After many long nights I am very excited to bring you this dev update! Many new features to announce this time around. A promised and much anticipated addition to the game... stealth! And along with that - seeing, hearing, and appropriate enemy behaviors!

The Stealth and Perception System

Dragon Hex features a unique awareness system unlike any other! When you pop around a corner you can get the jump on an enemy if they are not yet aware of you. While enemies are unaware of you they will have an eye icon with a slash through it over them. This denotes they are unaware of danger. Any attack against the creature while it is unaware of you will result in a sneak attack... a direct hit with 100% accuracy. If your weapon allows for it additional damage is tacked on as well.

But it doesn't end there. Creatures actively hear the noises created throughout the dungeon, moving towards them or cautiously staying away. When this occurs the enemy will get either a Startled or Searching status effect that alters their choices. Which effect is added depends on the monster. You can use this to your advantage by choosing to steer clear of noisy terrain like bone piles and gravel. Conversely you can use the noise to manipulate the enemy, throwing closed a portcullis or breaking objects to draw them closer. Be creative!

Not Everyone is a Stealth Specialist

It should be noted that some classes will find it easier to sneak up and get the jump on enemies. This is due to their skills and abilities. A heavily armored Knight has no intention of tip-toeing around a fight, and makes more noise in general. Conversely, the Rogue appropriately excels at stealth. With the rogue you will have access to greater sight range as well as special stealth abilities. The Shadow Dash ability allows a rogue not only to hop across normally noisy tiles silently but also without triggering any pesky trap triggers! This allows them to more easily move in for a strike as long as they aren't spotted first.

A Matter of Perspective... and Perception

While the enemies are doing all these things, you may not even be aware of them. Particularly if you cannot see the creatures! Perception is a skill stat that increases your ability to see creatures from a distance, as well as spot other items and points of interest.. like deadly traps! If you want to get the jump on enemies it is very important to invest in the Perception skill.

You can of course, always fire up your torch to get a better view of your surroundings. Doing so will certainly let you see very well, but you won't be sneaking up on anything with that thing proudly advertising exactly where you are and what you are doing. Torches and other light sources have a similar effect. Your choice - snuff them out or leave them blazing?

Another feature using Perception worth mention is the ability to inspect enemies and objects in the world. By holding the pointer down over an enemy you can see detailed information about the creature. This includes their name, level, health, a run-down of their abilities as well as any status effects they currently have applied. Some information may not be divulged if your Perception skill is not quite high enough and you have not faced many of these creatures before.

The Plot Thickens

During your adventure through the world of Dragon Hex you will find many notes, inscriptions and other information. As well as some creatures that may wish to speak with you. The basic dialogue system has been implemented. Here we see a little note from a mage regarding his intent to out a necromancer. I wonder how that went for him?

But what about me?

You can check yourself out too, of course. Select your character portrait in the upper left of the screen to view your character sheet. This includes stats and status effects as well as your name, level, HP, MP, movement speed and more.