As we're closing in on Owlboy's 10th (!!!) anniversary, we'll be working on a very special update! After 10 years of player feedback, we've decided to implement some quality of life improvements that's been requested for quite some time. Here's what to expect:
- Auto-Aim -
We've read most of the reviews for the game, and one thing is certain - many find the controllers quite finnicky, especially since the game required you to play with two thumbsticks.
That's why we're adding auto-aim - now the game should be completely playable without needing to use a second thumbstick. It also makes the game widely accessible to a larger number of controllers.
Auto-aim can be toggled on/off in the settings menu, along with some highly requested toggles for screenshakes and flashes! And you can still use a second thumbstick for precise aiming like before.
With the new update, you'll now also be able to shoot, attack or pick up objects with the XYZ-keys. Together with the new auto-aiming feature, this should allow you to play the entire game using the keyboard only (controlling Otus with the Arrow-keys)!
Even on a laptop with only a touchpad, the game's completely playable.
- Super Dash -
We've added a new movement ability to Otus' repetoire. Now instead of spamming the roll button when you want to get places fast, you can keep holding the button to go into a Super Dash. Otus will leave a puff of smoke behind him as he propells himself in the direction he's facing.
- Tuned-up Encounters -
We've spent some time flicking away at various encounters, and added additional ways to deal with certain bosses/enemies.
As an example, using Alphonse's Blast can now defeat those pesky Spikeballs, or damage choppers.
We've added several new interactions between gunners and enemies. You can now utilize your gunners in some... interesting ways. Like chucking Geddy into webbed obstacles, or stun a pack of Gawks by throwing Alphonse into the horde!
Geddy being useful!
- Fixing some hang-ups -
We've removed sooo many uneccesary halts to the game. So much time was spent just watching a door close behind you, or waiting for an encounter to start. In the new update, the gameplay flows much better, and we try our best not to rob the controls from you unless absolutely neccessary.
Before / After
- SKIP! -
You can now also skip most of the boss intros or other lengthy scenes by pressing the Left Bumper or F-key on your Keyboard. You can also pause the game and hit 'Skip Cutscene' when available.
- Finding the balance -
We've played through the entire game, looking for unbalanced nuances. We've boosted HP recovery from various fruits, and removed some enemies that were hidden off-screen to only cause frustration - and removing some obstacles, like closing doors during stealth sections.
- What's Next? -
We're going to move back to development on Vikings On Trampolines, but we'll definetly keep an eye out for feedback on the game.
Our inexperience as game designers as we started on Owlboy is apparent in some facets of the game still, but thanks to the thousands of reviews and comments, it's way easier for us to recognize some of the game's flaws.
A million thanks for sharing your thoughts with us - and if you harbour any opinions or pines with the game - now's the time to let us know!
The update launches on Nov 1st - with a full list of changes! We're also putting Owlboy up for a massive discount on this day, so chuck the game on your wishlist if you haven't!
We'll be sharing more Owlboy stuff on our socials in the coming weeks - so feel free to join the party!
All the best ~ The D-Pad Team <3
