Hello, all!

Hope you're enjoying the summer! The British summer over here is typically wet, as usual so I've had some more time to dedicate to game dev.

Lots of new additions coming in the next patch, let's have a look at them:

New Feature: Starting Boost

If you follow me on Twitter, you might have caught the sneak peek video I posted recently, highlighting the new starting boost system. Check out the screenshot above—notice the speedometer? As you rev up your cat during the countdown, the speedometer changes color based on whether you're in the optimal RPM range for a boost. If the dial is RED/YELLOW, then no boost for you. But if the dial turns GREEN when the race begins, you've revved up the correct amount and you'll receive a starting boost!

The boost RPM range is randomized by a small amount, so you'll need to be patient (and lucky) and rev at the correct time to achieve it.

New Cat: Sphynx

A new cat makes their debut in Zoomies - the sleek Sphynx cat!

These hairless goblins lack the required drag for easy-to-control drifts, but make up for the poor handling with decent speed and acceleration. While not suited for technical corners, these cats excel on long straightaways.

Below is a look at their in-game stats:

The stat changes might not be as extreme as some of the other cats, but the Sphynx promises to be a eager competitor! :)

New Track: Haunted House

This track takes place in the outside grounds of an old, spooky mansion. Fly around the tight, cluttered spaces within the grounds of the estate, then break out into the scary forest while avoiding the dangers that hide within it.

After a lot of testing, it was clear that cats with high 'Turn' stat excel on this track due to its short distance and tight, technical first sector. Cats with slow acceleration performed quite poorly, so hopefully this levels the playing field as the high speed/acceleration cats had the advantage on most tracks so far.

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Just a quick note before we end the diary: I'm starting to focus on tying up development at this stage. Currently there are 5 tracks alongside 5 playable cats, so I will start to focus on refining the content instead of adding more. I still have some more ideas for tracks and cats, but Zoomies has been in development for a good chunk of time and the creative heart within me yearns for a new project. Once I've polished the game enough to warrant a full game release, then I will unlock the multiplayer mode :) 

Cheers, all! Stay tuned for more!