Hack the Pipeline!
Some components on the pipeline platforms can now be hacked, enabling or disabling gravity in interesting ways. You can use this to access items that would otherwise be hard (impossible?) to get. Currently, hacking is implemented as a Natas Spin where the balance mechanic is a timed, D-Pad challenge. The sequence of directions is random on each playthrough. You can also "unhack" to reverse the effect, and the sequence is reversed and inverted in that case.
Game design discussion
The hack mechanic is a new challenge that intensifies the time pressure element of the game. The challenge itself is timed, and if you make a mistake you waste game time, too. In addition, being able to altering gravity on the level makes them more dynamic, giving the player food for their curiosity -- what else can I hack on this level? It also allows for more tricky puzzles, although I don't plan on Cybordz primarily being a puzzle game -- hot take: THPS is a puzzle platformer with a complex jump mechanic.
Dash replacing Boost
I'm experimenting with replacing the Boost ability with Dash. Unlike Boost, you are rapidly decelerated once its over. This makes dashing while on platforms more predictable and less hazardous, since you're less likely to accidentally launch yourself into the void.
Look out for v0.2 of Cybordz later this summer!
Join the playtest if you haven't already.
– Robert
