Devlog #5 | Magic and AI Updates

Game name Updates: The game name formerly known as Blasphemous is now officially titled Shadows and Sorcery. The new name encapsulates the magical, mysterious, and light-driven themes of the game.

Magic System

The magic system now features three unique abilities that are core to the gameplay:

1. LightsOff

• Effect: Temporarily disables the player’s light for 8 seconds.
• Cooldown: 30 seconds.
• Special interaction: During this time, the Fire entity becomes unable to detect the player, though it can still deal damage if there’s direct contact.
• Strategic use: Helps players stealthily navigate or reposition without being targeted.

2. FireLight

• Effect: The player can place up to 4 magical lights simultaneously. These lights immobilize the White entity for 8 seconds when in contact.
• Usage limit: A new light can be placed when one of the active lights disappears.
• Placement Restriction: Cannot be placed within a 30px radius of a White entity.
• Cooldown: Lights are available as soon as an active one fades.

3. HealLight

• Effect: Places a green light that slowly restores the player’s health while active.
• Cooldown: Initially, 50 seconds cooldown from the start of the game. After the first use, the cooldown increases to 120 seconds to balance its powerful healing effect.

EnemyAI

Fire entity (Name TBD)

This enemy operates through five states and showcases dynamic behaviours based on player interaction:

1. Following:
   • Tracks the player when visible and follows it.
2. Following_Lost:
   • Move toward the player’s last known location, gradually expanding its search radius in an attempt to re-locate them.
3. Idle:
   • Remains stationary, observing the environment or waiting triggers.
4. Patrolling:
   • Moves randomly across the map, keeping the environment alive and dynamic.
5. Attack:
   • Launches small fireballs toward the player when within range. These projectiles are hazard and can pressure players to stay on move.

White Entity (Name TBD)

This mysterious being has a more restricted AI but still poses a significant threat:

1. Following:

   • Pursues the player when visible, teleporting short distances to close the gap. (Can go and see through walls)

2. Following_Lost:

   • Tracks to the last known location of the player and attempts to locate it by expanding its search radius.

3. Idle:

   • Waits in place, creating a lurking presence.

4. Patrolling:

   • Roams randomly, making exploration tense and unpredictable.