread is no longer just a run and gunner unless you want it to be.
  • Tons of environmental objects to help bring the world to life.
  • Optional destroyable environments. Including walls.
  • Non-rotational camera option for those of you prone to motion sickness.
  • Completely redesigned level editor that is drastically more intuitive and will allow you to bring your ideas to life faster, easier, and better than ever. 
I've set the Alpha release (which will always be free) deadline for September 15th, 2013. At which point, we'll be firing up a Kickstarter to seek funding to help us complete the game, and give all you guys and gals some awesome bonuses for your suppport!

This is the Dread I wanted it to be, and I can't wait to share it with you!

In the meantime...

Enjoy this fun new level for the existing version 1.3.5a of Dread, called Casa-Mal by Jake Saul.