This is the largest update the game has received since it's release in 2020.

There are two main changes:
1. Enemy movement has been completely overhauled. Specifically the green, spider-like robotic sentries and the flying ones that appear later in the game. Their movement used to lurch and jump a lot, and was also uncontrollably fast at times. Movement should be smooth now, and not quite as frantic.



2. The Caves and Factory levels are still in the game, but are no longer required to complete it. This is a controversial thing for me. I fully admit that these levels were a kind of afterthought, intended to pad out the game length. I acknowledge they are lacking in the early game's Metroidvania elements and are not as rewarding from an exploration standpoint. On the other hand, I like the more intense gameplay they invoke and enjoy some of the weirder areas that I came up with.



I think for existing players, this won't make much of a difference, as most of you are already aware of the issues. I am hoping that new players will find the game more streamlined on their first playthrough. Sometimes you reach a point in a game and are ready for it to be over. But sometimes you want to find that secret area and enjoy a more challenging run. Now you have both options available.

Time will tell if this was the right solution to the problem.