Flame-Wielding Platformer Nocturnal: Major Patch Adds Exciting Content for PC and Consoles

Indie developer Sunnyside Games, in collaboration with Dear Villagers, is proud to announce the release of the first major patch for their flame-wielding platformer, Nocturnal. The update is available now for PC, with console versions scheduled for a later date. To celebrate this milestone, Nocturnal is offering a limited-time discount of 15% on the Epic Games Store until August 3rd and 30% off on Steam from July 31st to August 7th.

New Features and Enhancements

The latest patch introduces a range of improvements, enriching the Nocturnal gaming experience. Among the notable additions are:

1. New Level Select Menu: Players can now replay specific sections of the game with ease, enhancing gameplay flexibility.
2. Introducing “The Shielded”: Prepare to face a new formidable enemy in Nocturnal, known as “The Shielded,” adding more variety to combat encounters.
3. Expanded Lore: Unravel the mysteries of Nocturnal’s world with the inclusion of five new lore items in the form of letters waiting to be discovered.
4. Engaging Narrative Segments: The patch introduces new level segments accompanied by narrative bits, enriching the storyline and immersing players further into the game’s lore.
5. Tips During Loading Screens: Players will now receive helpful tips and insights during loading screens, aiding them on their journey through Nocturnal’s challenging world.
6. More Phoenix Statues: Five new phoenix statues have been scattered throughout the game, offering additional opportunities for exploration and discovery.
7. Improved Combat Feedback: Both the main character and bosses now provide improved combat feedback, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
8. Fresh Dialogs: Enjoy new and engaging conversations in the game, adding depth to the character interactions.
9. Enhanced Reading Animation: Letters and scrolls now feature a new reading animation, elevating the storytelling elements of Nocturnal.
10. Revamped Sound Effects: The main character’s sound effects have been refined, immersing players further into the world of Nocturnal.
11. UI Improvements: The user interface has received several tweaks, ensuring a more intuitive and seamless gaming experience.
12. New Dagger Reflect Tutorial: Players can now master the art of dagger reflection with the introduction of a new tutorial.
13. Difficulty Tweaks: Boss fights have been reworked to provide a more balanced and rewarding challenge.
14. Level Design Tweaks: Certain doors that previously prevented backtracking have been removed, granting players more freedom to explore.
15. Performance Mode: Nocturnal now offers a performance mode, allowing players with lower-spec systems to enjoy the game without compromising on the experience.
16. Various Polishing: Numerous smaller adjustments and tweaks have been implemented to enhance the overall polish of the game.

Developer’s Vision

Sunnyside Games co-founder Gabriel Sonderegger expressed his satisfaction with the original Nocturnal while acknowledging the value of player feedback. The development team carefully listened to their audience and worked diligently to deliver an improved and polished version of the game. The first major patch reflects their commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for players.

Embark on an Enchanting Journey

Nocturnal follows the story of Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, who returns to his home island of Nahran, only to find it engulfed in a shadowy mist. Players must rely on the power of fire to combat the sinister forces that have overtaken the land. Fire serves various purposes in the game, from warding off the dangerous Mist to igniting scenery and operating machinery. Additionally, fire proves indispensable when confronting beings of dark magic, impervious to conventional weaponry. However, players must exercise caution, as one cannot breathe in the Mist, necessitating innovative strategies to keep it at bay.

Harness the Power of the Flame

Throughout the journey, players can grow stronger by offering collected ashes to the flame. This process grants them powers that expand their lifeforce, extend breath-holding capabilities, and even the chance to gain new abilities by sacrificing ashes along the way.

Optional Trials and Challenges

Nocturnal presents a world filled with beautiful ruins and thrilling optional trials for those seeking an extra challenge. Players can enable various speedrunning features, such as faster transitions, skippable cutscenes, and a pausable timer, catering to competitive gamers. For the most daring adventurers, Permadeath Mode awaits, where players embark on the entire journey with just one life.

With the release of its first major patch, Nocturnal continues to captivate players with its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and now, a host of exciting new features. Sunnyside Games and Dear Villagers remain committed to refining and enhancing the gaming experience based on player feedback. So, dive into the captivating world of Nocturnal and prepare to unleash the power of the flame in this mesmerizing platformer.