BRDA public beta changelog

These are changes made over the course of the public beta. For the initial DOUBLE ACTION changelog click here: Link

Please continue to give feedback and report issues. Just because I address something once doesn’t mean the question is closed.

1.51 FINAL : 14th November 2024

This is a mixed bag of nice-to-haves, last fixes, and a few things I just felt like doing.

New Achievement
- Awarded on seeing the “final reward” screen at 100% completion rate
Steam Deck Verified status
- This is mostly thanks to changes to the font, options screens and input system
- Note: please use the game’s built-in framerate limiter over the Deck’s functionality if required
Special weapon adjustment
- Arc Caster
  - Arc Caster has received a visual upgrade
  - Arc Caster’s fire interval increased from 0.36s to 0.3s
- (XP-Mode) Volt Cable
  - Volt Cable’s sticky projectile damage now ramps up damage over attached time
- (XP-Mode) Kinetic Orb
  - Collisions now produce particles
Boss adjustment
- ST2 midboss - reduced the intensity of a particular “spiral” attack
- ST5, FUSILLADE - added an initial invulnerability to the side shields
- ST5, FIANCHETTO - increased density of field pattern, adjusted damage resistance
Optimizations
- Global cached bullet animations
  - This should further improve stuttering / garbage collection during very bullet-dense sections like REVOLVER
Tweaks
- Bullet cancel events now force the larger score item sprite
- Bullet cancels now produce more score items for the first few bullets cancelled
  - This should make all bullet cancels look and feel a bit “juicier” – it’s also a small score boost for all levels.
- ST5, REVOLVER - added a special case that allows players to use special and still get PERFECT
- Changed one of the secret completionist unlockables…?
Small features
- Vertical orientations now have some info gadgets
  - Slightly more utilitarian due to space constraints
- Steam player names are now embedded in replay files on download and shown on inspection
- Added an announcer volume slider
- Stage select now has lives/bombs settings
Fixes
- Fixed downloaded replay files failing to save first time
- Fixed incorrect Steam Cloud configuration
- Fixed an awkward visual during LUNA phase 4
- Fixed score item animations not updating during tutorials
- Fixed the Arc Caster being called the wrong thing in stage select
- Fixed a sound bug with paused sounds across runs
- Reset the state of all sounds on starting a new run
- Fixed a long-standing bug in sound management, which should address a long-session sound bug
- Launch options have been fixed on Linux
- Changed Steam distribution on Linux for compatibility with Steam Linux Runtime
- Gadgets are now disabled during gallery screen
- An assortment of last-minute memory usage fixes

1.50f : 30th October 2024

Break Guide
- Re-added the video-based break guide, updated for BRDA
- Works more or less identically to before
XP-Mode adjustment
- The first two shot levels now have a short-range element
- Still usable at long ranges, but the short-range shots help generate more ammo
  - The first two shot levels feel a bit boring because you’re hamstrung by ammo generation.
  - These new shot levels are risky to use at full potential, but should give more ammo if so harnessed.
- Increased per-bullet ammo generation, particularly at lower shot levels
- Spread Blast rework
  - Enemies destroyed by Spread Blast produce more blast explosions
  - Enemy bullets can now be cancelled by Spread Blast
    - You’ll never guess what the bullets are cancelled into
      - That’s right, more explosions
        
        Our weapon scientists have worked tirelessly to make these explosions even weaker and smaller than the standard ones
  - Spread Blast renamed to Cascade Blast
  - Cascade Blast uses a different colour set
  - All XP-Mode weapons are intended to have a weird/overpowered/unconventional feel in certain situations, but this weapon was a little too plain-feeling and weak.
  - This improves consistency against groups and has potential for strange situations.
Bullet pattern adjustment
- Stage 3 boss, pattern 3, WIZARD
  - Increased spacing and bullet velocity of the aim-down sub-pattern, fewer bullets at max ramp-up
  - Removed the bullet acceleration of the aim-down sub-pattern
  - In short: it’s easier and feels less cramped
- There’s a funny interaction between breaks and this type of bullet pattern’s ramp-up… you have to loiter around a lot when the pattern is at max ramp-up.
- It’s kind of an interesting dynamic, but it’s way too much for a pattern in the middle of a stage 3 boss.
Dynamic difficulty adjustment (Normal/Hyper)
- After the first death on a given stage, further deaths now decrease Rank Level by 1
  - Note: first death decreases Rank Level by 2
- After 3 deaths, no rank level decrease on death
- Clearing bullet patterns now adds a small (but significant) fixed amount of rank
  - This rank amount is considerably higher for PERFECT bonuses
- Hyper has access to a lot more lives, but deaths still caused a fairly forgiving rank fall-off.
- This should make it a little harder to just pump lives into a boss and instantly cripple their difficulty.
- Also added another means for the rank to self-correct, particularly during boss battles.
- But, at the end of the day, Hyper is still meant to be not too challenging…
Bomb ammo generation
- The first few bullets cancelled by bombs produce extra ammo
  - To be specific, the first 6 bullets produce 5 ammo each
- In Parallel, you have to rely more on bombs than self-destructs for ammo. But not all enemies fire a huge amount of shots.
- This aims to provide a bit more of a “minimum” ammo generation in all situations.
Fixes
- Fixed an oversight where special weapon disqualified perfect bonuses on XP-Mode
- Fixed the game intro for XP-Mode showing the wrong extend schema
- Sound/music now correctly resume when using the pause menu to resume
- Fixed an issue with the now playing gadget, particularly over long play sessions
- Fixed the mission menu using an incorrect string on the input prompt
Small things
- Added a message to the framerate menu stating leaderboards are only available for 60Hz and 120Hz mode
- Added a 90Hz option to the framerate menu (for fancy-lad steam decks, primarily)
- Added a warning message when viewing a high-framerate replay
- Added a confirmation dialog to replay file deletion
- README file is now properly distributed

1.50e : 16th October 2024

Added a small animation to intermission screen
Fixes
- Fixed sounds not pausing/unpausing correctly, including looping sounds
- Fixed an issue with XP-Mode medals not working
- Fixed an issue with XP-Mode PBs not being saved
- Fixed a nasty entity leak in stage 5, should improve performance
- Optimized some enemy bullet spawn/draw logic
  - Trying to improve hitching / performance in extremely bullet-dense areas like REVOLVER. There’s one last thing to do, but it’s not in this patch.
- Disabled some canvas effects during ship select, should fix the “invisible val-stasis in ship select” problem
- Fixed an issue where viewing endings goes through the highscore/replaysave flow
- Fixed stage 5 best value not being correctly updated in Parallel mode
- Fixed resource gadgets displaying incorrect values during intermission screen
- Changed layout of soundtrack menu
  - Now displays a credits message for the original and double action OST options
- Fixed effect persisting after boss 4 in boss rush mode
- Stage 5 practice should now proceed to TLB in Parallel mode at all times
- Fixed an animation issue in the mission menu
- Hi-score initials should now be embedded in uploaded replays
- Fixed an incorrect glyph in tutorials for Deck/PS controllers
Embedding RNG debug information in new replays in case of desyncs
Improved screen flow for most extras (ie. finish a tutorial, back to the tutorials menu instead of the title screen)
Added a link to the DOUBLE ACTION OST Bandcamp page in Extras

1.50d : 8th October 2024

Online replays have been enabled
- This functionality works like 1.11 did. You can download replays from the leaderboards, and play them back on your own device
  - Known issue: Replay saving seems to not work the first time, but saving it twice works
- As a small improvement, you can now submit to leaderboards without saving a replay first
- Note: This should now work cross-platform. Replays made on other framerates will “force” that framerate during playback
  - Known issue: Watching a 120Hz replay on some 60Hz devices will result in lowered game speed, particularly with VSync on
- Note: I will endeavour to fix bugs to do with this feature, but I won’t be further improving on this in terms of experience or functionality.
Added a simple telegraph to the punch in OVERTIME
- The player has enough to keep track of during this pattern, so helping them a little here is probably sensible.
- I suppose it looks weird that nothing else is telegraphed like this, but then again, not many enemies are trying to punch you in the mouth.
Altered MARTINET, last boss pattern 5
- After pattern is active for 25s, the giant bullets start taking damage and relaying it to the boss
- This pattern is intended to have an element of frustration and attrition, but this makes it a bit more consistent in length across shot types.
- Hold on for as long as it takes to get it done.
Increased ammo consumption of Fractal Salvo to 12 (was 10)
- Salvo’s “free refills” perk was changed last-minute before 1.50a, and the original balance didn’t really account for all that free ammo.
Adjusted extend scheme
- Hyper: 5,000,000 and every 15,000,000 (was 5,000,000 and every 20,000,000)
- Parallel: 40m, 80m, 120m (was 50m, 100m, 150m)
- Every 20,000,000 was a little too demanding for Hyper, and took a stage 5 high-scoring pace somewhat for granted.
- Lower extend threshold for Parallel should better free up that life to be used for scoring resources in stage 5, for the high rollers.
SCRAP ATTACK mission
- Enemies draw on a higher layer, no longer occluded by scoring items
- Enemies turn red as the “heat” level increases
- Death pattern aims at the player more
- Changed the balance of the “heat” variable, increases faster, decreases faster
- Special weapon lowers heat generation
- Increased health of blue junk
- Increased sealing distance
- This mission is intended to have a bit of a puzzle gimmick, but once you figure out how it works, it still felt like getting lucky.
- It wasn’t actually meant to be super-hard, just an experiment.
X-WEAPON 1 mission
- The special weapon now counts as a special weapon for scoring
- Focusing increases the recharge speed
- Removed FRDB on the special weapon
- Increased special weapon damage
- Increased par score to 10,000,000
- With the way the weapon works, this mission can become a bit of an introduction to the “zero flourish” trick…
SQUIB BATTLE mission
- Now generates score for bombing (less than ZANGYOU)
- Destroying the orb generates some special ammo
  - This amount is decreased every time the orb is destroyed
  - This amount is increased every time a phase is cleared
- Increased par score to 22,000,000
- Scoring strategy…? pick a phase and milk it for points with bombs. Avoid using bombs on other phases for pattern bonuses.
- Special weapon is great at keeping the orb under control but it will disqualify pattern bonuses. As above, pick when to use it.
Classic ruleset changes
- Removed the extra 2 bombs and full ammo refill on Parallel death in classic ruleset
- Increased score item collection radius to 0-240 (Double Action: constant 120)
- Score item attract speed constantly increases (Double Action: only increases once attraction starts)
VRAM usage improvements
- Improved VRAM usage of certain filters when not in use
Small fixes
- Fixed filters on proportionate/insane scaling
- Fixed filters on Mac OS devices
- Fixed filter thumbnails on unlock screen
- Fixed FLOURISH achievement
- Fixed incorrect character portrait in Lightning Round 2
Basics tutorial now has inline controller icons for tutorial messages
Steam Deck input icons
Initial setup on Steam Deck disables gadgets
- Can be enabled again, this is just a default value
- Basically, we’re chasing the Steam Deck Verified checkmark. Wish us luck!
- Added a warning message that this feature is intended for large displays

1.50c : 2nd October 2024

Japanese localization has been updated!
- Not 100% yet
- This will receive tweaks over the rest of the beta
Classic ruleset option
- This option tweaks some balance factors to be more like 1.11
- Classic ruleset will not change the new stage/bullet pattern stuff
- Note: This will never play exactly like v1.11. I did not plan ahead for a feature like this. If you want that old version in its exact form, it will be available as a beta branch on Steam (similar on itch.io and humble, if possible) when we finish the BRDA beta.
- Classic ruleset has its own leaderboards, and is saved in replay files
- Classic ruleset has no effect in XP-Mode or missions
- Check the bottom of this changelog for exactly what classic ruleset changes
Balance/difficulty/sound pass on new missions
- BREAKTHROUGH
  - Mission time reduced to 60s
  - Enemy health/spawn rate ramps up faster, with a slightly lower maximum
  - Lowered par score to 500,000
- ZANGYOU
  - Added missing sound effects
  - Tuned down difficulty in a few places, particularly BRUXISM
  - Adjusted damage resistance on RUPTURE
- JUNK ATTACK
  - “Heat” value that determines death pattern intensity drops faster and slightly self-regulates
- SQUIB BATTLE
  - Added missing sound effects
  - Toned down difficulty in some patterns
Added an early-game extend on Normal and Hyper
- Achieved at 5,000,000 points
- This was in 1.11 as an early-game scoring target. I hadn’t considered that rookie players probably rely on this.
- I may make further changes to the extend scheme, which currently is particularly score-demanding on Hyper.
XP-Mode now has a unique ending
- A fairly simple sequence with not much lore or story (or text to translate!)
XP-Mode changes
- Spread Blast now has improved coverage and damage output
- Clearing patterns gives some bomb energy
  - In this mode it’s easy to feel helpless early in a boss with no bomb.
  - A partial guaranteed bomb top-up should help players keep going.
Damage flash frequency option
- Options are: 1/2 (Default), 1/3, 1/4 and 0
- This feature is intended for video creators having trouble with the damage strobing
- Note: This is a quick hack and does not apply to all flashing effects or instances of damage flashing
Leaderboard screen now has a sub-menu for leaderboards
- This type of thing is likely to continue changing. I don’t like this but it’s basically functional for now.
More VRAM improvements
- Fixed a few duplicate asset loads
- Removed an inordinately large explosion sprite
- Optimized gallery thumbnails
- Will continue to look at this
- Please continue to report all random “could not decode PNG image” crashes with the VRAM usage given
Fixed odd fire formation on Fractal Salvo
- Note: This weapon has a slightly odd, janky way to do the “zero flourish” trick.
- Basically, you want to have fired all your rockets before they destroy anything, so you actually want to use this weapon at range for that purpose.
- I enjoy the push-and-pull of this, so I’m not going to change it.
Fixed FRDB ammo consumption on Stasis Field
Resized all gallery thumbnails, making them look better while improving VRAM usage
Fixed music room menu layout
Removed the ability to get the score milestone achievements in XP-Mode
Fixed some small bugs, crashes, oddities and oversights
- Input prompt icons don’t appear when bound to gamepad axes
- Fixed crash in stage select menu under certain circumstances
- Fixed crash-out when dying in scoring tutorial
- Fixed wrong music on leaving the music room
- Fixed break bonus popup not appearing in scoring tutorial
- Fixed scoring tutorial ending before an extend is acquired
- Fixed the mysterious disappearance of the music gadget
- Renamed “difficulty” to “mode” in stage select
All classic ruleset changes:
- 6s bomb invulnerability
- Shot types do significantly more damage
- Weapon perks disabled
- 1.11 extend schema
- 1.11 flourish mechanics, layman’s summary of differences:
  - Flourish extension is always 0.084s (DA ruleset: 0.1s - 0.02s)
  - Starting flourish sets chain timer to 4s (DA: 3s)
  - Destroying an enemy in flourish mode sets max chain timer to 2s for that flourish (DA: this doesn’t happen)

1.50b : 27th September 2024

Changed time dilation system (slowdown)
- Now only triggers on boss / mid-boss bullet cancel events
- Effect has a consistent length
- Amount of bullets cancelled affects intensity of effect
- Messing with the player speed during intense moments was very strange.
- Therefore, only triggering on bullet cancels gives those moments a bit more “wow” during moments where consistent player control isn’t super-important.
- I’m going to tweak this (and bullet cancels in general) further to have a better impact, but hopefully now it doesn’t get in the way.
Small enemy pattern adjustment
- Stage 5 “big bomber” enemy, lowered bullet density at high rank
- This particular enemy was balanced around the time dilation effect, and has therefore been changed.
- Note: Some of the new mission content is also balanced around this system, and will receive adjustment soon.
Mae-Cluster tweaks
- Slightly improved ammo efficiency, experimenting with a scoring utility perk.
- Mae-Cluster :- Reduced ammo cost (was 5, now 4)
- Mae-Cluster perk :- Longer flourish extension (always 0.12s, no falloff)
Score items are auto-collected after a boss is destroyed
- Increased time between boss destroy and stage clear on stage 2 to give more time for collecting items
Bomb damage fix
- Bombs did 5x the damage they did in 1.11
- This was unintentional. :(
- Changed to a more rational 2x which is what was intended
- Also removed damage reduction on bosses
Taking a hit in XP-Mode now refills bomb energy
Deployed 64-bit build of the game on Windows
Improvements to VRAM usage
- Unlock screen
- Stage 4
- Forced garbage collection on scene switch
- Added a custom error handler with VRAM output
Fixed midboss 3 checkpoint putting the player in a no-enemy chillout zone
- Also, added “Descent” checkpoint for practicing the reversed-scrolling section
Fixed Mae-Laser ammo consumption FRDB
- FRDB is “framerate dependent behaviour” – get ready to see this acronym a lot! I certainly have!
Removed “seen tlb” requirement for practicing the TLB
Fixed weapon sound effects playing during device select
Fixed music glitches re: pause/unpause and mission menu transition
Fixed crash during HIGH EXPLOSIVE mission
Sound pass for ST5/lastboss, added some missing sounds
Fixed Parallel game intro showing the wrong extend schema
Fixed the incorrect input prompt on the mission select screen
Fixed the strange flickering background when using custom bullet colors
Fixed 1-up item not displaying the correct sprite for Val and Dee
Extend gadget now shows the correct icon for Val and Dee
The player animation now better represents the hitbox, particularly when moving left and right
- This has been a problem since like v0.1 demo… wow.
Changed the way debug hitboxes are drawn to be less ambiguous
- Note: because of sub-pixel ambiguity, these are only rough guides and are not pinpoint accurate.

Known issues

This particular list is mostly technical / bug-oriented. I will fix as many of these as I can. Design/tuning questions are a bit more open.

FR/RU localizations are not updated yet
Val’s options may be wiggled by the player in device select screen (won’t fix)