Hello everyone!

Welcome to the very first devlog for Head Hunter, a roguelike platformer that's been in the making for over five years. It’s been a long and winding journey, with lots of breaks and bursts of inspiration, and today I'm thrilled to share some major updates and milestones reached recently.

What's New in Head Hunter?

Procedurally Generated Levels

One of the most significant updates is the addition of procedurally generated levels. This means that each playthrough will be unique, offering new challenges and experiences every time you dive into the game. No two runs will ever be the same, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Player Movement

The core of any platformer is its movement, and I've put a lot of effort into making it feel just right. Here's what you can do:

- Run and Jump: Basic movement mechanics that form the foundation.

- Wall Jumps: Scale vertical spaces with ease.

- Double Jumps: Gain extra height and reach new areas.

- Charge Jumps: Build up power to launch yourself further.

Enemies

A variety of enemies have been added to keep you on your toes:

- Snail: Slow but steady, a passive enemy to introduce combat.

- Drone: Flies and shoots, requiring precise timing to defeat.

- Bat: Attack state still in development.

- Laser Enemy: Fires deadly beams, adding a new layer of danger.

- Splode: Drops eggs that explode on contact, creating hazardous situations.

- Sentinel: A tough, armored enemy that produced deadly shockwaves.

Biomes and Unique Encounters

Progress through doors to enter new biomes, each with its own unique enemy encounters. This not only diversifies the gameplay but also keeps you intrigued about what lies ahead.

Procedurally Generated Spikes

Watch out for spikes! They are now procedurally generated, adding an unpredictable element to your runs.

Minimap

To help you navigate and find doors more easily, a minimap has been integrated. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference in finding your way around.

Loot and Leveling Up

Enemies now drop gold and experience. Collect these to level up and grow stronger:

- Health and Level Ups: Improve your survivability and abilities as you progress.

- Death and Retry: If you fall, you can always try again. Persistence is key!

Quality of Life Features

- Pausing: Need a break? Pause the game and take a moment.

- Tutorial: A basic tutorial to help new players get started.

- Placeholder Sounds: For attacks and jumping, providing immediate feedback on your actions.

Starting Village

The game begins in a village where you’ll meet other playable characters. These characters can eventually be unlocked as you progress, adding more variety and replayability.

Area Names

Every time you enter a new area, its name will be displayed, adding to the immersion and helping you keep track of your journey.

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That's it for this devlog! I’m incredibly excited about the progress with Head Hunter and can’t wait to share more updates with you. Thank you for your support and for joining me on this development journey. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy hunting!

- Matt