Update 0.5.0

Minato's biggest update is here!

It has been a busy few weeks of development, but the 0.5.0 release is finally here with tons of new content.
Before diving in, I would like to announce the upcoming Steam release!

What does this mean for Minato? The plan is to use the version available here on itch as a demo, so it will continue to receive fixes and new mechanics, while the full Steam release will simply include more content. Anyone who donated any amount on itch before this announcement will receive one (or more, depending on the amount) Steam key for the full release once it launches.

With that said, here is an overview of what is new.

C h a n g e l o g

• classes: artifacts are now tied to the class you select at the start of the game (to play on Hard mode you must complete a Standard run first);
• the shop now offers the option to upgrade Artifacts, which will strengthen the artifact effect;
• a short tutorial has been added for Minesweeper newcomers;
• the map has been changed (not necessarily final). It now features only normal stages, one shop, two challenges, and the boss; the world is now divided into 5 floors;
• challenge stages: in these levels you must complete a specific goal to earn a higher reward, otherwise you earn nothing upon completion;
• more than twice the number of items! This also introduces new mechanics that I will leave you to discover;
• items now display their rarity (this attribute already existed but was previously hidden);
• a form to send feedback directly from inside the game. Many of you have shared excellent suggestions, and I want to make it easier to send one or to report a bug;
• added an option to scale the interface (the default is 2x, which is what you already know);
• added an option to disable field animations.

And there are definitely other small tweaks here and there that I probably forgot to mention.

As with every new release, bugs and issues are expected, so please be patient. I will try to fix everything as quickly as possible as always.

W h a t ' s   n e x t ?

The main goal now is to refine what is already in the game. Some balance patches will certainly follow, since I am still not fully satisfied with the current item configuration (rarity, prices, effects, and so on). I also want to make each class feel as defined as possible. The core gameplay obviously can't change, but each class should offer a different level of challenge and a different approach. Another upcoming goal is to add controller support to prepare for the demo release on Steam.

That is all for now, have fun!