Key Gameplay Changes

• REFLECT got a full redesign into an escalating cost + escalating power system that resets each sector, adding real decision tension between early cheap value and late high impact boss counters.

• VAMPIRE was rebuilt into a “True Vampire” identity style toggle with big combat upsides (damage, movement, stronger kill healing, corruption immunity) balanced by harsh tradeoffs (health pickups hurt, hunger damage without kills, doubled shop HP costs).

• LEECH was fully replaced by PREDATOR, a risk/reward sustain finisher kit featuring HP per attack cost, large kill healing, and an execute action for vulnerable enemies.

New Player Experience & UI

• Added a new Instructions/Tutorial screen after the title screen, fully localized and disableable.

• Introduced a contextual HINTS system with starter hints, sector tips, and advanced tips to guide players naturally as they learn.

• Updated controls wording and localization to consistently label SPACE as Basic Attack and improved clarity across languages.

Shop & Input Improvements

• Reworked shop controls:

  • Up/Down selects items

  • Left/Right cycles payment type (Flux/HP/Charge)

  • Updated hint text in all four languages.

Feedback & Fixes

• Turrets now communicate attacks clearly with beams, particles, and damage numbers.

• High scores now auto save on run end events (death, boss kills, run completion), not only on shutdown.