Welcome, drifters! Alpha Demo #2 was successfully released on June 27th, 2021, and even received an update on July 2nd, 2021! If you haven’t already played the demo, check it out here! I should immediately disclose that this particular demo does not have dedicated Mac support, despite a claim I made in the May 2021 Update. I still plan to honor that claim, but for the time being, Windows support is the sole priority.

Alpha Demo #2 Retrospective

Overall, I’m pleased with the gameplay available in Alpha Demo #2, despite cutting some content. I’d like to briefly address these missing elements, not in an effort to make excuses but rather to contextualize upcoming plans.

No Gamepad Support

I chose to spend the time necessary to establish robust support for gamepads in improving the keyboard and mouse controls. Even with that pivot, I still feel there is plenty of room for growth for even that configuration. For Alpha Demo #3, I have deliberately set aside time to not only add gamepad support but also revisit keyboard and mouse controls!

No Barroom Tutorial

For those who played Alpha Demo #1 and/or read the June 2021 Update, the barroom scenario is perhaps the most glaring absence. A tutorial was to be integrated into this segment, but the desired UI elements and techniques had not yet reached a satisfactory level of completion. Although this is an admittedly disappointing omission, it is a poignant reminder that I do not intend on rushing out any feature. With that being said, look forward to duking it out in the Grandline Town Barroom in Alpha Demo #3!

Alpha Demo #3

Drifter Dynasty will see its next major demo release on September 3rd. The next demo release will aim to feature all of the cut content outlined above, in addition to the following.

Melee Combo System

Much earlier in the project, I began work on melee combos in Drifter Dynasty‘s combat. I never gave up on the idea, but I did table it until I could fully commit within the frame of the ever-evolving combat mechanics. Well, I’m ecstatic to report that the time has arrived for the triumphant return of melee combos! The jab, cross, and uppercut punch are still present, but the hook has been replaced by a block. This repertoire still fits within the simplicity of direct mapping to the face buttons found on most gamepads. Look forward to experiencing the thrill of trading blows with your enemies in real-time!

SFX

While the music in Alpha Demo #2 is fantastic, sound effects (SFX) are missing from the overall soundscape. I did not want to approach these short tracks with minimal effort, so the sound team decided to prioritize the longer-form background musical tracks prior to the second demo’s release. As we wrap on this music, we’ll transition in full earnest to SFX. This modularity will allow us to isolate SFX before adapting it to enhance the overall aural quality of Drifter Dynasty!

I also have a number of features that I’m currently planning that I can’t wait to share with you! For the most up to date development progress updates, check out the project’s Twitter. Until then, stay well and drift on!