New Tools, Sharper Enemies, and a Bigger World

Hey everyone, we're back again! This week’s focus was on expanding player interaction, enhancing AI behaviour, and bringing more visual depth to the environment. From a throwable pebble that lets you outsmart enemies to smarter patrols and a refreshed environment, the game’s systems are starting to feel much more dynamic.

🎯 New Item: Throwable Pebble

You can now throw pebbles to distract the AI!

• How it works:
  • Left Click / Hold: Aim
  • Left Click (again) / Release: Throw
  • Right Click: Cancel
• Features: dotted aiming line, pebble sound effects with random variations, and a small dust cloud when it lands.

This should make sneaky playstyles more fun (and a little chaotic 👀).

🧠 AI Improvements

The AI just got another major intelligence boost!

• Improved diffusion model and heatmap navigation.
• Enemies now stay alert longer after losing sight of the player.
• Reacts to sound triggers from sprinting and thrown pebbles.
• Fixed multiple issues with patrol paths, detection, and room logic.

Enemies now feel more aware, unpredictable, and slightly unnerving.

💼 Inventory & Item System Updates

• Added HUD display for currently equipped item and item counts.
• Fixed stack usage bugs: using one item from a stack now correctly updates the rest.
• Inventory Tooltips: Hover to view item details and descriptions!
• Prevented dropping of key items like the flashlight.

🧰 Interactable Chest Updates

• Chests are now refillable/resettable, with randomised loot (weighted for balance).
• Added a small chance of a scare upon opening.

🚪 World & Environment

• Art assets are being integrated into the game!
• New door prefabs with smooth animations and functional one-way/locked logic.
• Expanded map: doubled room space.
• Added wall and floor sprites for richer detail.
• Improved sprite layering using Y-axis sorting, so characters can walk behind objects naturally.

💡 What’s Next

• Add puzzles and environmental storytelling assets
• Polish details and improve atmosphere
• Refine AI sound detection and chase behaviour
• Integrate more art assets and visual effects

That’s all for this week! With smarter AI, better visuals, and more immersive sneaking tools, things are really coming together~ Stay tuned for more updates next week!