STARSWORD (prototype)

Brandish a S.W.R.D., a magically charged prototype starplane and one of the last hopes of New Nihilum.

[A (very) short demo showcasing some rough and early indev gameplay. Nothing is permanent and a lot of this project has stemmed from me learning godot as I've worked on it, so some systems might seem archaic or unintuitive.]

//WARNING// //WARNING// //WARNING// //WARNING//

THIS GAME CONTAINS A FAST MOVING CAMERA AND FLASHING LIGHTS, IF YOU ARE PRONE TO MOTION SICKNESS AND/OR EPILEPSY, BE WARNED.

//WARNING// //WARNING// //WARNING// //WARNING//

CURRENT FEATURES:

• fast paced combat with an emphasis on out-maneuvering enemies and projectiles

•  difficult controls with a learning curve

• 3 savage enemies that will barrage, pursue, and beam their ways into your heart (awwww!)
• currently no bosses! (yay!)
• 2 primary weapon (Press Q to swap between them! Yippee!)
• 2 powerful secondary weapons (Press E to swap between them! Wahoo!)
• optional weapon upgrades to unlock!
• 3 stages (*infinite fun!)
• art and soundtrack made entirely by famous internet micro-celebrity SGM (wow!)
• 4 different ending screens that play after stage 3! (depends on the damage you take during the stage)
• A WHOLE bunch of jank and bugs!

CONTROLS:

INPUT:	FUNCTIONALITY:	NOTES:
W	FORWARD THRUST	Accelerates you towards the cursor.
S	BACKWARD THRUST	Accelerates you away from the cursor.
A	STRAFE LEFT	Move left in relation to ship's rotation.
D	STRAFE RIGHT	Move right in relation to ship's rotation.
SPACE	INTERTIA DAMPENER	Handbrake lol.
SHIFT	DASH	Created in memory of a good pilot.
SHIFT(HOLD)	SUPER CRUISE	Greatly increased speed and quicker turns.
SHIFT(HOLD) + STRAFE	DRIFT	Quick lateral movement that allows firing to the side while moving.
H	HEAL	45 second cooldown.
LMB	FIRE PRIMARY	Also moves dialogue forward.
RMB	FIRE SECONDARY
Q	SWAP PRIMARY
E	SWAP SECONDARY
R	EJECT THERMAL CELLS	Resets heat, but only once you're at maximum.
ESC	RETURN TO MAIN MENU	Might break the game if used between certain transitions haha

Tips:

• You are at your most vulnerable at the start of a wave. If overwhelmed, focus on maneuvering instead of fighting until AFTER enemy units have finished teleporting in.
• The Flux Raptors' shots pierce enemies and destroy projectiles. Though it's number of pierces are limited.
• The Twin Assailers do not pierce enemies, but DO ignore projectiles, allowing you to snipe probes hiding behind their barrage of shots.
• You generate AZRE (blue meter) when near enemies or enemy projectiles, AZRE generates very quickly under most circumstances so don't hesitate on using your secondary weapon often.
• Heal often
• The Ikaruga Module is incredibly powerful, however using it generates massive amounts of heat. It is best to fire it when not boosting or firing other weapons. 
• Super Missiles DO NOT generate heat, so in certain niche situations, it can be advantageous to use them over the ikaruga module.
  

• while getting used to controling a SWRD, disregard using left and right to move until AFTER your brain gets acclimated to moving forwards and backwards. Instead, utilize dashing towards your mouse instead to quickly maneuver around. Once you've gotten the hang of general movement, then start working towards using left and right for precise adjustments.

Leave your thoughts and criticisms below :]