Jolt: Fully Charged And A Brand New Way to Play! - Development Update #2
Hello, Resistance Soldiers! It's Darkera Studios reporting in with a new update, brought to you straight from the communication channels Professor Ohm would rather keep hidden.
You might have noticed after a series of streams and interviews on our social media that Jolt has started to take a new approach regarding some of the additional content; shield abilities that last after picking them up, new power ups sprinkled throughout the game, and so on. If you have guessed that the game was getting some fine tuning, you guessed correctly!
During the development of Jolt: Fully Charged, several ideas were thrown at the game but few made the final cut due to trying to make our September 2018 release date. In addition to the cut content being rereviewed, we also took some time to examine the game after launch and listen to the feedback provided by players. After a lengthy discussion, we decided to add some new mechanics to further spice up the Jolt experience going forward, taking the useful criticism we've received from players to provide a gaming experience that serves to be both more rewarding and more original.
But enough fancy PR flavortext, how about we show off some of these new mechanics?
You might have noticed after a series of streams and interviews on our social media that Jolt has started to take a new approach regarding some of the additional content; shield abilities that last after picking them up, new power ups sprinkled throughout the game, and so on. If you have guessed that the game was getting some fine tuning, you guessed correctly!
During the development of Jolt: Fully Charged, several ideas were thrown at the game but few made the final cut due to trying to make our September 2018 release date. In addition to the cut content being rereviewed, we also took some time to examine the game after launch and listen to the feedback provided by players. After a lengthy discussion, we decided to add some new mechanics to further spice up the Jolt experience going forward, taking the useful criticism we've received from players to provide a gaming experience that serves to be both more rewarding and more original.
But enough fancy PR flavortext, how about we show off some of these new mechanics?
The Power Matrix System
You might have noticed that the Head's Up Display has an entirely new section that showcases the player's currently equipped shield as well as a small meter located above it. This is the new and improved 'Power Matrix' system. Whenever a character obtains an ability shield, the power meter is filled and the power matrix shifts to whatever the currently equipped shield ability is. Once the shield is depleted, the player's power matrix still retains the ability energy and can be expended to utilize some of the benefits from the shield's abilities. For example, playing as Jolt allows him to change direction when dashing with the Arc Shield. Should the Arc Shield be busted (probably after a loving embrace with a set of wall spikes), Jolt can continue to change his direction while dashing by expending energy from his power matrix. Should Jolt's power meter empty, he will return to his pre-shielded state. But that's not all that we added, the player can now store up to two abilities within their power matrix, and swap between them using the C key. This we feel will allow players to mix and match their abilities to suit their platforming styles as they race to the end to save the day. To further compliment this new system, we've added another hidden powerup the player can hunt for: The Power Core. Similar to the Batteries found in every Act 2 of each stage, Power Cores are found in Act 1 and serves to increase the maximum amount of energy the player can store in their Power Matrix. These might be handy to hunt, after all some abilities take up a lot of energy to use! |
A New Enemy
Joule's story runs concurrently with the main story of Jolt: Fully Charged, leaving for some curious repeat encounters with Ohm in the alpha builds of the mode. After some careful consideration, we decided to mix things up by having Joule encounter a rival character who acts as her primary antagonist in trying to destroy the Calamity Contraption. Meet Vector, Ohm's Chief Commander and special forces smart-mouth. He and his soldiers will be impeding the player's progress as they try and catch up with Ohm and his mysterious electric rival while trying to prepare for the aftermath of Ohm's maniacal plan. Be careful though, Vector's no slouch, and will use is kenetic blade to slice through your bullets to get to you. Do you have what it takes to stop Vector and his team from completing Project Starlight? |
That's about it as far as updates go, and we thank you all for your support!
Stay tuned for more as we dive deeper into the new levels and boss battles awaiting in this new chapter of Jolt's development!
Stay tuned for more as we dive deeper into the new levels and boss battles awaiting in this new chapter of Jolt's development!
Jolt: Fully Charged Version 1.2 (Joule Expansion) - Development Update
Hello, automato-er... Resistance Soldiers!
Our winter hiatus is finally coming to an end and we here at Darkera Studios are getting back into the process of game development. Now, those of you following our social media accounts might have noticed that we have been sharing screenshots and discussing the possibility of an upcoming mode in which the champion of the resistance, Joule, will be made a playable character with her own unique campaign. We originally slated the mode to be released in early spring, however we unfortunately must delay that to early summer/late spring due to the sheer scale of the project.
Joule mode, unlike the other Extra Modes, includes new art assets, new bosses, new sounds, Joule-unique levels, and new music. Because of this, we want to make sure we fine-tune the game (and the update) in a way that can satisfy its place as our final hurrah for Jolt: Fully Charged. However, don't fret, we have plenty planned for the Jolt: Fully Charged series, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned as we work on the new update.
But enough of the boring news, let's talk about some of the fun things that await players within the upcoming finale to our first indie game!
Our winter hiatus is finally coming to an end and we here at Darkera Studios are getting back into the process of game development. Now, those of you following our social media accounts might have noticed that we have been sharing screenshots and discussing the possibility of an upcoming mode in which the champion of the resistance, Joule, will be made a playable character with her own unique campaign. We originally slated the mode to be released in early spring, however we unfortunately must delay that to early summer/late spring due to the sheer scale of the project.
Joule mode, unlike the other Extra Modes, includes new art assets, new bosses, new sounds, Joule-unique levels, and new music. Because of this, we want to make sure we fine-tune the game (and the update) in a way that can satisfy its place as our final hurrah for Jolt: Fully Charged. However, don't fret, we have plenty planned for the Jolt: Fully Charged series, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned as we work on the new update.
But enough of the boring news, let's talk about some of the fun things that await players within the upcoming finale to our first indie game!
New Music and Levels
Our musician, Everett Fischer, has been hard at work providing new tunes as we work on version 1.2. Each tune is set to the theme and design of each of Joule's unique stages. Below is a screenshot and music piece used for Ramjet Range, one of the sets of levels unique to Joule.
Our musician, Everett Fischer, has been hard at work providing new tunes as we work on version 1.2. Each tune is set to the theme and design of each of Joule's unique stages. Below is a screenshot and music piece used for Ramjet Range, one of the sets of levels unique to Joule.
New Foes and New Allies
Playing through Joule's story means that you'll be following the events of the game from her perspective, These puts you at odds with not just Professor Ohm's automatons, but also our titular hero on a quest to save the world. In addition to facing more of Ohm's perilous contraptions, you'll have to face off against Jolt too (complete with his own battle theme)!
Playing through Joule's story means that you'll be following the events of the game from her perspective, These puts you at odds with not just Professor Ohm's automatons, but also our titular hero on a quest to save the world. In addition to facing more of Ohm's perilous contraptions, you'll have to face off against Jolt too (complete with his own battle theme)!
Dash and Smash or Dash and Blast
Joule’s main gameplay gimmick is the ability to shift between two modes of play; run-n-gun and run-and-dash. Let’s talk about her run-n-gun feature for now, as its her most recognizable modes of play.
One of her most notable features is the ability to not only shoot enemies (and bosses) while in this mode, but change projectiles based on what shield she has equipped. Some projectiles have different damage outputs, or different effects that can help progressing through a level relatively easier. There’s a new bullet-type for each shield, so keep an eye out!
Joule’s main gameplay gimmick is the ability to shift between two modes of play; run-n-gun and run-and-dash. Let’s talk about her run-n-gun feature for now, as its her most recognizable modes of play.
One of her most notable features is the ability to not only shoot enemies (and bosses) while in this mode, but change projectiles based on what shield she has equipped. Some projectiles have different damage outputs, or different effects that can help progressing through a level relatively easier. There’s a new bullet-type for each shield, so keep an eye out!
That's about it for this news update!
Thank you to everyone for supporting us and we look forward to releasing Joule Mode as soon as possible!
Thank you to everyone for supporting us and we look forward to releasing Joule Mode as soon as possible!
Jolt: Fully Charged Version 1.1 Out Now!
Hello, automatons!
After a long, but productive hiatus, we’re eager to announce the next version of Jolt: Fully Charged!
Need a break on your quest to stop calamity? We’ve got you covered! Jolt: Fully Charged Version 1.1 has a new menu, bug fixes, and most importantly, THREE save files perfect for seeing all the game has to offer.
Check it out here: https://darkera-studios.itch.io/jolt-fully-charged
After a long, but productive hiatus, we’re eager to announce the next version of Jolt: Fully Charged!
Need a break on your quest to stop calamity? We’ve got you covered! Jolt: Fully Charged Version 1.1 has a new menu, bug fixes, and most importantly, THREE save files perfect for seeing all the game has to offer.
Check it out here: https://darkera-studios.itch.io/jolt-fully-charged
Jolt: Fully Charged is getting an upgrade!
Hello, automatons! We at Darkera Studios have some interesting news to share about Jolt: Fully Charged's development!
After releasing Jolt: Fully Charged earlier in September, it was brought to our attention that there are still unresolved issues in the game that drastically reduce the quality of the product we have provided. Furthermore, the absence of a save feature, while intentional, serves to only frustrate both the player and potential streamers who wish to play through our game. These are things that we feel need to be fixed to best provide the experience we were hoping for with our game. Fortunately, we're working on it! Very soon, we're releasing Jolt: Fully Charged V 1.1! In addition to bug fixes, we're looking at adding a save system and more so that players will be able to pick up and put down the game at their own leisure, as well as enjoy the game for all it has to offer. |
Make Your Escape! Jolt: Fully Charged is available now!
It's been a long and arduous journey, automatons, but the wait is finally over!
Jolt: Fully Charged is available now! You can download the game through our providers in the games tab, and save the world from Professor Ohm's tyranny! We'll have more news to come, but today we want to thank each and every one of you who helped spread the word of this project and who are helping get the news out that Jolt's being released! Thank you all so much! |
Save the world from calamity when Jolt: Fully Charged launches September 22nd! + Pre-Launch Stream to come the 16th!
The time has come, automatons! Jolt: Fully Charged is coming out September 22nd on Itch.io. Play story mode and experience a journey with heroes Jolt and Cycle to stop professor Ohm, or go it alone in retromode for a blast-from-the-past style of gaming.
To celebrate, the staff of Darkera Studios are planning a pre-launch stream showcasing the game and some of its modes. The stream is to go live Sunday, September 16th. Come check it out with us! |
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