Dream Pills Devlog #3 – Major Update: Visual Overhaul & Gameplay Enhancements

Date: [10.09.2024]

Hey Dreamers! It’s me, HiddenWare, and I’m thrilled to announce a massive update to Dream Pills. This version marks a huge leap forward for the game, refining visuals, gameplay, and overall experience. Below are the highlights of what’s new in version 0.1.2. Prepare yourselves, because things have changed dramatically!

Shader Overhaul & Visual Improvements

In this update, we’ve introduced a new custom, paid shader that completely transforms the visual aesthetic of Dream Pills. The switch from a free, outdated shader to this new one brings a more refined and eerie PS1-like appearance. This shift is a significant step forward in achieving the visual identity we've been aiming for, giving the game a more polished and terrifying atmosphere.

Engine Upgrade

We’ve upgraded the engine from Unity 2019 to Unity 2022.3.22f1, bringing performance improvements and opening up possibilities for new features. This update enhances compatibility across various devices and ensures smoother gameplay with fewer hiccups.

Gameplay Enhancements

The gameplay has been fine-tuned to provide a more immersive and intuitive experience. Here’s what’s changed:

• Direct Gameplay Guidance: The game now provides clearer hints to help players understand where to go and what to do. These subtle improvements ensure you’re never lost or confused during your nightmare journey.
• Interactive Objects: It’s now easier to identify pickable items—these items will pulsate red when nearby, and a hint will appear when you’re close enough to interact with them.
• Door Hints: We've added hints to indicate whether a door is locked or currently inaccessible, making navigation through the game world less frustrating.

Mouse Sensitivity & FOV Fixes

We’ve resolved issues affecting mouse sensitivity and Field of View (FOV) settings. These features now work consistently across all devices, giving players more control over their experience.

Lighting & Audio Enhancements

• Lighting Updates: We’ve increased and updated light sources throughout the game to improve visibility and reinforce the eerie atmosphere.
• Flashlight Improvement: A minor, yet significant touch—we added a light cookie to the flashlight, providing more realistic and dynamic shadows.
• Sound Effects: New sound effects have been added throughout the game, amplifying the horror experience.
• Echo Zone: An echo zone has been introduced inside the sewers, creating a more immersive and creepy environment.

Events & Triggers

We’ve added several new trigger events throughout the game. These discoveries are designed to keep players on edge and immersed in the unfolding nightmare. Also, a small event has been introduced to keep things fresh and unexpected.

Collider & Screamer Adjustments

We adjusted some of the colliders to ensure smooth interaction with the environment, and screamers have been fine-tuned for better pacing, making each jump scare more impactful.

Minor Fixes

• Fixed several text positions for a cleaner presentation.
• Adjusted door colliders to fix interaction issues.

Looking Ahead

Version 0.1.2 is a huge step in refining the gameplay and bringing us closer to realizing the vision for Dream Pills. I can’t wait for you all to experience the new atmosphere, improved mechanics, and overall polished feel of the game. As always, your feedback is crucial, so keep sharing your thoughts as we move forward together!

Thank you for your continued support and stay tuned for more updates. Until next time, dream on...

— HiddenWare