Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
First, we would like to thank everyone for their interest in the upcoming Bless Unleashed PC Final Test happening from May 12th - May 16th (PDT) / May 13th - May 17th (CEST).

Today, we’ll be visually diving into the main update topics that users can experience during the Final Test.

Keep on reading to check out the updates below!

Moreover, please note that anyone can participate in the upcoming Final Test through the Steam Playtest function, so please head on over to the Final Test participation guide for further details.

[Bless Unleashed PC Final Test Participation Guide]

Let’s get started!


“Enhanced Combat Through the Updated Skill System”

The development team is constantly working to provide a more unique and dynamic combat experience depending on the skills of each class and blessings, while providing a fundamental change in the combat system.

As mentioned in the previous posts, through this update, each blessing will have a unique combat mechanism, and character operation will differ based on the equipped blessings. Moreover, skills can be acquired through character level regardless of blessings. Users can expect an updated combat system through the diverse combination of skills and combos.


Updated Blessings

The updated blessings will each have unique buffs that can be strengthened as the level increases.






Experience a smoother combat flow even after using dodge!

Through this update, the combo phase will not break even when using dodge in the midst of a combo. This change will be applied equally to specific skills, and we believe users will be able to experience an even smoother combat flow than before.


[Crusader - Combo / Dodge / Skill Combination]



“Further Improved UI/UX for PC Optimization”


1) Control Improvements

Because Bless Unleashed PC was developed based on a console service, we felt a need to further improve the operational convenience to be better suited for PC users using the keyboard and mouse.

For example, users previously had to use both the keyboard and mouse when navigating through the menu. Through this update, the menu has been improved so that the majority of operation can be done with just the mouse. We plan to further improve PC optimization by allowing more operations to be done with the use of the mouse.


[Improved mouse utilization in the store UI - switch windows using the mouse]



In addition, the Hold (long press) operation has been further improved. We recognized that using the mouse for the Hold operation was extremely inconvenient in the PC environment, and although it is difficult to delete the Hold operation entirely, we are working to improve this operation in the following ways.

[Shortened duration of the Hold button / Addition of the Hold button description]


2) UI/UX Improvements

We are also constantly working to improve the UI/UX. For example, a translucent map function will be added so users can easily check the map while on the go. Furthermore, although previously it was difficult to check the tooltip when the icons were overlaid on the world map, this issue has been improved by the addition of a new button as shown below.

[World Map Icons]


 

[Translucent Map]




Moreover, please refer to the following for more details on various updates.
* UI that allows users to quickly and easily check the various effects applied to the character
* Addition of communication devices
Various communication systems will be provided to enable accurate communication during urgent combat situations
* Addition of an emoticon system
* Modified the issue of missing certain messages through the display of too many messages in the chat window
Addition of a chat custom function that allows users to select and view only the contents they choose to see
* View shortcut keys through the F8 button
* Addition of a HUD hide function
F7 shortcut key
* Addition of a screenshot function
F9 shortcut key


[Emoticons]







 

“New Field Elite Monsters and Bosses”

1) Emergence of Twisted Bosses!

Through this update, Twisted Field Bosses that are similar in appearance to the regular Bosses but have stronger and different patterns have been added. Additional effects such as debuff and area damage are added making the Bosses much more difficult to defeat as well as summoning minions to create a confusing combat experience.
These Twisted Bosses appear with a very low probability in the same location as the regular Field Bosses, and if not cleared for a certain period of time, disappear with the reappearance of the existing Bosses. Clear these Bosses to receive even better rewards!
Please refer to the images and GIFs below to see the upcoming Twisted Field Bosses users can meet during the Final Test.


 

[Harpy Queen]

[Twisted Harpy Queen]






 

[Twisted Harpy Queen Combat Scene]







 

[Bashal]

[Twisted Bashal]




 

[Twisted Bashal Combat Scene]




 

[Grasslands Giant]

[Twisted Grasslands Giant]




 

[Twisted Grasslands Giant Combat Scene]



 
2) Field Elite Monsters

Like the presence of the powerful Twisted Field Bosses, existing Elite Monsters have also been updated with special attack patterns and stronger powers. These Field Elite Monsters with various attack patterns will create a more dynamic and fun combat experience. In addition, we believe that the combination of the updated skills and combos will create an even better synergy during combat.


 
“Updated Dungeon and Matching System”

1) Dungeon Multi Matching System
It’s finally here! For faster matching, users can now queue up for many dungeons simultaneously. We believe that through this multi matching system, users will be able to experience diverse dungeon contents quicker and easier.

[Dungeon Multi Matching System UI]



“Other Upcoming Changes”

1) Improvement of the Lock-on Function
The lock-on function has been improved so that users can play with a more convenient viewpoint than before.

Before #1. Problems approaching after locking on a large monster

 

[Before] 

[After]





 

Before #2. Rapid camera change according to the movement of the lock-on target

 

[Before]

[After]





After observing these inconveniences, the lock-on function has been improved so the camera is more stable during the movement of the lock-on target.

Users can check out this improved lock-on function during the Final Test and undergo a better combat experience.



We hope you enjoyed today’s post!
Please note that these are just a few of the many changes and improvements to come, and you can directly experience these changes during the Final Test from May 12th - May 16th (PDT) / May 13th - May 17th (CEST).

Lastly, make sure to check out the previous posts on these improvements if you haven’t already.


Big Changes to Come, Bless Unleashed: Awakened
Bless Unleashed: Awakened #1 Combat
Bless Unleashed: Awakened #2 UI/UX & System
Bless Unleashed: Awakened #3 Content


[Official Community Channels]
Oficcual Homepage : http://blessunleashedpc.com/
Discord : https://discord.gg/round8studio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/round8studio/
Twitch : https://www.twitch.tv/blessunleashedpc
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/round8studio


Thank you.
Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
Bless Unleashed PC's Final Beta Test
will be held on May 12th - May 16th (PDT), May 13th - May 17th (CEST), and is open for everyone to participate through the official website and Steam platform. The purpose of this test is to perform a final test of all the features in Bless Unleashed before the official launch.

We will be performing final checks on various parts of the game such as UI/UX, combat, and content that were improved through feedback received from the previous CBT. Functions of the in-game Lumena Shop will also be checked to make sure that it works normally on PC.

To allow players to test and experience the in-game Lumena Shop, we will be giving out free Lumena during the Final Test period only. Future announcements will be made regarding the details of the Final Test Lumena Shop test.

Check the details below for the participation guide and schedule.
Changes from the Bless Unleashed PC: Awakened update will also be implemented, so please look forward to the Final Test.

[Bless Unleashed PC Final Test Participation Guide]
  • Schedule: May 12th - May 16th (PDT), May 13th - May 17th (CEST)
  • Platform: Steam, Official Website
  • How to Participate
Everyone who registers through Steam Playtest or the official website can participate in the Final Test

Steam

Official Platform
All Steam Keys distributed during the Stress Test and CBT have been revoked as of March 25.


[Bless Unleashed PC : Awakened Updates]


[Official Channels]
Official Website: http://blessunleashedpc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/round8studio/
Discord: https://discord.gg/round8studio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/round8studio
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/round8studio

Thank you and see you in the game!

May 9, 2021
DreamScapes Dimensions - DS3D
1) Reverted recent code changes that disabled the login button incorrectly
2) Added 'fog of war' to dungeon crawls
3) Added a larger map view to help navigate dungeon crawls
Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
* Final Test Schedule : May 12th - May 16th (PDT), May 13th - May 17th (CEST)
* Anyone who selects “Bless Unleashed - Beta Test” from their Steam Library can participate in the Final Test.



1. How to participate
Go to the Bless Unleashed Steam store via the link below, and click “Request Access” under “Add to your wishlist” to request participate.
Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1254120/Bless_Unleashed/


2. How to confirm your request
You will receive an email from Steam once you have been granted access to the Playtest.
You can also view your request status through the button on the store page.


3. Participate and run the client
If you are participating in the Final Test through the Steam Playtest, a separate Playtest app will be added to your Library. After installing the app, please join the Final Test as according to the schedule that will be announced in April. Once the Final Test period begins, select "Bless Unleashed - Beta Test" from your Library to install then run the game.



[Official Channels]
Official Website: http://blessunleashedpc.com/
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1254120/Bless_Unleashed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/round8studio/
Discord: https://discord.gg/round8studio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/round8studio
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/round8studio
Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
* Final Test Schedule : May 12th - May 16th (PDT), May 13th - May 17th (CET)
* Anyone who registered on the official website can participate in the Final Test.


1. How to participate

  1. Go to the official website via the link below and register to participate.
  2. Log in to the official website and download the client during the pre-download period. The pre-download schedule will be announced soon.

2. Participate and run the client
If you downloaded the client during the pre-download period, run the installed game icon.

[Official Channels]

Official Website: http://blessunleashedpc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/round8studio/
Discord: https://discord.gg/round8studio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/round8studio
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/round8studio
Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
We’re back again!

Today, we will be introducing the third update topic: “Field and Dungeon Content”.

These two pieces of content have constantly been refined since the first CBT including re-positioning quest targets and recently adding a new dungeon/battlefield matching system, as well as reinforcing the power of elite monsters.

Keep on reading to check out the upcoming changes.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New NPC’s in the Field & Reinforced Elite Monsters

1) New Characters

Ranging from low to high levels, new characters will be added!

These characters will often appear while users follow the field’s storyline, depending on their interests and stories.

Small citizens who steadfastly chase powerful enemies, explorers who are caught up in all kinds of accidents but never lose their humor, and delightful geek wizards will appear to help users on their adventures!

In addition, a mysterious existence that has taught visionary combat skills over the years will appear in front of users in the future.

Some characters will test users so they can grow, while others will be the other way around where users will see the character’s grow. No matter what kind of character users meet, they will learn the secrets of the Bless World and advance once more.

Thus, users will be able to meet these characters while exploring the world of Bless and experience change as well as growth.


2) A Smoother Quest Flow

The development team felt the need to refine the quest flow and movement of users completing the quests through the last CBT.

Accordingly, we have refined quests that were inconvenient to the existing quest lines so that the episode quest does not interfere with the user following the main quest.


In addition, we reviewed the main quests with a high dropout rate and reinforced them as follows.
  • Strengthened path guidance
  • Improved mobility
  • Improved quest difficulty

We will continue to improve the quality of quests in consideration of user experience. Our goal is to have a strong and interesting unique main quest line that carries users from level 1 to the cap. These changes will help this become a reality.


3) Stolen Legacy Episode Quests

In the Kannus Mountains, there lies Haratata the Mountain King, an ancient veiled creature. Users will be offering sacrifices to Haratata, to help the descendants of Herbati, a traditional tribe living in the Kannus Mountains.

Dig into the secrets of Haratata’s long-time helper to the Herbati tribe and beyond! We’re excited to see what players think of this new side quest line.


4) Elite Monster Enhancements

A dimensional rift created after the opening of the Nightspire. Daidans who want to stir up chaos in this world are letting their power flow through this rift. This power has been brought together by powerful monsters containing great chaos, making them even more stronger than before.

Not only did the Daidans let their power flow, but they also blessed the most powerful beings among themselves. Although the attempt is not always successful due to the small gap of the dimensional rift, some elite monsters are intermittently blessed by Daidans and appear with more threatening energy.

The heart of the field boss is where the seed of this blessing is planted.

This seed, which feeds on anger, will sprout after a certain period of time, making field bosses berserk, and becoming more powerful while threatening players.


Dungeon & Battlefield

5) Dungeon and Battlefield Multi-Matching System

We realized many users want to go on multiple adventures and explore the open world of Bless Unleashed.

Thus, we would like to deliver good news to users who have spent a lot of time waiting for other users with the same goal and intentions.

Our user’s time is extremely precious to us as well. To help users focus on the world of Bless Unleashed, meet more friends, and go on adventures comfortably and quickly, users can now simultaneously apply for matching in multiple dungeons and battlefields.

Basically, users can now queue up for many dungeons and battlefields, and enter the first one that pops up.


6) Adjustment of Dungeon Difficulty

There are many dungeons in the world of Bless. In the process of creating, unexpected monsters are born.

Through various experiences, we realized some dungeons are neglected, and some dungeons are highlighted. As time passed, we made more various attempts to provide dungeons that could challenge high-end users, resulting in some duo challenges becoming more difficult than 5-player dungeons.

Therefore, the development team realized the need to adjust the difficulty level.

In order to reduce the difference in difficulty between dungeons of the same grade and clarify the difficulty difference by grade, we revised the balance and adjusted the means and number of resurrection within the dungeon.

Although it may be difficult to achieve our goals all at once, we will consistently continue to adjust the difficulty in this direction in the future.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are additional plans for quests and dungeons in the future, and the development team thought it would be more significant for many users to experience these in time for the official launch.

Thus, we plan to continuously review user progress and feedback, not only to improve convenience, but also to upgrade the story of Bless Unleashed between the field and the dungeon, and to continue strengthening PVE, the merit of MMORPG field content.

Please note that more details about these update topics will be shared in the near future.

Thank you.


[Official Channels]
Tales Of Glory - unityraptor
Hey all,

Based on feedback from Discord community, i've created an option you can activate ingame to switch to realistic 2H weapon handling. The option is available in option menu

Action handling (default) : 2H weapon is mainly driven by main hand. it's less forgiving on second hand position

Realistic handling : More suitable for HEMA practitioners. Both hands have equals influence on weapon handling. It's more realistic but less forgiving

You can also switch ingame between 2 modes using + & - on keyboard

Jay
Bless Unleashed Playtest - sihoback
Today, we will be introducing the second update topic in regards to the “UI/UX and System”.

Many users have been extremely curious in regards to UI/UX updates so we believe this will be an intriguing post.

Make sure to check out the previous posts about the future development direction of Bless Unleashed as well as the first update topic, combat, below.

[[url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/1254120/allnews/#scrollTop=0]Big Changes to Come, Bless Unleashed: Awakened[/url]]
[[url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/1254120/announcements/detail/3020199127159427413]Bless Unleashed: Awakened #1 Combat[/url]]

Keep on reading to check out how the UI/UX is planning to change!


UI/UX Enhancements For Upgraded PC Optimization

The Round8 development team is working extremely hard to provide various conveniences in terms of Bless Unleashed PC’s gameplay environment.

This is a result of the difference between a console and PC platform, and includes addition and improvement of features that may be helpful for game play that have not been considered before. With these improvements, we expect users who have previously experienced the game as well as first time users to be able to play in a more comfortable PC environment.


1) Operation Improvements

Since Bless Unleashed PC is built on the basis of a console service, many components are geared towards operating using a gamepad.

Through several development discussions and tests, we realized that a simple conversion was not enough to provide sufficient operational convenience, and are currently improving many aspects so users who enjoy games using the keyboard and mouse can enjoy the game in a more comfortable manner.

The inconvenience of having to use both the keyboard and mouse when navigating through the system menu has been improved so that the majority of operation can be done with just the mouse, and the use of the mouse cursor can be more intuitive.


Ex) In the previous CBT, users had to switch windows using a separate keyboard button in order to check their bag status in the store UI. In this update, improvements have been made so that users can easily switch windows with a simple mouse click.



※ Draft under development.


The convenience of the Hold (a long press) operation is also being improved.

Previously, the Hold operation was used to prevent mistakes or the need to make important decisions, and there were no specific inconveniences when operating with a gamepad. However, in the PC environment, we recognized that it is particularly inconvenient to operate Hold using the mouse.

Although it is difficult to completely delete the Hold operation itself, improvements are being made in the following directions.

1. Review deleting operations that do not require Hold
2. Adjust time reduction if Hold time is set to be unnecessarily long
3. Strengthen the expression for easier distinction between pressing once and operating Hold


Representatively, when purchasing items in the store, the Hold operation was necessary. However, this has been modified to be possible without having to Hold!


※ Draft under development.


Although these changes may not seem large, users will be able to feel the improvements more naturally when directly playing the game.


2) UI Improvements

This upcoming Bless Unleashed PC update is not just a mere improvement to better fit the PC platform. In order to make the game more convenient, we are conducting various important changes that haven’t been made before in the live service.

A representative change is that the number of quests that can be simultaneously shown in the quest list on the right side of the screen will be increased. This was one of the main feedback given by users, so we expect it to be a huge boost to the convenience of game play.

In addition, a semi-transparent map function will be added so users can conveniently check the map while navigating through the game. Moreover, although previously it was difficult to check the tooltip when the icons were overlaid on the world map, there will be improvements such as adding a button to help facilitate this.


※ Draft under development.


In relation, a UI that allows the user to quickly and easily check the various effects being applied to the character is under further development.

Communication devices will also be added!

We believe that convenience functions for communication are necessary to stimulate exciting action combat play. Therefore, an emoticon system will be added to increase the expression of emotions in a quick manner. By preparing various emoticons, users will be able to communicate quickly without having to use the chat.


※ Draft under development.

Moreover, we realize that when various texts are displayed in the chat window, it is difficult to see a specific message that the user wants. This has been improved so users can avoid viewing contents they do not want to necessarily see by adding a chat custom function that allows them to select and view only the contents they choose to see.



The Round8 development team understands the importance of controls and UI and are consistently working to better improve the game so users can have a satisfied gaming experience.

We hope you enjoyed this post and hope to see you in the next Bless Unleashed PC update news coming in the following week.


Thank you.
May 9, 2021
Dungeons of Voidria - Toblue
Hey everyone!

Here are the patch notes for v0.83.

Thanks for playing and take care!
Toblue

-----

Patch notes v0.83

- Keeper Rooms: Special challenge rooms with a "Keeper" enemy in the centre. Defeating this enemy spawns a choice of rewards. Currently, Keeper enemies are normal enemies but with more health. New AI and skillset for Keeper enemies will be added in the future
- Skill Exhausting: Clicking and holding a skill will now Exhausted it, queuing it with an empowered effect. Exhausted skills are placed on a 3 turn cooldown (Unlocked when you've completed 2+ runs to floor 2)
- New Exhaust effects for 50 skills, the rest will be added soon
- Item Rework: Most items now have single effects. Initially, items had multiple effects to give players more choice as to when to use items. However, it seems that having too many options actually made them more of a hassle to remember and utilise effectively. This rework is preparation for a future item system overhaul and crafting system!

- Skill Pedestal will always give an attack skill on the first floor
- Slate sprites are now colour-coded for easier recognition
- Minor improvements to Use Skill animations
- Improved Combine Skill UI sequence
- Changed Font
- Added percentage display for some statuses
- Most skill, trinket and spell detail texts are colour-coded
- Improved Skill Details text box
- Improved Skill Details wording
- Damage Counters now reset after using item
- Defend now gives 50% Fortified, up from 30%
- Status: Fragile damage is buffed to 18% (basic enemies)/10% (bosses), up from 15%/8%
- Minor Skill balancing

- Fixed bug with "number of runs completed" not saving
- Fixed bug with status icon not display hover tooltip
- Fixed bug with Deflect
- Fixed bug with Weakened effects on enemy expiring 1 turn earlier than intended

<3



Empyrion - Galactic Survival - Taelyn
Hello Galactic Survivalists!

When we made our first announcement we said that version 1.5 will focus on code work.

One of these code-heavy topics we are working on is artificial intelligence. Today we want to give you a little insight on what is going on with that.

The main goals of the introduction of the new ground AI creatures in version 1.5 is as follows:

● Introduction of a new set of AI vs AI interactions. This starts with predator AI hunting prey AI to feed. Or scavengers AI looking for corps to eat. In this way the player will have the new ability to not be at center of the action but also to observe action around him. This will let some new survival strategy arise.

● Some new states are added to the creature like the hunger, the thirst or the ability to hide. This will bring some slightly more sophisticated behavior that will create a more immersive environment.

● Overall some more complex behavior of creatures have been developed to bring some more unique action for each creature that will challenge the player in some new and unexpected way.



The following four, already existing creatures will mark the start of our efforts in terms of improving AI but also make the worlds of Empyrion even more immersive!.

Alien Insects
The Alien Insects now have territorial behavior and will defend their chosen edible plants within their territory that is an area of about a radius of 30m. The behavior has also a new hunger state that will make the creatures eat their favorite plants whenever they are hungry.



Parasaur
A hunger state and a thirst state have been added to the creature. This will imply that the Parasaur will have a hunger and a thirst that will increase over time. Whenever the creature reaches a hunger and thirst threshold it will go to eat his favorite plants or will go to drink nearby water. During the night the Parasaurs will hide in the grass to spend the night and avoid the predators.



Raptor
The new version of the Raptor AI will have some new abilities like scavenging corpses, hunting AI prey, stalking the player and hiding to ambush him.



Alien Bug Group
This mixed group of bugs will show a behavior of the mother bug creature spawning some guard bugs around her and firing at some distance. The guard bugs are aggressive and go for some melee attacks to any intruder.

These four updated AI creatures will be available with version 1.5.

We are looking forward to your suggestions and thoughts right below in the comments.

Have a great sunday! Read you soon.
Empyrion Dev Team

PS: we will announce the start date and details about the upcoming Experimental version early next week.
...