- Patch 0.9.5.5 - 1 March 2018
In this patch, we're experimenting with new patterns for added garbage lines to help increase the pace of the game. They're intended to be a bit harder to clear than before, but with more blocks to clear in them to increase the overall number of lines sent in a game. The result is an increase in effectiveness for horizontal explosions, which rewards skill. Game System Changes New patterns for added lines. UI Improvements New indicator that shows where your board height will be after line adds, or your current board height if there's no lines to add. Bug Fixes Misc. animation bug fixes
- Patch 0.9.5.5 - 1 March 2018
In this patch, we're experimenting with new patterns for added garbage lines to help increase the pace of the game. They're intended to be a bit harder to clear than before, but with more blocks to clear in them to increase the overall number of lines sent in a game. The result is an increase in effectiveness for horizontal explosions, which rewards skill. Game System Changes New patterns for added lines. UI Improvements New indicator that shows where your board height will be after line adds, or your current board height if there's no lines to add. Bug Fixes Misc. animation bug fixes
- Patch 0.9.5.4 - More AI updates - 1 February 2018
Similar to last week's patch, this is a minor update with improvements to the AI of the rest of the cast, some UI improvements and bug fixes. We've also added a feature to display each character's move list by pausing the game or by a new 'show moves' button. While it's set by default for new players, returning players will need to assign the button manually in Options. Going forward, we plan to continue to release minor updates and fixes as we focus on finishing up the rest of the game. Game System Changes Improved AI for Pone, Leon, Harland, Luna, and Rafael UI Improvements Players can now access the Move List when pausing the game, and by the 'show moves' button while in-game. Note that the button will need to be manually assigned for returning players. Bug Fixes Versus Mode - players were unable to cancel out of their selection in the Character Select Screen.
- Patch 0.9.5.4 - More AI updates - 1 February 2018
Similar to last week's patch, this is a minor update with improvements to the AI of the rest of the cast, some UI improvements and bug fixes. We've also added a feature to display each character's move list by pausing the game or by a new 'show moves' button. While it's set by default for new players, returning players will need to assign the button manually in Options. Going forward, we plan to continue to release minor updates and fixes as we focus on finishing up the rest of the game. Game System Changes Improved AI for Pone, Leon, Harland, Luna, and Rafael UI Improvements Players can now access the Move List when pausing the game, and by the 'show moves' button while in-game. Note that the button will need to be manually assigned for returning players. Bug Fixes Versus Mode - players were unable to cancel out of their selection in the Character Select Screen.
- Patch 0.9.5.3 - AI Updates - 23 January 2018
Greetings! This is a minor update to the AI for Story mode. In short, we've made Easy mode AI easier, and Master mode AI to be harder. Game System Changes Decreased difficulty for Easy mode Increased difficulty for Master mode Improved AI for Tsubaki, Joseph, and Setter Z Bug Fixes Fixed a bug where completing a match on certain systems causes the game to freeze.
- Patch 0.9.5.3 - AI Updates - 23 January 2018
Greetings! This is a minor update to the AI for Story mode. In short, we've made Easy mode AI easier, and Master mode AI to be harder. Game System Changes Decreased difficulty for Easy mode Increased difficulty for Master mode Improved AI for Tsubaki, Joseph, and Setter Z Bug Fixes Fixed a bug where completing a match on certain systems causes the game to freeze.
- Patch 0.9.5.0 - 8 January 2018
In order to lessen the mental load on players, shape difficulty has been toned down. In exchange, we've introduced a new type of block, which in essence, is a "double block". These blocks need to be cleared twice, but maintains the same color once the first stage is cleared. The "brick-blocks" have also been changed as the clearing mechanics for those are a little too confusing, again adding to the complexity problem. Of course, these are radical changes so look forward to some balance changes in the next few patches. Game System Changes A new block type that requires clearing twice has been added, dubbed the "double block" Play Pieces now occasionally spawn with double blocks Panic mode increases the rate of double block spawns Brick blocks only require clearing once by proximity now, as opposed to twice. As such, it also falls naturally without staying stuck We've added difficulty set…
- Patch 0.9.5.0 - 8 January 2018
In order to lessen the mental load on players, shape difficulty has been toned down. In exchange, we've introduced a new type of block, which in essence, is a "double block". These blocks need to be cleared twice, but maintains the same color once the first stage is cleared. The "brick-blocks" have also been changed as the clearing mechanics for those are a little too confusing, again adding to the complexity problem. Of course, these are radical changes so look forward to some balance changes in the next few patches. Game System Changes A new block type that requires clearing twice has been added, dubbed the "double block" Play Pieces now occasionally spawn with double blocks Panic mode increases the rate of double block spawns Brick blocks only require clearing once by proximity now, as opposed to twice. As such, it also falls naturally without staying stuck We've added difficulty set…
- The State of Spaera 2017 - 28 December 2017
Hello Everyone! We'd like to discuss the current state and direction of Spaera as we prepare for a 1.0 Release candidate. Ever since we moved away from the Tetris style gameplay, the journey has been filled with ups and downs. We know we have something unique, but we can't, in good faith, release the game as it is. The game's current system doesn't feel completely correct or intuitive. After another stretch of testing and feedback, we think we've identified some key problems and features missing from the game. One of the hot topics in the Spaera Discord channel is the concept of chain setups. We went through many iterations to see if this was a core mechanic that we could have in Spaera since it is quite fun in other puzzle games, but couldn't really achieve any reasonable form of it with the current system. The problem, we think, stems from complexity and randomness. The current iterat…
- The State of Spaera 2017 - 28 December 2017
Hello Everyone! We'd like to discuss the current state and direction of Spaera as we prepare for a 1.0 Release candidate. Ever since we moved away from the Tetris style gameplay, the journey has been filled with ups and downs. We know we have something unique, but we can't, in good faith, release the game as it is. The game's current system doesn't feel completely correct or intuitive. After another stretch of testing and feedback, we think we've identified some key problems and features missing from the game. One of the hot topics in the Spaera Discord channel is the concept of chain setups. We went through many iterations to see if this was a core mechanic that we could have in Spaera since it is quite fun in other puzzle games, but couldn't really achieve any reasonable form of it with the current system. The problem, we think, stems from complexity and randomness. The current iterat…
- Christmas Colors Patch 0.9.4.4 - 5 December 2017
Based on the feedback and testing from our Discord channel, we are increasing the number of colors in blocks back from 3 to 4. This change should help increase the viability of chain setups by reducing the chance of accidental clears. This version was first made available to our experimental game build, which can be accessed in the Steam Properties page of Spaera. Moving forward, we will be making changes quickly on the experimental build to get feedback. If you would like to be a part of this process, please join the Discord and have some discourse! Game System Changes There are now four potential block colors that can show up in pieces. Bug Fixes Fixed misc. bugs that were causing crashes. Fixed personal leaderboards not displaying records properly UI Update Updated the UI for Online Mode selection to match Story Mode UI.
- Christmas Colors Patch 0.9.4.4 - 5 December 2017
Based on the feedback and testing from our Discord channel, we are increasing the number of colors in blocks back from 3 to 4. This change should help increase the viability of chain setups by reducing the chance of accidental clears. This version was first made available to our experimental game build, which can be accessed in the Steam Properties page of Spaera. Moving forward, we will be making changes quickly on the experimental build to get feedback. If you would like to be a part of this process, please join the Discord and have some discourse! Game System Changes There are now four potential block colors that can show up in pieces. Bug Fixes Fixed misc. bugs that were causing crashes. Fixed personal leaderboards not displaying records properly UI Update Updated the UI for Online Mode selection to match Story Mode UI.
- Tutorial and Pacing Patch - 0.9.4.3 - 25 October 2017
We are introducing a tutorial mode that goes over the very basics of the game with this patch. While this probably won't be very useful for most of you who are reading this and are already experts at the game, this hopefully will help ease new players into the game. The mode is currently located under Story mode if you wish to check it out, and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback! As for a more advanced tutorial, that is something we hope to work on at a later date. Game System Changes One of the feedbacks we've been receiving lately is that the Chain Multiplier mechanic feels more like a distraction and the game would be better off without it. When we added the Chain Multiplier, it was done in hopes to change large clear setup playstyle from high risk low rewards, to at least high risk high rewards. In Spaera, setups are innately high risk due to the potential threat of opponents' abi…
- Tutorial and Pacing Patch - 0.9.4.3 - 25 October 2017
We are introducing a tutorial mode that goes over the very basics of the game with this patch. While this probably won't be very useful for most of you who are reading this and are already experts at the game, this hopefully will help ease new players into the game. The mode is currently located under Story mode if you wish to check it out, and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback! As for a more advanced tutorial, that is something we hope to work on at a later date. Game System Changes One of the feedbacks we've been receiving lately is that the Chain Multiplier mechanic feels more like a distraction and the game would be better off without it. When we added the Chain Multiplier, it was done in hopes to change large clear setup playstyle from high risk low rewards, to at least high risk high rewards. In Spaera, setups are innately high risk due to the potential threat of opponents' abi…
- Patch 0.9.4.2 - 26 September 2017
In this patch, we are exploring certain system changes to increase the pace of the game, and the frequency of magic abilities used. We have been busy restructuring our server architecture to improve stability and better prepare us for upcoming features. While there is still a good amount of work left, we are working towards enabling private match lobbies to support more than 2 players, and spectator mode. Game System Changes Increased frequency of pieces containing magic orbs Changed board to start with 6 rows of garbage blocks Panic Mode multiplier is now 1.5x when in Panic Mode. Bug Fixes Fixed a bug that was causing certain assets to display in lower resolutions than intended. Fixed misc animation glitches. Previous Patch Notes Since we somehow managed to post the previous patch notes on every place except on Steam, here's the missing patch notes for 0.9.4.0: Hello All! Today's patch…
- Patch 0.9.4.2 - 26 September 2017
In this patch, we are exploring certain system changes to increase the pace of the game, and the frequency of magic abilities used. We have been busy restructuring our server architecture to improve stability and better prepare us for upcoming features. While there is still a good amount of work left, we are working towards enabling private match lobbies to support more than 2 players, and spectator mode. Game System Changes Increased frequency of pieces containing magic orbs Changed board to start with 6 rows of garbage blocks Panic Mode multiplier is now 1.5x when in Panic Mode. Bug Fixes Fixed a bug that was causing certain assets to display in lower resolutions than intended. Fixed misc animation glitches. Previous Patch Notes Since we somehow managed to post the previous patch notes on every place except on Steam, here's the missing patch notes for 0.9.4.0: Hello All! Today's patch…
- Scheduled Maintenance - 25 September 2017
We will be performing scheduled maintenance at 6 pm PDT today. Servers are expected to be down for a few hours as we upgrade them. Online mode will be inaccessible during this time.
- Scheduled Maintenance - 25 September 2017
We will be performing scheduled maintenance at 6 pm PDT today. Servers are expected to be down for a few hours as we upgrade them. Online mode will be inaccessible during this time.
- Leon Patch 0.9.3.4 - 26 July 2017
Today we are re-introducing the 8th playable character for the initial version of Spaera, Leon. As many of you might recognize him from our initial Beta, Leon has been placed on the sidelines since the huge system change last year. With the game system finally stabilizing with perhaps a few tweaks left, we'd like to push out the current iteration of Leon for you to try. Leon retains his counterpunch style of play, but now with a bit more offense. His Level 4, Thrust of 9000+, has been his signature move, and we made it a focus to keep it as faithful as possible. His level 3, Kogoro Stance, has been replaced with an Offense move, Slash Slash. Slash Slash adds two slashes of bricks to the opponent's board. Leon's Spells Slothy Guard Stance For each of the next 2 pieces, stops up to 5 lines from being added to your board. Swift My Sword Removes the top 3 lines of your board. Slash Slash Ad…
- Leon Patch 0.9.3.4 - 26 July 2017
Today we are re-introducing the 8th playable character for the initial version of Spaera, Leon. As many of you might recognize him from our initial Beta, Leon has been placed on the sidelines since the huge system change last year. With the game system finally stabilizing with perhaps a few tweaks left, we'd like to push out the current iteration of Leon for you to try. Leon retains his counterpunch style of play, but now with a bit more offense. His Level 4, Thrust of 9000+, has been his signature move, and we made it a focus to keep it as faithful as possible. His level 3, Kogoro Stance, has been replaced with an Offense move, Slash Slash. Slash Slash adds two slashes of bricks to the opponent's board. Leon's Spells Slothy Guard Stance For each of the next 2 pieces, stops up to 5 lines from being added to your board. Swift My Sword Removes the top 3 lines of your board. Slash Slash Ad…
