Updates/May 2024

May 6 2024

Stark:
Episode 2 is officially in active development! We now have a Steam page running as well: https://s.team/a/2974510

Episode 2 is technically going to be a new game. With the move to MZ, we now have more control in terms of our vision. A lot of features from Episode 1 are revamped, and there will be some new ones that are going to be introduced.

Major Changes

Input Combo System REV 2
You will no longer be required to memorize attacks using arrow keys. Everybody will do a "Low", Mid", and "High" combo string by tapping the A button on your controller (or accept on keyboard). For Flow techniques, you will have to press B (cancel on keyboard) You can also choose and equip learned Lv.1, Lv.2, and Overdrive techniques to your liking.

• Invoking a Lv.1 technique will require you to press A, then B
• Lv.2 will be A, A, B
• And an overdrive will be A, A, A, B

You're also no longer required to memorize the character's SG percentage as everybody will have the same SG requirement. The SG bar will also show you when you're ready to use your Lv.1 Lv.2 and Overdrive techniques.

Just Attacks and Just Guard
If you played Star Warrior 2, Just attacks will make a return. However, there will be an additional mechanic called "Just Guard". Just Guards are showcased on the video. These require precise timing to invoke, making them a great tool for skilled players.

Because of these mechanics, stats will play a more vital role.

In order to have a more relaxed Just Guard timing, you are encouraged to increase your DFP. This means Tank characters will benefit from this stat the most. DFP will also increase some of the character's HP.

As for Just Attacks, increasing your DEX will influence its timing. Just Attacks will always turn your attacks into criticals. DEX will also increase some of your critical damage. Because of this change, Hitoshi's "Powered Stance" will no longer have 100% crit. Instead, it will increase DEX by a certain amount and increase critical damage further.

AGI will now influence how much SG you gain every turn in addition to your turn position.

Spirit Discipline
There is also a new damage type/discipline called "Spirit". "Spirit" attacks will grant the attacker an additional turn once it connects. Some characters and enemies may have this discipline, so make sure to keep an eye on it.

Level Caps
Just like Episode 1, Episode 2 will feature Level Caps. However, you will not start at lv.20. You will be back to 1, BUT! The hard cap for this episode will be 40. So, as you progress through the story, your soft level caps will be lifted. The first cap is 5, then they will increase by 5 as you clear certain plot points. Leveling will also be not as quick as the first episode, which brings me to the next change:

Unit Manufacturers / Unit Upgrade System
To give you the incentive to grind, all enemies will now drop materials to upgrade your Brand Unit (formerly Offensive Unit). Enemies will drop materials that correspond to a certain manufacturer. For example, to upgrade a "J's Modules" unit, you will have to use materials that mention "J's modules" on their description.

These are the types of materials you need to look out for:

• Creature type (Claws)
• Machine type (Parts)
• Magic type (Shards)
• Zolian Thread

Creature materials drop from... basically creatures. Anything from your average wolves to Drakes. Machine materials will drop from frames and smaller frames. Magic materials will drop from humanoids/yokai/ghostly entities. Zolian Threads are special materials and may only be obtained under special conditions (such as hidden caches, special enemies/bosses, etc...)

You will also need an "Upgrader". These will drop from all types of enemies at a fixed chance.

Unit Potentials
In addition to upgrades, you now have the option to fully master your Brand Unit. Defeating an enemy will increase a Brand Potential's EXP by a certain amount. Reach the maximum EXP and you will unlock that Brand's passive ability. These passive abilities only take effect while the brand is equipped.

Rare Enemies
Rare variants of some enemies may pop in a combat zone. These will be represented with a special BLUE WISP. And will have their own separate rare enemy pool once fought. You also cannot escape these fights, so make sure you are prepared when fighting them. Rare enemies will net you high EXP and Brand potential EXP, as well as rare-enemy specific drops.

Atlas Units
You can equip up to 4 Atlas Units. HOWEVER! Your Armor Unit will influence how many slots you may have. Unlike Episode 1, Atlas Units in this episode will have basic stat increases... unless they're an **Atlas-EX!**

Atlas-EX:
These are more or less transcended versions of Atlas Units. They may only be slotted in an Atlas-EX slot, which some Armors may have. Atlas-EX units have a similar power to Episode 1's more powerful Atlas Units (units like Adrenaline, which changes your starting SG).

Other Notes

Unit Ranks
You will be able to obtain units all the way up to S-rank in this episode.

Snapboard
Snapboard will make a comeback. Be prepared for some hilarious emails from other students back in Souen.

Casino Minigames
The slot machine will be minified. Blackjack will still be around.