This update contains some new content and many of the fixes that I mentioned would be coming with v0.4.2a (which I forgot to upload), but here is Malebria Alpha v0.4.3! The highlights are that we have added a weapon selection which gives different ways to play the game, and we have also added a perk system to provide some extra variety to each run. These new systems are still works in progress, so UI changes and bug fixes to these systems will certainly be coming with the next update. There are some other significant changes which are detailed below:

• Made a lot of content changes:
  • Added a hammer attack. It does less damage than the sword but hit stuns enemies longer.
  • Ardere now spawns adds during his boss fight.
  • Added daggers.
  • Added bow and arrow.
  • Added throwing knives.
  • Added rapier.
  • Added a menu in the staging grounds that allows the player to select their weapon.
  • Added perks
    • Combat Archer, Sniper, More Charge and Insta Bow for the Bow
    • Spin Attack, Blunt Force, Hammer Charge, Rage and Crazy for the Hammer
    • Single Combat and Single Target for the Rapier
    • Blink and More Knives for the Throwing Knives
    • Double Swing and Bigger Sword for the sword

• Made balance changes:
  • Changed the spawn system and enemy balance.
    • Waves of enemies have a delay between them to give the player a chance to gather themselves.
    • Enemies within a wave now spawn with a small delay between each enemy appearing.
    • Increased the number of enemies per wave.
    • Greatly reduced the quantity of soul fragments dropped across the board.
  • Removed cost for upgrades within the upgrade room.
• Removed cost for upgrades within the upgrade room.

• Several bug fixes:
  • Fixed bug where the player could purchase the same upgrade over and over again if they left and reentered the merchant menu.
  • Fixed bug where pressing escape didn’t exit a merchant menu.
  • Fixed bug where hp merchant doesn’t subtract hp on first purchase per room.
  • Fixed bug where boss HP is set to zero upon entering the boss room.

In addition to working towards completing v0.5.0 with the third region, we are working on getting art for the various characters and enemies. It's a slow process, so it will be added piecemeal as we come with each new update. At the very least, the characters and enemies should all have idle animations by v0.5.0. I can't be certain when v0.5.0 will come around, but it seems likely to occur before the end of this year (2024). See you all next devlog.