Pathfinder the EZ mode

Today I'm talking about the near future, more specifically the coming days. I'm also going to give an overview of my thoughts as we approach Pathfinder's second week in the hands of the public! 

First things first, Pathfinder is getting easier. I've gotten a lot of great feedback in the last week, from both the itch community as well as the folks over at Newgrounds and a common thread has been the game is TOO HARD. Here are my thoughts:

• Pathfinder's core identity lies in its difficulty, and that difficulty isn't going anywhere. Rather, in the coming days the game will receive an easy mode for players that find Pathfinder's core mechanics and design frustrating or too challenging. 
• This update will do three main things
  • Classic mode:  this is the authentic Pathfinder experience. With limited jumps and no checkpoints, you will learn from each death and build the skills you need to clear each level without dying. 
  • Easy mode: A more casual experience. With unlimited jumps and a checkpoint in the middle of each level, you will find a much more relaxed experience here. You still die in one hit, that isn't negotiable. However, now you can jump without a care in the world and death becomes less scary after you hit the checkpoint in each level.

    
    

    • I want everyone interested in trying Pathfinder to get a chance at enjoying it, if the classic mode is too difficult I want to make sure you can still have fun. 
    • Easy mode will launch with just the two main changes of adding a level checkpoint and removing the jump limit. However, since an easy mode wasn't originally planned and doesn't reflect the core experience, there will be a lot of room for your feedback to shape just how easy it can get without too much worry or pushback from me.
    • Easy mode will offer a unique opportunity to allow for two different experiences in Pathfinder, allowing the game to cater to both those committed to learning the levels and mechanics, as well as the more casual player without giving the game an identity crisis. 

• Checkpoints
  • Checkpoints will launch in easy mode only. unless there is a general disagreement there, I'd like to keep it that way. 
  • They will offer the player a respawn point later in the level, making death less serious. 
  • **below is in-progress footage with a placeholder sprite**

The name of the game seems to be balance, finding that balance is going to be a lot easier with two game modes. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all think, and where we go from here! With that said, I'm going to get back to work. We'll talk again soon, and when we do you'll be able to get your hands on the new update! 

** EDIT **

Currently, there is a load order issue in level 2-1 that I was just made aware of. I have fixed the issue and that will go live  with the Ez mode update. The brick tiles underground may disappear in the mean time, sorry about that...