We just released our newest update to the Echoes of the Stars Early Alpha Demo with over 30 changes, fixes, and additions.This marks the second itch.io release for the demo branch. We really focused on core systems and combat improvements based on your feedback. Here are some of the new and exciting things to check out in this build:

New Additions:

1. Brand new animation trees for Eldric and Rin, including idle variants, transition frames, and more.
   
2. Weapons are now equippable, and you get a few pre-equipped.
   
3. Weapon stats and attack videos added.
   
4. Added in haptic feedback for controllers.
   
5. Hit impacts and hit sparks have been added to make the combat more weighty.
   
6. Added some tips.
   
7. Added in zone title intro cutscenes.
   
8. New pop-up icon for when you cannot enter a door.
   
9. Some additional zone particles.
   

Updates:

1. All attacks have had their individual timings tweaked, instead of a universal timing.
   
2. Enemy cast graphics have been improved and updated.
   
3. Adjustments to camera shake to improve the dynamism of combat.
   
4. Another balance pass, specifically on enemies' HP and factoring in weapon damage.
   
5. Enemy “puddles” have improved real-time VFX.
   
6. Rafts now move slightly faster.
   
7. Eldric's attacks now use physics-based movement, improving the reliability and interactions with the world.
   
8. “Line” based telegraphs have had their layering and animations improved.
   
9. The Intro to the Sewers and the Intro to the Castle cutscenes have had additional animations added to them, as well as being re-timed.
   
10. General combat tweaking leading to a better “combat feel”.
    

Bug Fixes:

1. Resolved an issue where enemies could “hit flash” right away without being hit.
   
2. Doors are no longer able to be used during combat, preventing accidental triggers when trying to attack.
   
3. Layering on telegraphs is now properly behind characters.
   
4. Can no longer go out of bounds by attacking on edges.
   
5. Attacks won't repeat due to a maximum rotation going beyond the total number of equipped attacks.
   
6. Fixed an issue where dialogue voice clips could re-trigger on scene entrance.
   
7. Can no longer immediately cast teleport with Eldric, causing non-stop teleporting to nowhere.
   
8. Fixed an untargetable enemy in Sewers Section 4.
   
9. AI has been slightly improved on rafts.
   
10. Fixed a graphical seam issue in the Sewers.
    
11. Greatly improved pop-in from culled objects in the foreground.
    
12. Fixed an issue where enemy stats could be miscalculated, resulting in some enemies being easier than intended.
    

We've also got some new screenshots, capsules, and more. Be sure to check those out! As always thanks for playing!