As the third and final major update to the series in our build up the launch of Reikon later this year
This wasn't a lie initially. I hadn't planned any more major updates to Yuurand until the tentatively final major update after the launch of Reikon. But inspiration struck out of nowhere, so here we are. Introducing Yuurand: The Fragmented Labyrinth.
You'll notice there's no screenshots this time. This update adds only a single new area, one which we don't want to spoil here. So what does it add? An entrance randomizer.
Selecting the Fragmented Labyrinth from the main menu will construct a new labyrinth by picking areas from any of the 4 currently existing labyrinths. Any exit from an area can connect to any other exit from almost any area in the game. No two runs will have the same progression, and even those who know the game like the back of their hands will find themselves scratching their heads as they try to navigate this Frankenstein of a map.
Additionally, this update also brings a few more balance changes, especially to the start of the Living Labyrinth, and fixes a few bugs and oversights that have slipped through. It also gave Magic Stream a much needed buff; there is no longer a cooldown period during which it can't be fired, and stopping them immediately firing it again will allow you to reposition the stream without losing its current charge.
There are a few things to note. First, this update adds a new song. If you don't want to redownload the entire music pack, you can grab it here. Second, please be aware that the randomization process for constructing the Fragmented Labyrinth can take some time; don't be alarmed if the loading screen takes 30-60 seconds. Lastly, while we've done our best to extensively test this feature, the sheer number of possible permutations makes it impossible for us to test it as thoroughly as we might like. If you run into any issues, such as garbage/debug items spawning or areas not connecting properly, please let us know.
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Next, we wanted to announce a special contest. Aevin and I are planning on hosting a Yuurand race with a special reward: The winner gets their original character added to Yuurand! Tentative rules are as follows.
- We will pick a time that works for the majority of contestants, and the race will be streamed.
- If a contestant can't make it, there will be an option to submit a video of a run instead within a certain time frame.
- Any character but Ava and the Evasion Challenge reward character is allowed.
- The run itself will be on a Fragmented Labyrinth seed Aevin and I choose ahead of time.
- Win conditions are six main bosses + Venter Mortis/Heart of the Storm/Elysium boss defeated. Roaming boss, challenge area bosses, and the true final boss are not required.
- Challenge areas are optional. Feel free to go for them for the chance at a really good reward, but be careful with the time.
- It must be an original character. No copyrighted characters.
- We are happy to provide a set of sprites based on a reference, but if you have existing sprites, we're happy to use those too.
- The character should follow the basic pattern of existing characters, with a signature spell, optional passive ability, and upgrades at 30, 50, and 80 coins.
- We are willing to work with the winner to accommodate requests for complex abilities, but we reserve the right to decline abilities that would require extensive rewriting of existing systems to accommodate.
- We will work to balance the character to be somewhat in line with the existing roster.