Update 4.1

Here’s the link to play it: https://triganov.itch.io/thunder-force-heaven

The upcoming Version 5.0 I’m planning to release is very ambitious because it will introduce a top-down level (in the style of Thunder Force II). It will also include another new level with completely free-movement gameplay. 
But before adding new features, I felt it was important to consolidate what already exists. And it definitely needed it.

This Version 4.1 focuses mainly on improving the backgrounds and cutscenes. I think the story I’m telling through my game is interesting (yes, I like to give myself some credit from time to time). However, cutscenes were seriously lacking life—they just showed characters talking to each other.

Plus, the backgrounds in the levels also felt static and missed a sense of animation.

Here’s a list of the most significant changes:

1. The font

The most important change is updating the font. The old font, Aldo The Apache, was very stylish—it reminded me of the fonts used in arcade machines. However, it only displayed uppercase letters, which made reading difficult—especially since my game features dialogues that can last several minutes.

The old version

The new version. Easier to read, isn't it :) ?

2. New background for the city of Slyana

Ansimuz released an updated version of their asset, Cyberpunk-Street-Files. This new version fits perfectly with the vibe of the capital city of the planet Slyana. And since I’ve mastered animated backgrounds since Version 3.5, I decided to animate Slyana’s cityscape by triggering a blackout right after a bombing. I think it adds a nice touch.

This old background was already great...

...but this version rocks so much !!

3. Add a Spaceport

Previously, we only saw the player’s ship approaching Slyana and requesting access from the planet’s AI. Now, there’s a proper spaceport serving as the location for handling the landing procedure.

Nothing in background, juste the player ship and the planet...

Now, there is a big spaceport :)

4. The cave in Level 1

I’ve added a dimming effect as you progress deeper into the cave. This adds some tension as the boss arrives, leaving you in near-total darkness (though you can definitely hear the boss approaching!).

5. More battle in high Slyana 

In the cutscenes after Slyana’s city, we learn that the high-business district was placed under quarantine to organize betting fights. In these deadly games, Slyana’s upper-class citizens fight to the death, pledging loyalty to the Emperor they’re willing to die for. To reflect this atmosphere in the cutscene, I’ve added background elements like ships battling each other during the dialogues.

And, of course, there are a lot of fixes with this version ^^.

When the next big Update (5.0) ?

I don’t think I’ll release a new version before the 5.0 update. But then again, never say never.

As a reminder, here are the new features I plan to include in Version 5.0:

• Since FireLeo2 is used in Lelighter's campaign, I’ll add a top-down level (similar to Thunder Force II).
• The UI will adapt depending on the selected campaign, reflecting the specific ship being controlled. This is to pay homage to each of the three Thunder Force episodes.
• Levels 1 and 2, along with their associated cutscenes, are currently in 320x200 resolution. I’ll upgrade them to 640x400 (this might take some time).
• Add a new level to Marshall Triganov's campaign: Planet Amond.
• Include additional cutscenes to further narrate the unfolding adventures.