PuzzGrid v0.1.1 Release

PuzzGrid is back on development!

In this update, PuzzGrid has gone under a complete rework.

Faster Updated Gameplay

During the rework, I've realized that the old version's gameplay is quite slow. To accommodate the fast-paced style of the game, a new mechanic has been added: "Quick Clear".

Usually, when the player made a match, you have to wait 2 seconds before the panels are cleared. Quick Clear allows the player to skip Clearing Time, increasing the game speed for experienced player. This change in core mechanics can hopefully create a dynamic between fast-scorer and big-scorer. If you don't want to use Quick Clear, you can toggle it off in the newly updated Option menu.

The overall gameplay is now faster and the player now have a full 2 seconds to move panels after cascading. This is due to a change in match checking algorithm. Unfortunately, as part of this rework, smooth panel animation is removed.

Changes on Game Modes

Blitz mode remains mainly the same. Move Management mode is now called "Strategy" mode and the move limit decreases from 250 to 100.

The biggest change in this version is the improved Extend mode. This mode is now level-based. Clear panels to fill up the progress bar before it drains to 0. When the progress bar is full, you advance to the next level. The higher your level is, the faster the bar drains. But you also score higher based on your level.

Other Additions/Changes/Removal

In-game graphics has been changed. A first few sound effects are added. Particle effects are added as a quality-of-life. More post-production effects might be added later. (You can change sound effects volume and toggle particle effects in the Options menu.)

The Main Menu screen has been reworked though the appearance might change through updates.

Added in-game How to Play page which is accessible through Main Menu.

Bonus scores are removed from the game since it doesn't add to any game elements. 

Score popups are temporary removed. There's a chance of it coming back.

What to expect on new updates?

We're working on 2 additional game modes: Garbage mode and Challenge mode. This might take a long time. We'll notify you through a DevLog in the future. As for the in-depth information of these new modes, it will be released later on.

Also, we will add more quality-of-life improvements on each updates too. Such as, new soundtracks and effects. More in-game background effects might be added later on too.

Finally, we're hoping to implement an Online Multiplayer function in the future too. But the probability at this stage is very slim. It may come after the game finalized at version 1.0.

I really hope you enjoy my game. See you in future updates!

hdd.mtm, NCPR Studio