Kelsi Davies: Haunt Escape 1.2.7
/An update is here for Haunt Escape! Version 1.2.7 brings a UI joystick, gamepad support, and hidden collectables.
New Input System: Enhanced Control Options
Normally to walk, you tap on a location (or double tap to run), and the player is a NavMeshAgent that navigates to a destination on a NavMesh. I had multiple requests from players for a UI joystick to walk instead. I’ve never liked floating UI controls on mobile, so that’s why I had not designed the game for this. I ended up migrating to Unity’s new input system, which has an On-Screen Stick script, and good support for various gamepads. After some experimenting, I was able get the NavMeshAgent to move in the direction of joystick input. I made the player walk, run, or come to a stop based on how much a joystick is pressed.
UI Joystick: Player-Requested Feature
Now during gameplay, tap on the settings button, on the top left, to open a popup menu, go left one screen, and there is a dropdown to change the controls. The UI Joystick disables tap to walk, and adds a floating UI joystick to walk around with, while swiping to look, and tap on doors/objects remains the same.
Check out a clip of the UI Joystick
Gamepad Control: Preparing for the Future
There is also the option to use a Gamepad. I think this is good preparation for a potential PC port of the game someday. I tested with a PS4 DualShock controller. You can walk and look with the joysticks, and press the south face button to “click” on what you’re looking at, instead of tapping the screen. Your controller must be connected over Bluetooth before launching the app.
Check out a clip of using a gamepad
Hidden Cards: Discover Art by Kelsi Davies
I’ve also placed hidden cards to find throughout the game. This is kind of like the Tarot cards in Cyberpunk 2077, and adds a little replay value. Fans of Kelsi Davies will appreciate that she made all the artwork on the cards.
Check out a clip of finding a card